Why Canada’s top bass anglers keep winning—and what the rest of us can learn from them

KEITH CORMIER

Keith Cormier, a well-known competitive bass angler in my home province of New Brunswick, is always considered a threat on any body of water thanks to his ability to read conditions and adapt on the fly. “I hate to sound cliché,” he says, “but I think it comes down to TOTW—time on the water—and staying on top of the latest technology.”

According to Cormier, the more time you spend on the water, the more opportunities you have to learn about fish locations, behaviours and seasonal movements. Not only do you increase your knowledge about your target species, he adds, but you also constantly hone your skills and techniques.

Cormier sees TOTW as an umbrella term covering many aspects of becoming a winning angler: casting skills, tackle choices, monitoring of weather and water conditions, boat control, decision-making, situational awareness and the use of—and trust in—electronics.

“As far as technology goes,” Cormier adds, “if you’re not keeping up with the latest products and learning how to use them, you’ll be left behind in the standings.”

Like Gustafson, Gallant, Izumi and Chong, Cormier knows success in competitive fishing isn’t about luck or secret baits. Great anglers succeed because they’re relentless in their discipline and detail. They study, they practice, and they evolve. Whether it’s mastering sonar, logging hours on the water or making the right call under pressure, their edge is earned. The overall secret formula? Stay sharp, stay adaptable and never stop learning.