This has turned into a very interesting discussion. In the photo pictured above, I did in fact shoot for what I considered to be the single best shot at the whole thing, which I judged to be about 2' - 3' to the right of where you see that stick sticking up just right of center in the photo. You may think some other location represents a better first target but, keep in mind, I did get the fish.
I too prefer to take the best shot on the 1st cast, depending of course on the size, type, and configuration of the cover. I believe bass are more aware of their surroundings than many folks realize (which I'm sure you guys know). I mean, how many times have you had a crazed bass charge your fly, creating a v-wake on the surface, from 10 feet away. Or how about getting hung up on a tule with your fly dangling over the water, only to have it land in the maw of a good bass when you got it to fall free? Of course, that's not to say a bass will always move far for your fly, as it seems like sometimes you have to land it on her head. I guess my point is I prefer to give that bass the best opportunity to eat my fly rather than risk putting her off by casting around her. 1st cast, best shot.
Too bad we don't have a library of cover photos on here so that we can collectively pick them apart as to how we each would approach them. I think that also would prove to be a very interesting discussion.
Kevin, regarding that fish, sorry to mis-characterize the catch -- for some reason I could have sworn it was a 2nd cast but obviously I was incorrect. Thanks for correcting the record.
I'm glad you guys are piping in -- we need more discussions like this!
-- Mike
Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life.
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