|
Stop “Fishing”- Start “Catching”
By
Chris Horton
Every fisherman has heard or
used the saying, “that’s why they call it fishing and not catching.”
But what do you do on those days when you are doing more “fishing” than
“catching”?
If you are fishing for fun, go
get some live bait and fill up the freezer. When all else fails, get
some crickets and catch some bluegill. But what do you do if you are
fishing a tournament? Here are a few suggestions that may help you stop
“fishing” and start “catching.”
First, take a look at what you
are doing and STOP! Too many times I have looked back on a tournament
day and realized that I stayed with a technique too long. If you are
fishing a worm with no results, try something else. My suggestion would
be to fish a spinnerbait or some other lure to draw a reaction strike.
If you feel that you are using
the right technique but still not catching fish, take a look at where
you are fishing and STOP! Just as we as anglers have our favorite
technique, we also have our favorite place to fish. For many of us, it
is the bank. Just take a look during your next tournament and see how
many anglers are pounding the bank. If the bank that you are fishing is
not producing then go to another bank and fish it. If that bank doesn’t
produce then consider backing off and fishing another pattern. Use the
time of “fishing” to eliminate unproductive patterns that will help you
start “catching.”
If after analyzing and trying
different patterns and techniques you still haven’t started “catching”,
then realize that there is the possibility that it is just a slow day.
You can confirm this by listening for the sound of the motors of other
boats as they are leaving their unproductive spots. When this occurs,
stay focused. Fish the place and technique that you have confidence
in. You may not win the tournament but you will finish higher than you
would by running the lake. After all, when was the last time a bass hit
your lure as you sped 60 mph across the lake?
Try these the next time the fish
aren’t cooperating and maybe you will stop “fishing” and start
“catching.”
Contact Info:
|
