Writer's Monthly Tips!
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Mid-Coast Bays: May 2018
I always look forward to fishing with Mark and Sheri Schmitt because of their wonderful, optimistic attitude.
A couple of nights ago Gary and I were talking about our day on the water with clients. Going over the usual high and low points; weather and water conditions, mishaps, and what the bite was like for the clients we were fishing. As usual, we both agreed that most times we feel as if we are only as good as the weather allows us to be. We also covered how frustrating it can get when clients book us to learn more about fishing our area and then fail to follow the tips and instructions we give them. Luckily, this doesn't happen very often but when it does it is very irritating to say the least, and most times ends up being more fishing and less catching. In this article I'm going to go over some of those tips so that you the readers can hopefully put them to use and help improve your fishing techniques and success.
#1 - Attitude. Remind yourself to be open-minded and optimistic throughout the day. It seems to never fail that of all my clients the most optimistic anglers come ready to learn and usually catch the most fish. Even when fishing is slow, the angler that maintains a good attitude will have done the best at the end of the day. Also, be open-minded. Don't assume you know everything. Pay attention to those around you and be willing to try new things even if you think you've seen it all. I've been fishing most of my life but I still try to keep an open mind to new lures and techniques.
#2 - Don’t be the track star on wading trips. Inevitably, no matter how much I stress for clients to take their time and work an area thoroughly, there will be one guy who thinks he's running a race. He takes off leaving everyone behind and walks through everyone else's projected path as he goes. An hour or so later, after we have caught up to him (or he's ran out of water) those that took their time, worked the area in front of them thoroughly before proceeding forward, always catch more fish. So, slow it down and never wade across another angler’s line.
3# - The indecisive angler. This is the angler who thinks he needs to change lures every ten casts when he's not catching fish. Many times I have anglers frustrated when they aren't catching fish and their buddies are. Instead of changing lures, watch your buddies and imitate what they are doing. Most often it's the way a lure is presented than the lure itself.
#4 - Be quiet. Make as little noise as possible while wading and also when drifting. This is especially true on calm, near-windless days. If you’re wading, do so slowly and quietly, try not to splash around too much. If you can hear yourself wading, then you are probably wading too fast. And keep your voice to a low level. Don't shout or talk loudly to one another. If you’re on the boat, don't slam lids on storage compartments or ice chests. Walk quietly as you move around. Wear soft-soled shoes to help reduce sound of footsteps.
#5 - Pack your patience and lots of it. Most days we are fortunate enough to catch plenty of fish but there will always be slow days, no matter how hard you try or where you are fishing. We all dread those slow days but if you've fished long enough you know it's bound to happen. Instead of fishing through an area as fast as you can when the fish aren't cooperating, try making longer drifts and/or wades. Be thorough, too. Make sure you are fan casting all around you and not just straight ahead (unless you’re on a crowded boat when it's impossible to cast anywhere but straight ahead).
I know some of you anglers may already be aware of most of these tips, but I also know that there are many more that can benefit from them. These five simple but very important suggestions can make all the difference between catching or just fishing.
On May 13 we will celebrate Mother’s Day and I would like to send out a big "Thank You" to my mom, Sandy Zimmer. You are my greatest role model and my best friend. I would not be who I am today without your love and guidance. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you more!
#1 - Attitude. Remind yourself to be open-minded and optimistic throughout the day. It seems to never fail that of all my clients the most optimistic anglers come ready to learn and usually catch the most fish. Even when fishing is slow, the angler that maintains a good attitude will have done the best at the end of the day. Also, be open-minded. Don't assume you know everything. Pay attention to those around you and be willing to try new things even if you think you've seen it all. I've been fishing most of my life but I still try to keep an open mind to new lures and techniques.
#2 - Don’t be the track star on wading trips. Inevitably, no matter how much I stress for clients to take their time and work an area thoroughly, there will be one guy who thinks he's running a race. He takes off leaving everyone behind and walks through everyone else's projected path as he goes. An hour or so later, after we have caught up to him (or he's ran out of water) those that took their time, worked the area in front of them thoroughly before proceeding forward, always catch more fish. So, slow it down and never wade across another angler’s line.
3# - The indecisive angler. This is the angler who thinks he needs to change lures every ten casts when he's not catching fish. Many times I have anglers frustrated when they aren't catching fish and their buddies are. Instead of changing lures, watch your buddies and imitate what they are doing. Most often it's the way a lure is presented than the lure itself.
#4 - Be quiet. Make as little noise as possible while wading and also when drifting. This is especially true on calm, near-windless days. If you’re wading, do so slowly and quietly, try not to splash around too much. If you can hear yourself wading, then you are probably wading too fast. And keep your voice to a low level. Don't shout or talk loudly to one another. If you’re on the boat, don't slam lids on storage compartments or ice chests. Walk quietly as you move around. Wear soft-soled shoes to help reduce sound of footsteps.
#5 - Pack your patience and lots of it. Most days we are fortunate enough to catch plenty of fish but there will always be slow days, no matter how hard you try or where you are fishing. We all dread those slow days but if you've fished long enough you know it's bound to happen. Instead of fishing through an area as fast as you can when the fish aren't cooperating, try making longer drifts and/or wades. Be thorough, too. Make sure you are fan casting all around you and not just straight ahead (unless you’re on a crowded boat when it's impossible to cast anywhere but straight ahead).
I know some of you anglers may already be aware of most of these tips, but I also know that there are many more that can benefit from them. These five simple but very important suggestions can make all the difference between catching or just fishing.
On May 13 we will celebrate Mother’s Day and I would like to send out a big "Thank You" to my mom, Sandy Zimmer. You are my greatest role model and my best friend. I would not be who I am today without your love and guidance. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you more!