How long will you fish an area on a body of water before moving on?
Aug 6, 2019 09:23:24 #
I'm notorious for this; if I have fours hours to fish I will probably spend three of those hours working the same creek mouth, point, drop off or cove before moving on to another target. This is especially true if I catch something in the first hour or two.
But I notice that this is not the case with most other anglers I come across, as most will pop into the area I'm working, spend 30 minutes there, then move on.
I rarely get skunked, but I wonder if I didn't focus so hard on one spot if I'd catch more than one or two per outing.
So are these other in-and-out anglers on to something? Are they pulling in more fish? Or are they just less patient than me? Should I move after a set amount of time and explore more areas?
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by seydoggy
But I notice that this is not the case with most other anglers I come across, as most will pop into the area I'm working, spend 30 minutes there, then move on.
I rarely get skunked, but I wonder if I didn't focus so hard on one spot if I'd catch more than one or two per outing.
So are these other in-and-out anglers on to something? Are they pulling in more fish? Or are they just less patient than me? Should I move after a set amount of time and explore more areas?
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by seydoggy
Aug 6, 2019 09:23:31 #
There are quite a few variables here. How long does it take to move? How many other spots have productive features? Are you using bait that draws fish to it? Are the fish moving or stationary etc?
I’m not asking you for answers, but they’re all things to consider. If you’re having a good time there’s no need to rush yourself. If you’re bored but keep thinking the fish might show up go explore.
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by corndogge
I’m not asking you for answers, but they’re all things to consider. If you’re having a good time there’s no need to rush yourself. If you’re bored but keep thinking the fish might show up go explore.
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by corndogge
Aug 6, 2019 09:23:37 #
My mind set is usually, "I can't leave now, what if there are more fish in here?"
Or my other OCD tick, "But I haven't tried this lure here yet!"
I really should just move on, now that I really think about what keeps me there.
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by seydoggy
Or my other OCD tick, "But I haven't tried this lure here yet!"
I really should just move on, now that I really think about what keeps me there.
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by seydoggy
Aug 6, 2019 09:23:44 #
People are often more mesmerized by lures than the fish are. The best advice I can give you on that is to get really good with 3 lures. You’ll gain confidence knowing “If there’s a fish out there it would’ve eaten that” and it’s easier to move on.
But remember it’s ok not to move on too. I just don’t want you to miss out on enjoying fishing bc you’re fighting an inner battle.
Develop confidence with a couple lures. Trust your instincts. Learn from everything.
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by corndogge
But remember it’s ok not to move on too. I just don’t want you to miss out on enjoying fishing bc you’re fighting an inner battle.
Develop confidence with a couple lures. Trust your instincts. Learn from everything.
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by corndogge
Aug 6, 2019 09:23:49 #
As a tournament angler, or even for anyone looking to have a successful day on the water this subject is key to success. After graphing an area I usually only give it 15-20 casts with a few key baits. If I don't get bit it's on to the next stop. Don't get carried away thinking fish are going to be the same place they were last time, or revisiting that spot you caught a 6 pounder at back in 08'. Every day is different and all bodies of water change over time. Use your head, identify patterns, catch fish.
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by thekeystoneangler
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by thekeystoneangler
Aug 6, 2019 13:55:23 #
Good advise, if your fly fishing 15 - 20 casts is plenty.
Aug 6, 2019 14:51:05 #
If you are rarely getting skunked must be doing something right. For me I cast to my left at the 9 o'clock position and various positions to the 3 o'clock position and then back before moving on if nothing is hitting. If I am catching, size and type determines if I move on or not.
plumbob
plumbob
Aug 7, 2019 09:19:35 #
In fishing, patience is the great equalizer. Remember, fish are in their element. You aren't, but you're the world's top predator with the best brain ever known. Take your time and use it.
Aug 7, 2019 12:16:15 #
Hunterbill
Loc: Toomsboro, ga
When my wife gives me that goofy look! She is right 100 percent because she is the cook in our family!!!
Aug 7, 2019 13:54:23 #
When plugging (throwing lures) you travel light and employ a common strategy - walk the beach (or stream). Keep moving in order to cover a wide area. Remember that old saying - repeating the same action and hoping for a different result is the definition of insanity. Why would you continue fishing in the same non producing spot? Even if you are bait fishing you may need to move on periodically.
Aug 7, 2019 19:15:20 #
Good old fishing spots don’t move. But fish do. Thoroughly fish what you know is a good spot, but don’t hesitate to move on if you’re not getting bit.
Aug 7, 2019 22:39:36 #
Try a few basic lures like Texas rig worm,spinnerbait,plastic minnow,mepps type spinner(I love the bucktail teaser)if you get a short striker on spinnerbait,follow up with a worm- old tactic but it works
Aug 7, 2019 23:43:08 #
BILLBYRD1
Loc: Prattville Al
Fish it till you feel you have worked it over well and then move to repeat the pattern of what you caught the fish on elsewhere. If no fish move in another direction to try and develop a pattern.
Aug 8, 2019 08:56:57 #
Ibclyde
Loc: Cloverleaf Lakes Wisconsin
I’m stubborn
If I have had good luck in one spot I will spend too much time with that area especially if I have even marginal success.
But... I think you are sometimes better off scouting for options such as I did yesterday for Walleyes.
Spent 3 hours in the honey hole caught a few
Moved to a new spot, ran out of time AND bait and caught more and better quality fish!
If I would have moved sooner who knows...
If I have had good luck in one spot I will spend too much time with that area especially if I have even marginal success.
But... I think you are sometimes better off scouting for options such as I did yesterday for Walleyes.
Spent 3 hours in the honey hole caught a few
Moved to a new spot, ran out of time AND bait and caught more and better quality fish!
If I would have moved sooner who knows...
Aug 8, 2019 13:09:25 #
Sushiboy
Loc: Seminole, florida
Wow, what an issue. We have all felt that way. To me it's the type of fish you are targeting and the time of day or year or water temp.
2nd week in Sept back in brackish water was a 2 wk straight slaughter for black drum. Talk about fun. Bradenton to area. Any other time 1 or 2 fish in 4 hours.
2nd week in Sept back in brackish water was a 2 wk straight slaughter for black drum. Talk about fun. Bradenton to area. Any other time 1 or 2 fish in 4 hours.
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