Becoming a Multi-Faceted Angler
Expanding Your Talents to Catch More Fish
By Jason Durham
Talk
to a few individuals who approach angling as a religion and after a short
conversation, they’ll classify themselves. “I’m a jig
fisherman” or “I pull cranks”. Both are obviously productive
means for catching fish. But not in every situation.
A well-rounded angler is one whose fingers are in each tacklebox tray some
of the time. They employ various methods for catching fish, and are typically
quick to change techniques if their current application isn’t producing
results, not to mention confident enough to abandon another presentation.
The label “junk fisherman” seems to have a negative connotation
when heard, but truly defines the angler that is adept and well trained
in various methods. We can all become “junk fisherman”, but
a few pledges must be made.
Back Off
First of all, you’ll need to leave your all-time-favorite-super-secret-lure in the tacklebox. Or better yet, at home, where you won’t be tempted to pull it from the reserves. Mentally prepare yourself for the ordeal, and be aware that initially your fish catching consistency may suffer. Just keep telling yourself that you want to equate your abilities along the continuum that establishes a well versed, multi-talented angler.
Put in the Time
The only way you’ll be able to explore, experiment and gauge success is by devoting time to honing your abilities. One difficult aspect of this intense training is utilizing various techniques to succeed in numerous environments. If you’d like to increase your talents using crankbaits to catch suspended fish, you have to find areas where suspended fish reside, which may differ from the shallow water hotspot that your great-great-grandfather generously willed to you. This also means that you’ll need equipment that will allow exploration of technique and the means to be on the water for increased periods of time. A reliable boat, outboard, trolling motor, batteries and terminal equipment will contribute to your success.
Long-term commitment
Don’t expect your abilities to gain credibility overnight. Trial and error takes time. But don’t hesitate to ask others questions that may greatly decrease the amount of time needed to make basic adjustments to your presentation. If you’re interested in pulling planer boards for walleye, or discovering the effectiveness of using a flyrod to catch crappie, ask someone who displays proficiency and passion for the technique. Spending an afternoon on the water with them is even better. And if you don’t have a personal connection to someone to help you out, locate some literature on the subject. Numerous publications, books, and internet articles cover just about any topic that you’d want to explore so your time on the water can be productive. There are also videos, DVD’s and television shows devoted to educating anglers worldwide. Keeping an open mind and combining others suggestions with your abilities will put you on the path to catch fish in diverse situations. Yet even the most prepared and knowledgeable angler will sometimes leave the lake without landing a fish. However, utilizing experiential information and learning from mistakes is just as important as learning from success, the difference between categorizing a fishless outing as poor or prosperous.
Jason Durham owns and operates Go Fish! Guide Service in Park
Rapids, MN. You can contact him at 218-237-2092.
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