Five tips that help to catch more fish...what are yours?

I've been fishing for a few years now, and while I'm no pro, I find these lessons invaluable:

1) While fishing artificials can be more rewarding, live bait is almost always the most productive way to fish.

2) Learn to be meticulous about tying good knots, and periodically inspect the last couple feet of line for abrasion, especially after a good fish. Use high quality line and sharp hooks. Try to do your rigging in idle hours at home so there's no mistakes on the water, and your fishing time is not lost.

3) Learn to have the discipline to wait for the rod to really load up before setting the hook. With circle hooks, just reel into the fish once the rod loads up.

4) The ocean can be like a desert, with productive areas where fish congregate, scattered here and there. Location is everything. Study that.

5) There's truth to the statement that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. If you're around a ten percenter, pay close attention. Watch and learn!

Okay, those are my five tips that I have to pass along. What are yours?

Being a carpenter for 35+ yrs....

"Carpentry is 10% skill and 90% saves"

A lot like fishing.

#1....actually go fishing.

Being a carpenter for 35+ yrs....

"Carpentry is 10% skill and 90% saves"

A lot like fishing.

I'd never heard that adage of Carpentry before. My experience has been somewhat different.

1. Do your homework and ask for advice/help
2. Fish where the fish are
3. Live bait usually works best
3. Sharp hooks
4. Fish minimally with as light tackle as you can

I got a rod and reel given to me by someone who tried fishing once or twice and gave up.  It had what looked like 50lb mono with a shad dart tied on the end. 

If the fish won't bite try to eat something...

I think you pretty much covered it all with those 5 Paul!

My main tip for success would be to take Tote's advice & get out there.
There's no substitute for Time On the Water. It will grow your confidence and eventually you'll learn what works.

My only other addition is specific to kayak fishing, and that would be:

Become a kayaker. Learn the proper paddling skills (even if you plan on peddling a Hobie). There's way more kayaking to "kayak fishing" than most think. Solid confidence in paddling will get you out in areas where the fish are and get you back to shore safely, and may even help others do so.
(sorry for the repeat. OGs have heard this a brazillion times)

#1....actually go fishing.

x 100.  Was thinking exactly that

I'll steal one from Bushy that he gave out in a intro to kayak fishing seminar way back in the day:

Go to where the fish ARE! 

And I'll add to that... 

Don't expect them to come to you 

Good advice here.   

I'll add this tidbit that I learned to focus on way back when:

Give yourself a chance at a lifetime catch by making choices and accentuating variables within your control.  If there's a choice between hitting up a lake with lots of planters and one with less fish but some big natives, go for the big native.  If you're doing saltwater where the jig and fly is known to catch lots of blacks, lings...etc., but there could be a few salmon around, put a rig on that can bag the salmon - you'll catch those other species anyway as you try for that 40 pound chinook.  If you're picking your way through the tidepools feeling the abs, pass up the little ones and reach farther up under the rocks - that 10 incher could be very nearby.

Last, you've gotta believe!  If you are confident that you can achieve a lofty goal, and you make choices that put you in the driver's seat in terms of targeting that lifetime catch, it has a lot better chance of happening.

I guess my way isn't about more fish as much as it's about getting the fish you want.

It's all about the angle of the dangle. And pay close attention to where your line enters the water. Possibly more important in freshwater, but you should always be aware of the geometry of your cast, in relation to the shore/structure/water. Each cast should be efficient. 

Never leave fish to find fish
when you start hooking up, try to figure out why-- tide, structure, conditions, lure/bait, presentation-- what changed?

Never leave fish to find fish
when you start hooking up, try to figure out why-- tide, structure, conditions, lure/bait, presentation-- what changed?

THIS ^ 



-Kiel

#1....actually go fishing.

x 100.  Was thinking exactly that

 

#2. Study how to best target the the species you wish to take
#3. Prepare yourself and your gear beforehand
#4. Execute (this is where lots of #1 comes in handy, as execution is a learned skill).

If you want to see this method (more or less) illustrated, then read Scotts WSB article; Steveislost's Sturgeon, or AR striper post; or pretty much anything by LoletaEric, or Clayman.

1, Pay attention to NCKA members who post good fishing reports. Join them for fishing trips can be extremely rewarding.
2, participate to NCKA events, especially those tournaments. You will come back with loaded knowledge and fish!

my 2 cents