LANDING AND RELEASING THE FISH

At last you have hooked your prize and are in for one of the great experiences of the day.  Your excitement grows as you feel the tug on the other end of the line as you watch for the breech of the fish.  You are enjoying the play of the fish as the struggle continues.  Then comes the time to make the decision :  Do I keep the fish for dinner or return it to the water to grow another couple of inches and catch it again next season?

The decision is made.  Catch and release.

Once the decision is made, you realize that you have to land the fish as soon as you can.  Playing the fish too long will wear it out and could make it difficult to recover fast enough for its release, thus it will end up sizzling in the skillet.

When catching and releasing a fish, remember to set the hook  quickly to prevent the fish from swallowing the  hook. Try not to use your net and keep the fish in the water.  You should have already scouted the area and found the spot on the shore where you want to land the fish.  It has to be a spot that is somewhat level and smooth to keep the fish from battering up against rocks, logs or any other piece of debris that can appear on the shoreline.  It should be a spot where the fish will still be covered with water. Get the fish to this area as soon as possible to remove the hook, handling the fish as little as possible.

If you have to use a net, do NOT net the fish from behind.  This gives the fish the opportunity to swim out, and start the whole landing process over again further wearing down the fish.  You may be able to net the fish from the side, but the most desirable position is from the front, with the head of the fish leading into the net.

If you need to handle the fish before releasing, it is best to slip on a cotton glove. The glove enables you to grip the fish without having to squeeze it, avoiding damage to the vital organs.  This also helps you not taking "slime" off the fish that it uses for protection in the water.  If the fish is of any size, the glove will help you control the fish and make it easier for a successful release. 

Removing a hook from a squirming fish can be difficult.  The gloves will help.  One trick is to hold the fish belly up.  This will calm the fish for an easy hook removal. This works whether you are wearing gloves or not.  When you are landing a fish on a multiple hook lure and your line is strong enough, ( remember it depends on the size of the fish )  just lift the fish out of the water while hooked to move it to your release spot.  Try to secure the fish by the lip once you think it has calmed down and can avoid all the other hooks flailing around so you won't be impaled by the hooks.  (Trust me on this one.  Once again a story for another time).  Wearing gloves in this situation is a good idea.  

In summary, fish have a better chance of survival if played as little as possible, unhooked as soon as possible, and handled very lightly.  Come back next year and catch it again.  Always respect the fish whether catching or releasing.  This starts with a clean landing and hook removal. 

Try it!  You'll like it.
'Til next time   
  

CAUTION: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TOOL BOX

The tool box.  Better known to fishermen as the Tackle Box.  It contains the tools you will need to make sure you have a successful day at the lake or the river.  Your proven lures, hooks and jigs lie in wait for their turn to perform their duty.  Yes, an organized tackle box is a sight to behold.  Take a look at this one from http://www.cabelas.com/ .  A real beauty.

                                                      

Or this one from http://www.dickssporting.com/.   

Nice.  This one contains some of my favorite "tools". 

Take a look into your tackle box.  What does it look like?  You don't have to say.  Mine probably looks just like yours.  Yes, I will admit it.... what a disaster.  It is time we realize that it is time to get organized.  It should be kept this way at all times. Too much time can be wasted fumbling around looking for your favorite lure, assorted weights, hooks, or jigs.  Save your empty pill bottles for weights or hooks.  Label them for quick reference.  Find plastic boxes with dividers at any store such as Walmart or Michaels.  Label them as well.  Larger lure boxes are available at any sporting goods store. This is a safe way as well to keep your favorite lures from chipping or becoming snagged on other items. It also helps for a quick change of lures because of the easy access. If everything is labeled properly your life will certainly improve- at least while you are fishing.                                                         

While we are on the subject of tackle boxes, I want to remind  you to never leave a bunch of tackle on top of your tackle box. As soon as you do, you will be picking them off the ground or slowly watch them sink down into "Davey Jones' Locker".  Always put your toys away.

And finally, one last suggestion: ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR TACKLE BOX IS CLOSED AND LATCHED before picking it up.  I have seen more than one fisherman spill the contents on the dock, in the trunk or in the drink.  ALWAYS CHECK.

This is also available at http://www.cabelas.com/.  Another example of what a tackle box SHOULD look like.

Try it. You'll like it!

'Til next time

A SIMPLE TRICK ( AND A FUNNY TALE )

You are at the lake and enjoying the company of your fellow fisher people and really enjoying the beauty of your surroundings.  There is a cold drink, your favorite sandwich and snacks close at hand.   And, oh yeah, your line is in the water.  Try to remember to move your line around, not letting it soak for long periods of time.  Reel it in and recast.  Use this time to change your bait.  If you feel you are in a good spot just reel the line in a few feet.  This could help you catch a few more fish.  Ponder as to whether or not this could be a good time to move to a new spot.

I have to relate a funny story.  My wife and I were fishing with a couple who are very close friends.  The husband loves to fish and is a very proficient fisherman.  His wife, who is the salt of the earth, could care less if she caught a fish.  She loves to throw out the line and sit back and read a book.  Catching and landing a fish is the farthest thing from her mind. 

So, the day we were fishing, the young lady's line had been in the water at the same position for an extended period of time.  Her husband, becoming more frustrated by the moment, finally requested that she reel in the line just a bit.  She looked at him and very sarcastically replied, "Do you really think that if a fish is hungry it will not swim three extra feet to get something to eat?"  I cracked up, my wife cracked up, and the line was NOT moved a single inch.  I kept my mouth shut knowing better than to try and explain the whole idea about moving the bait.  It was difficult.  She never did catch a fish but really did not care!

But the real take away here is this- move your bait if it has been sitting in one spot for awhile.  You will catch more fish.

Try it, you'll like!

"Til' next time"

        

A GOOD TIP AND AN ANECDOTE TO PROVE IT

 
I would like to emphasize a technique that I always employ before I start the day's fishing-  when you are setting up your equipment and choosing the lures, hooks, weights, etc. that you will be using for the day, make sure to spend a little extra attention to your rod.  If you have a two piece rod and are getting ready to assemble, hold the tip of the pole so the eyes are at a 90 degree angle to the ground.  Then insert it into the bottom half.  Insert at this angle while GENTLY and slowly turning until the eyes of the pole are lined up.  Push down with a little pressure to make sure the two pieces are snug.  If you just push the top piece in and twist back forcing it to fit, you will eventually expand the connector and the top half of the pole will slip around.  This may cause it to come apart while casting and you could possibly lose the rod with a fish on the line.  Not a pleasant experience, as demonstrated below.

We love to entertain visitors.  One year, our dear dear friends Ron and Diane were out from Cincinnati for a few days to enjoy the beautiful area around Steamboat Springs. There were scenic drives, good food, shopping for trinkets and tee's, and of course the roaring river where Ron and I would take in a bit of trout fishing.

It was an overcast day (a rarity in the state that gets over 300 days of sunshine) and by the time Ron and I reached the river, it was drizzling.  Of course, this would never deter a couple of die hard sports such as ourselves.                                                                             

Now, a little history of my fishing experiences together with Ron.   We dated two very close friends who were in high school together.  (We both ended up marrying these cute little sweethearts.)  But I digress.  After a double date, we would head down to the Ohio river for some hard core catfish fishing, usually around midnight.   We would down a couple of beers and wait for the big cats to come around.  There were some great stories that came out of these fishing outings that have to be told in person in order to appreciate them.  All fact, no bull.  In looking back, the stories were the only thing to come out of these trips.  Can't remember any fish that are worth bragging about.  But we laughed a lot and had fun!  What fishing is all about.  

The only other fish outing I can remember making with Ron was to an Indiana State Park.  Once again, it was raining and the fishing was not good.  Ohh, we were catching a few fish but they were tiny...and I mean tiny.  We then got the bright idea of putting the fish next to small rocks to make the fish look bigger in the pictures.  What turned out were pictures of small fish next to small stones.  I wouldn 't swear to it but I think it was Ron's idea.

Because of life's journeys, Ron and I really did not get to fish together as much as we both would have enjoyed.  So you can imagine how thrilled we were to be able to be going fishing in a Colorado river.
  
When we approached the river, the current was strong, bouncing off rocks and downed timber just as nature intended.  I left Ron at a good spot and I moved downstream a little ways. We both began to fish and within a couples of minutes, I heard Ron calling my name.  I knew what it was!!   Ron had caught a fish.  I ran back to see if I could help land the fish, but then I saw it-  Ron standing there with just a half of a rod, the top piece bouncing it's way downstream like a fallen stick that just fell from an overhead branch. I watched as the rod tip floated off to be lodged in a beaver dam somewhere down stream.  And there was Ron exclaiming, "Hey, what's wrong with this pole you gave me!"  The only thing I could do was laugh and, of course, Ron cracked up as well.  Our long awaited fish outing was over before it began.  But once again we achieved what fishing is really about: having fun and laughing out loud.  Hence, the lesson learned- a quick twist of the tip of the pole will certainly save your equipment and prolong your fishing outing.

But alas, I have since had the privilege of fishing with Ron and, well, history does have a way of repeating itself.... 
             

BACK AT THE LAKE

It's good to be back.  Like most great authors and writers I needed a sabbatical.  Not really- I was on a long, fun-filled vacation.  But let's get fishing again, this time in the lake.

If you get bored fishing the lake from the shore and you can see fish "rising" in the middle or in an area you can't walk to, bust out your belly boat!  This is really a fun way to fish in a lake.  Of course, you will have to plan well ahead for this action to be taken.  You will need to bring your belly boat along with several other items that are necessary. Flippers for the feet if you want to get anywhere in the water.  Chest waders to keep you dry and warm.  And, most importantly, your life vest to keep you from going under.  All kidding aside, this is essential.  Too many things can happen while on the water.  They make several life jackets for this experience, so choose one that fits your specific needs.  I was lucky enough to get one as a gift from my daughter.  What a sweetie, looking out for the old man.

Keep in mind, you still have to bring your fishing equipment as well.  Belly boats are different so you will have to decide yourself  how to arrange everything you need in, on, and around the boat. There will be plenty of room on the boat for equipment and plenty of compartments for water, snacks, a rain jacket, a camera , and other items you may feel you just can't do without.  I do have one recommendation:  be sure to bring an extra reel, lures, leaders, and a second rod if possible.  When something happens to a piece of your equipment, it can be a long kick back to shore.  You will certainly waste a lot of valuable fishing time. Make sure you store them out of the way so they will not interfere with your casting or retrieving areas.  

When you hook a fish while in the belly boat, make sure you paddle away from any obstacles in the water such as a fallen tree or boulders.  The fish can get caught up on something and you do not have the mobility that you would on shore.  This is for the benefit of you, your equipment, and the fish if you plan to release it.

Another good time for a belly boat is if the lake has a retaining wall that you can't access.  You can use a stealthy approach to get to the wall.  The retaining walls heat up faster than anything in the lake and this will attract smaller fish.  They come looking for debris and morsels.  And we all know who comes looking for small feeder fish.  So slither close with your boat, and maybe you will land one of the big lunkers. 

If you do use a belly boat, keep your eyes on the sky.  AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A STORM,  paddle as fast as your little flippers will go.  Don't hesitate.  Safety is still first priority.

And lastly, when you come back on shore and are stepping out of your belly boat, make sure it is completely on shore when you step out- especially if it is a particularly windy day and you are captivated by the two moose standing in front of you!  A story for another time....

Try it! You'll like it.

'Till next time

A STEP BACK IN TIME

Hello my friends.  I thought that I would take a few steps back to our very first meeting.  If you remember the first picture you saw of me was with a beautiful Brown trout. What a fish!  What a memory!  What a catch!   OK.  Let's move on.

I had a lot of people ask me about the fate of the fish.  Well my friends, if you knew the secret spot that I caught the fish you too could experience the thrill of landing the beauty.  After the quick photo session, it was released to go back and put on a few pounds and a couple of inches.  It swam away in great condition ready to give the next angler ( or me again ) the opportunity for another great photo session. 

Just to update you once again, the fish was caught on a Rapala No.7 Gold original.  Go to http://www.rapala.com/ to view this lure. 

I then decided that I would love to have this fish hanging on my wall.  The fish was 23 3/4 inches and weighed 6 lbs.  So my search began for a company that would mount it the way I wanted.  I would have to have the replica made from the few good pictures that I had taken at riverside.  After a tedious search on line, I decided to send the pictures to Bass Pro's Wildlife Creations. I talked to them on the phone and gave details of the fish.  After getting their input, I made my decision and below is the result.

The fish looks awesome and is a great addition to the wall.  They even did a great job with the mouth and teeth.  The material used feels like the actual fish.  I was very pleased with the outcome. And all this from a few pictures.  Give them a try if you are looking to have a replica made from your prize catch.  www.basspro/wildlifecreations .

Well, there it is to all who were curious.  I hope you enjoy the picture and story as much as I am enjoying the mount.

Thanks to my wife Carol for her fine photographic work.

Try it!  You' ll like it.

'Til next time

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

When fishing the lake, the key is to find the right spot .  Just like  prime real estate the answer is "Location, Location, Location".  This usually comes after a long period of trial and error.  If you are lucky, someone may tell you where to fish.  If the individual is of trustworthy character, take heed and stake it out on your next visit to the lake in question.  But be careful, treachery may lie in the informant's tales of success!  One may mislead to keep the secrets of the lake.  It is best to find a spot yourself and then you may decide whether to share the wealth or tell a tale or two. 

Always get to the lake early to secure your boundaries .  If you are one of those fishermen who likes to sit back and watch the rest of the world go by, you could have not picked a better spot.  Watching the other fishermen arrive is a sight like none other.  They will arrive with more fishing gear and gimmicks than you can imagine and try to figure out how to put them all to good use. But most of all, the lake is a wonderful place to bring the family.  The children can fish and hike around the lake  if the fish are not biting.  Have a dog?  Bring the pooch along. They will love to frolic with you or the family or sit curled up under a chair while warming in the sun.  Dive into the picnic basket while your line is waiting for that nibble. Sigh!  Life does not get any better.

If you are not going to fish on a weekend (most fishing trips to the lake are on the weekend) try not to fish on a Monday.  The lake will get a lot of activity on Saturday and Sunday.  This will make the fish  shy and a little skittish towards your bait, especially if  the fish have been caught and released.  You will have to try out many bait scenarios before one could be successful.  But that is why they call it fishing. 

And remember to fish the areas that jut out into the lake.  These areas will offer access from the deep water where small bait fish will gather.  This will draw in the bigger fish improving your odds for a fine catch.  

Speaking of fine catches, below are some pics from the area that I fish.

                                   My friend Randy holding two nice browns

                       My friend Jack with a couple nice rainbows

Try it! You'll like it

'Til next time

SUMMER VISITORS and THE LAKE

                                                 They came to have fun.....and they did

                                                          Friends ( considered family ) from PA.

                                                        

As I have stated before I am a "river man".  That is, I love to fish in the river.  However, the lake has a lot to offer as well.  Especially when family and friends arrive to have fun in the mountains.  So I think that the next few blogs will be about the lake and the experiences and follies one would encounter on the outing, whether it be with the family or with a couple of fishing buddies.

Just about every lake I have been to in the mountains is nestled in a spectacular view.  A camera should be on the top of the list of things to pack before you set off on your adventure.  Once you find the spot where you want to fish, sit back and enjoy the show. 

Most likely, when fishing in the lake you will use live bait at some point.  Fresh live bait can make the difference between success and failure.  If you are using minnows they should be kept in a minnow bucket or a live well; crickets should be kept in a cricket cage; nightcrawlers (my favorite for fishing in the lake while sitting down and enjoying a beer and waiting for a strike) should be kept cool in a styrofoam container.  Do not put pieces of nightcrawlers back into the container with live ones.  This will spoil your bait. What fish can resist this juicy piece of "meat".  And definitely make sure to bring plenty of cleansing towlettes to wipe the goo off your hands.

Power bait is also very popular and has proven itself effective for the trout enthusiast at the lake.  It comes in a variety of colors which all seem to work.  My daughter is fond of the rainbow colored while my son leans toward the red, white and blue "Captain America" bait.  Decisions....Decisions.

Last but not least are the salmon eggs.  I have never had much luck with these but many seem to think it is the only real bait to use in a lake while trout fishing.  It has to be the red color.  But they sure have an odor to them.

Don't forget to always carry a small spinnerbait with your tackle. When things slow down and no one is biting, try a spinner to liven up things.  Also set yourself up with a bubble and fly.  This is a real kick and you can catch a few nice fish as a change of pace.  We will review how to set this up in another chapter.

So choose you bait carefully and have fun!!




                                                                      Randy landing a fish


                                                                                      



                                          
Try it you'll like it





'Til next time

Nice fish Randy



SUMMER DESTINATION

Well, my wife and I have arrived at our summer's destination. We will be meeting friends and fellow fisher people from all over the U.S.  Our closet neighbors come in from North Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and, of course, Colorado.  Also a summer is planned with many family and friends scheduling us into their itineraries for a visit.  In fact, as I am now blogging, we are awaiting friends from Pennsylvania and their children.  Can't wait!!!   It should be a blast.

And, of course, plenty of fishing on the docket. 

There is one major problem currently- the rivers are running higher than we have seen in over 20 years.  Due to the record setting snow fall and wet spring, the rivers are out of the banks and creating lakes where swift rivers used to flow.  To compound the problem, the rivers that run through the fields have swelled so it will be impossible to find the rivers edge. AND, now the farmers are shutting down the irrigation ditches so all that water will now be detoured to the rivers.  Sigh.  But, as the saying goes, "it is what it is" so we will make the best of it.

Just the other day someone asked me why I like to fish the rivers and streams so much more than a lake.  Now, remember I love to fish the lakes with the family.  What a great way to spend time with love ones.  But I think the river is the ultimate place to fish.  The rivers offer a constantly changing scenario each time you fish.  You have the excitement of walking the river and the challenging circumstances that are presented while stalking a fish.  But perhaps the best reason to fish the river is that you can also see Mother Nature at the top of Her game.  All types of birds and waterfowl abound.  Larger animals such as elk, deer, and moose can surprise you at anytime.  Don't count out a bear sighting.  Or a Rocky Mountain Goat. (Our daughter took a picture of one just the other day as she was driving up the canyon and now has the whole area  trying to get a glimpse.  First one most folks have seen around here!!)

The ever present fox, coyote, beavers (love to fish those beaver dams), marmots, sage hens, and many other critters too numerous to mention, will always be around to entertain you. Two of my favorites: the majestic Bald Eagles soaring overhead and the sight of the little ducklings scurrying behind the mother.

Let's not forget the flora.  Wild flowers to entice even the most enthusiastic gardener.  I really have not been good at names but that does not stop me from enjoying the sight of the wild Iris or the Columbines.  (See, I did know a couple names. The Columbine
is the Colorado State Flower, so I had to know that).  But there are so many more that catch the eye. 

This is all going on and you still have to fish!  It is not easy.

One last thing is that I fish farm and ranch properties. Lots of time you will be finding your way to the river through a herd of 200 head of cattle or more. You have to watch where you step if you know what I mean.  But it is fun this time of year because of all the little calves calling for the moms throughout the herd.  Good stuff.

Well folks....  I hope that answers some of the questions as to why I like to fish in the lake.

Try it!

'Till next time

P.S.  I also have to add fishing with your "buds" is a kick!

MOVIN' UP THE RIVER

First of all, I have to comment on some of the pictures that have been posted on my blog.  You have noticed that I am holding some of the fish that I have caught on a fishing outing.  I don't want you to feel bullied into thinking you shouldn't keep a few fish for the frying pan!  Face it, they are DELICIOUS if prepared properly.  Don't get me wrong, I am a big believer in catch and release and I do return the vast majority of the fish I catch. But as careful and attentive as you can be with your catch, there is always going to be the situation where the fish is just not going to make it. These are the fish that should end up in the beer batter coating or cooked on the grill. Hey, does anybody have any tartar sauce?

Ok, back to the good stuff.



You have entered the river and fished the willows; fished the river or stream thoroughly as you moved up river; fished the dam for the big lunker; now you are ready to move once again up river.  You see a hot spot that you think will produce.  But you are going to have to get out of the river and move through the bushes and the brambles.  This is where that rubberband that you have in your pocket will come in handy.  WHAT, you did not know about the rubberband?  Always put a rubberband or two in your pocket or vest. It will come in handy, especially when you are in a hurry to get to the next spot .  You like the lure you are fishing with and do not want to take the time to change it.  Or, maybe you don't have another lure.  I usually reel my line in until there is about 6 inches of line remaining along with the lure. Slip your rubberband over the tip of your pole as well as the lure. This will keep the lure up and out of the way, attached to your pole and will provide for a quick release when you arrive at your desired spot.  Many will take the lure and hook it onto the small eye above the reel or will reel in all the line until the lure sits tight at the top of your rod. But, tramping through the woods and bushes can easily dislodge the lure and hook you or your fishing buddies. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience.

Try it!

'Til next time

SENSES ON ALERT

As you continue to fish up the the river, keep a sharp eye for any surface activity that may cause a fish to rise or may actually be a fish chasing a potential meal.

Your eyesight is not the only one of your senses that has to be "on alert".  You should ALWAYS be listening to the river!

When fishing the river, especially if it is a section of river you have never fished before, or a new river, listen for "babbling water" going over logs or over a rock dam. This type of structure is ideal for larger fish laying in ambush for smaller fish that come in to feed in the debris that washes over the top. Fish the base of the dam or as close to it as possible. If possible, try to bounce your lure off the logs or off the rocks. This gives the fish the impression that something new and good to eat may now be in the water, and will certainly stimulate the fish.

Fish the entire pool at the base of the dam or near the logs.  I can almost guarantee success.

Try it!

'Til next time

AND THE HUNT CONTINUES

                                                         DINNER

Remember that the first cast offers you the best  chance to get that intial strike and result in a nice catch.  Pick your spot, take your time, and do your best to hit the mark that you have picked. When deciding where to put your lure, always put yourself in a spot for the best possible cast.  Stay away from casts that set your lure out and come down from a high angle.You don't want that huge " kerplunk" when it hits the water. Put it in at a low arc and it will enter the water with a soft landing. YOU DO NOT WANT TO SPOOK THE FISH!  There are enough distractions in, around and on the water. No need to add to the confusion. 

You have fished the first group of willows and undercuts and it is time to move up the river. Even if you were successful, don't over fish the area.  Move on, and come back another day!  

Wading up river while looking for the next spot, make sure to fish until you want to stop and concentrate on a particular area.  As you ford the river, your first cast should be UP river from where you stand.  The second cast should be DIRECTLY ACROSS from where you stand.  Your final throw should be somewhat DOWN STREAM.  Repeat this scenario until you hook a fish or until you decide to stop and fish in your next designated area.  

Try it. 

'Til next time.  

THE HUNT IS ON !

You are finally in the river and are ready to start your quest for that beautiful trout you been dreaming about all night long. Whether it be a Rainbow, Brook, or Big Brown, bring it on!!!  Now that you have paused in the river and have your footing, look around and pick your spot for that first cast.

I always look for the overhanging flora, such as a willow bush, that the predator fish may be hiding below.  The fish sit there waiting for anything to fall from the bush that may be tasty, or a smaller fish on the hunt for something to eat as well.  The bush may hang over the water, but underneath it can be cut two or three feet back under the riverbank's edge.  This is where your target will be hiding.  It is your job to draw them out.

Fishing upstream, cast your lure above the target.  Let it float down, getting it as far back under the willow as possible. Here is where you have to really be on your toes. There are roots, sticks, and even rocks under there that can snag your lure.  So be alert. Just before it gets past the willow, start reeling in your lure as fast as you can.  This will stimulate the fish and it will follow the lure. You may want to slow the speed of your retrieval slightly giving the fish time to size up it's prey. Hopefully, you will be yelling "fish on". Try this several times and if there is no reaction, move on to your next spot to try your luck.

We will talk about other spots to fish in the river on follow up blogs.

'Til next time.      

Softly Step In The River

Now you have arrived at the river.  You have made that first cast  ( as per last tip ) that many fishermen never think about or bother to try. You may or may not have landed the first fish of the day, but it is certainly worth the effort. Now it is time to enter  the river to continue your fishing experience.

Gently step into the river.  This is very important.  Fish can feel the vibrations. With both feet in the river, walk slowly!!  If you are sending out ripples that are over two feet, rethink your pace.  The fish WILL feel your vibrations and they WILL be spooked.  Once this happens, the natural play of your fly or lure will no longer be effective, and you will be forced to move to another spot. Always be in STEALTH mode.

'Til next time

Approaching The River

It is early morning and the sun is shining.  You are with your fishing buddies, and you just know it is going to be a great day on the river.  Everyone gathers up the equipment, slips on the vests and waders, and  starts the trek to the river. Now I ask you ,"How many times have you been chit chatting, shooting the bull, or do what ever you call it, and when you get to the river, you see the catch of the day suddenly splash off to the middle of the river.  And everyone yells "did you see that!"  I know, more than once.  It has happened to all of us.

Remember when you are getting close to the river,  shhh!  Walk quietly. Speak softly. Always cast into the area where you will be entering  before getting to the bank  just in case there is a lunker hiding in a cut under the bank or under the willow branches overhanging the river.  You will not scare the fish , might get lucky, and start your day off with the catch of the day!!!

'Til next time.

Those Fish Can Smell

Ahhh, Spring.  The time of year that we all get excited about going to the lake, river or stream.  All the equipment has been prepped, new equipment ready to go, and the favorite lures sparkling. As a safety precaution and a safety step, make sure you have your sunscreen, insect repellant, and lip balm.   Lather up all exposed areas of skin, first with the sunscreen and then with the repellant.  There are products out there that contain both so you may want to check into these .  Don't forget to follow this procedure several times during the day. I find this particularly true with the lip balm.  Now comes the most important step.  Try not to get any on your lures or your fishing line. Do not wipe your hands on your waders, jeans, or any other other piece of clothing that may get in the water.  Fish have a very sharp sense of smell and certainly will be deterred by the odor.  Remember, fish can be smelly, but are very good smellers!!

'Til Next Time

Welcome My Fellow Fisherpeople.



My idea is to share with you fishing tips, ideas, suggestions, that will help me and others to have a more exciting experience while on the water.  I will post a weekly tip, etc., but will also put your ideas on the blog as well.  Trust me, my knowledge of fishing is just what I have learned fishing on my own, with my buddies, family, and the occasional fishing guide ( usually a fishing guide in the deep sea ).  And, once in a while, a funny anecdote or a fish story will be the blog for the day!  So, lets get to sharing so we can all have fun!!