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