Factors That Make you a Better Fisherman
I thought I would put this question out there to my fellow fishing bloggers today. How big of a role does motivation play in determining whether or not you catch fish on your next outing? This may not play a role on your fishing trips. It may be that you are just glad to be outdoors and enjoying nature. The outdoors and nature plays a big part for me as well. I also like the challenge of seeing if I can fool that fish into taking my offering. Being competitive has always been apart of my upbringing and to me, the fish is my adversary. I love to fool them. I know when I am on the water I use motivation in helping me get that first strike on that particular fly I am using. Not only is motivation a factor for me, when fishing but confidence, focus, and concentration play a big role in whether or not I catch fish on every trip. I think one needs to have confidence in the fly or lure they are using. Being focused is tremendous on your cast, presentation, and lure movement. You will know when you make that great cast and deliver that great presentation of your favorite fly. I call that great cast the sweet spot. I know when I hit the sweet spot of that cast. It’s like WOW did I just make that cast. It takes focus and concentration to perform that sweet spot cast consistently. It takes concentration to work that lure or fly to the point where you mimic that bug to entice that fish to react to your fly. You may never think about some of the factors I have mentioned while fishing but you actually use all of these on every fishing trip you make. What are the factors that help you have a successful fishing trip?
Bill, excellent post and great question. I will be following the post to see what the other comments are.
ReplyDeleteFor me, personally, I think preparation is key. More than once if I overlooked something in my tackle preparation, it will throw the game plan off. I try not to take things to seriously, but, concentration is also paramount for me. Kind of corny, but, be who you are instead of something you ain't. In other words, know your boundaries.
When you wake up in the morning and as your driving out and see the mist coming off the water...you then picture in your head what the fish are thinking. I arrive at the destination and notice the untouched water....perfect glass...and then you feel a small breeze as you begin to pull some slack out on the rod...you find the spot you want to reach and cast....then you slowly bring in the line mimicking the water bugs near by...then there is a strike and the fight begins...There is no other feeling then Fly Fishing....
ReplyDeleteAfternoon Bill. I think there are several factors that are involved in catching fish. The "I can only catch fish at dawn or dusk" is not one of them. Diversification is probably one of the biggest factors in my catching fish. Probably why my truck is full of rods and tackle boxes. Fish will normally bite something. You just have to find out what. One could go on and list all the other factors, but most everybody knows them. The moon phase, water temp, etc. You get the picture.
ReplyDeleteMark
I don't need to go fishing to enjoy fishing - I just need to know that I can go fishing if I want to.
ReplyDeleteI love to have "enuf" fishing. Sometimes one fish is "enuf" and sometimes 100 is not.
I think of everything you've mentioned Bill...but lately when my mind realizes that it's outdoors and in the "real" world it can sometimes wander and relax...result: I'll miss the first fish. Normally no great loss and part of the relaxation adaption...unless I felt heavy weight or got a look a nice one, then I'm kick'n myself for not stay'n sharp.
ReplyDeleteI make the trip successful before I leave, I have a big plans and not much going to get in the way. when the boots go on the bs stops and its not catching a fish or not, its landing them all or loosing a couple, confidence becomes habit and persistance and fighting back, I sometimes feel like the fish owe me, and Im there to collect what is already mine if that makes any since..
ReplyDeleteMel
ReplyDeleteI like be who you are and know your boundaries--I think sometimes an individual may be trying to master a cast or place a fly or lure in a particular way or place and just can't get it done--knowing what you can't do or can do makes for a better fishing trip--in other words stay with what you know how to do. Thanks for the comment.
Jason
ReplyDeletePerfect description of an early morning outing with you and your quarry set to test each other.
Mark
ReplyDeleteI agree Diversification plays a huge role in weather you are successful at catching fish. That is why you see individuals on the river or streams catching trout or on a lake landing fish and you are watching and wondering. They had the patience to figure out the fly or lure that scored. Thanks for the comment.
Josh
ReplyDeleteI know from reading your post---that any trout seen is mine attitude. You have all the attributes I had back when I was 30 years younger. I still have that drive but it is in a lower gear now. That is why I like to read your post, because I get pumped up and I am not even on the water. Thanks for the comment.
Dennis
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with just being out and enjoying the outdoors and landing a fish or two. Thanks for the comment
Bill S.
ReplyDeleteWell said---I agree its not about the numbers or even the size of fish, but merely the experience of being there. Thanks for the comment.
Having no calamities and trip where I can relax is what defines it for me.
ReplyDeleteI love fishing alone, and typically when I do go alone I WANT fish. If I skunk or just plain stink it up then I'm usually disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI love fishing with my close buds even more though, and while I get jealous of the other boys' fishes sometimes, it's less about catching fish and more about fishing with those guys.
Great post, Bill--thanks!
Motivation is key or if I could use a different word, determination. Determined to reach the fishing spot or hike into the back area that is less pressured. Determined to find the pattern that works or at least cover the whole river\lake trying. Determined to get out as often as I can and do better than last time. Determined to learn the magical tactic at the magical spot that unlocks that one fish that raises the bar another notch for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing in my tackle box that gets me that fish it is determination. With a little bit of luck…who knows what could happen. Love the post, Bill!
Matt
ReplyDeleteDetermination is another factor that is key in being successful on any fishing trip. I am glad I got your opinion, because of your expertise in the warm water column. Congrats again on the 100 followers mark. Thanks for the comment.
Will
ReplyDeleteI agree I love to fish with guys who love the sport as much as I do. In fact some of my best friends fish with me. I have had some of my best times outdoors fishing with these guys. Thanks for the comment.
Excellent post, Bill! Thanks for writing that.
ReplyDelete1. There are times when I just want to get out and fish regardless the outcome. 2. There are other times when I plan to fish a certain water a certain way with an expected result. The first situation is always relaxing and a single fish can make the trip worth it. Even a skunk is not taken too hard. If the fish are cooperative or you face an unexpected situation (mayfly hatch, etc.) then it can turn into an epic trip since your expectations were so low. The second situation can be very rewarding if you are able to carry out your game plan with the expected result. The unfortunate side of "fishing with expectations" is that I can go home disappointed and I can lose sight of why I fish. Fishing is intriguing to me because of beautiful fish and the beautiful surroundings. This beauty combined with the unknown and unexpected keeps things fresh. Every take/strike is different as well as how each fish reacts and fights. Most every fish has something about it that makes it unique. I am learning that if I visualize the outcome too much I can overlook the surprises along the way. Not to say there is not satisfaction in dialing things in and slaying fish, because that is fun! I'm just saying its fun to enjoy the trip as it unfolds and soaking in the whole experience.
ReplyDeleteChris
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you as one of my followers and thanks for the comment on this post.
Ben
ReplyDeleteFishing has so many variables, and that is what makes this sport sooooooo interesting and fun. Ben I really like the way you described the fishing in your eyes. Thanks for the comment.
For me, at 40 years old it's all about thanking God that I've been granted another chance to stand in a river somewhere and let the trout make a fool out of me. The catching is last on my list of what makes a great trip. Now, don't get me wrong - I like catching! It's just that there is so much more to "fishing" than just catching fish. I think more and more anglers are realizing this fact.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post and awesome comments!
OwlJones
ReplyDeleteI can rememeber when I was younger I would go fishing and really get upset if I didn't catch a bunch of fish. I didn't know it at the time but I was missing the whole point of the trip. Now I realize more than ever before that it is just about being there and the catch is the added plus. Believe it or not it has taken me a long time to raalize that---I guess age makes you wiser. Thanks for the comment.