What's Your Time Limit For a Day's Fishing
You know we all learn
something every time we venture out to one of our favorite streams or lakes. The
learning curve has really increased for me over the last few of years;
especially when it deals with the length of time I spend on the water. When I
was younger it was a given for me to stay on the water all day regardless of
the conditions, but as I get older that is not in my game plan anymore. A half
day on the water is usually my trip. Research has shown that the most active
feeding periods for most warm water species are early in the morning and late
in the afternoon. Anything in between is an added bonus. The feeding periods
for cold water species such as trout, can be somewhat different. A hatch on a
given stream or tailrace could cause a feeding frenzy anytime of the day. I have
seen trout feeding on mayflies at a frantic pace at 1 PM on our Sipsey Tailrace. This is why I love trout
fishing so much, because I can make a two or three hour trip into something special
anytime of the day. Being retired has afforded me the opportunity to tailor my
fishing trips during the most active time of the day. When I was working five
days a week I was only able to fish on weekends, with an occasional trip during
the afternoon, holidays or summer months. Now if the barometer is high, with
cloudless skies, wrong wind direction and extreme heat or cold I stay home. One
thing I have learned about fishing over the years, one can’t make a fish hit if
it’s not feeding. I know we all have different variables that determine how much
time we spend on the water during a day’s fishing trip; is it the bite, weather
conditions, time of day, or just the enjoyment of being outdoors?
Typically, I'll spend about 3-4 hours actually on the river. Since it's usually an hour there and an hour back, I try to make it a half day trip. I'll squeeze another hour in if the catch to cast ratio is high though!
ReplyDeleteI am a slave to my 9-5 and my family. So when I can get out I will beout as long as I can. If that means from dusk to dawn without a bite so be it. I look forward to retirment when I can be more picky and avoid holiday and weekend fishing crowds.
ReplyDeleteBeing a graduate student I typically can only afford to do half day trips due to academic requirements I need to complete, but if given the chance I will take an all day trip regardless of how I may do. Its about the opportunity to be in nature for me above all else.
ReplyDeleteMornings are the best for me. I've hung around from 0800 to 2:30, but normally call it a day after 3-4 hours. By then I'm worn out and I usually have a 30 minute to 90 minute drive, depending on where I'm at.
ReplyDeleteI swear if it wasn't for that whole work thing and having a family, I could stay out for days. Time truly just disappears when I'm out there. I can't tell you how many times I have been on the water before the sun was up and all of the sudden it was six o clock in the evening before I even thought about time. Most of the time I only realize it then because the wife is calling wondering if I'll be home for dinner.
ReplyDeleteI'm generally good for 5 or 6 hours at one whack. I like the mornings, a lunch break and siesta then hit it again for a couple of hours.
ReplyDeleteMy usual trips are about 4hrs but most trout trips last a whole day. It's 4-5hrs on the water and another 4hrs driving.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Bill, one that causes me to think a little. I used to be able to get up and go in the wee hours of morning. Sometimes be gone for the entire weekend with my family or buddies. Like you, as one ages, opportunities are still there, but the angler can be more selective. I still like fishing the morning and evening hours. Pretty much leave mid-day alone. Fish on!
ReplyDeleteFor me it depends on how far I've driven to reach my fishing spot. If I drive more than an hour or so, I generally like to stay all day to justify the expense of gas. Short local trips are often only an hour or two though. It is always nice to get a short trip in and still have time to work on other things.
ReplyDeleteBill I'm like you, retired and that gives me lots of opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI will usually fish for about 3 hours generally.
Cory
ReplyDelete3 to 4 seems to be the norm--thanks for sharing
Daniel
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like me back in the day when I was working--thanks for sharing
Al
ReplyDeleteThe outdoors verses the catch--either will work for me--thanks for sharing
Mark
ReplyDeleteDaylight hours is my favorite time to land better fish. thanks for the comment
Nick
ReplyDeleteLike you I get lost in the trip and the time is gone--thanks for the comment
Alan
ReplyDeleteIsn't retirement perfect for all of us guys who fish? Thanks for the comment
David
ReplyDeleteIf I make the Caney trip from Jasper then that is an all day trip for me, like you to justify the drive. If driving from Springhill then it is a half day trip. Thanks for the commnet
Lester
ReplyDeleteDusk to dark were my trip when I was younger, not anymore. Thanks for the comment
Mel
ReplyDeleteMid-day is a killer especially in the hot summer months. thanks for the comment
Kevin
ReplyDeleteTrout fishing for me is easier than most, because I live within 20 minutes of the tailrace and an hour or two trip works well for me there. thanks for the comment
Howard
ReplyDeleteI like your schedule, that works for me too. Thanks for the comment
I am interested in reading about fly fishing, It is an enormously inspiring post. Thanks for sharing such a nice info with us. Carry on with good continuation.
ReplyDeleteFly Fishing Lodge British Columbia
John
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and your comment.
i fish every opportunity that the "boss" allows
ReplyDeletenothing more and nothing less
fish biting or feeding, weather, none of that matters
Blake
ReplyDeleteWell spoken for all of us, who love fishing. Thanks for the comment