Fishing rules and theories

[glasply1]

I searched this forum to see if anyone has ever started a thread on odd things/techniques or rules regarding fishing. I was inspired by the posting on this forum regarding using WD-40 on fishing lures. Also, there are a number of theories about how salmon are able to navigate back to their natal stream to spawn. Some say by the chemical composition of the water, others say by the stars and still others claim that the magnetism of the earth gives them the proper directions! Anyway, what have you heard regarding why or what fish do, other than the obvious.

 

[JB]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

Salmon have built-in GPS.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

My favorite observations. If your catching, it's not good luck, it that you "live right", and vice versa(don't live right). If you miss a hit, you were "Asleep at the switch".<br /><br />The best techniques: go fishing a lot,it improves your odds and imparts experience; listen to experienced fisherman; listen to the bait shop guys advice (within reason); Enjoy the fishing when it is good; When fishing is bad, it's still a great day to be on the water.<br /><br />Most importantly, bluefish will try to injure you with their dying breath. Don't give them the chance.

 

[glasply1]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

I agree with you that success is buoyed by repetition. Fish more, listen to other successful folks, etc. <br />When I made my earlier post I was looking for odd bits of info such as strange things people use for lures, unusual techniques, etc. I would go back and take a writing or communication course but I'm getting too long in the tooth.

 

[eastshores]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

I think the advice above is good.. I listened to a friend from work that was a great mentor.. and had been a tarpon guide for 8 yrs. He knows how to fish the skinny water and helped me more than anything else I can think of.<br /><br />I also think reading.. is powerful. Basically take a shotgun approach and read as much as you can, and give weighting to the things that are often said.<br /><br />Basic things that alot of people don't realize are keys to success are tactics and knowledge for 1. locating the fish 2. knowing if they are feeding 3. knowing what they are feeding on 4. how they are feeding (top, mid, bottom)<br /><br />If you can get those 4 basics down, it just boils down to presentation. Mileage varies, but in a feeding frenzy.. you can just about throw a hook out by itself and alot of fish will hit it. I guess that is playing on their competetive instincts when feeding. I've seen it over and over.

 

[ed/il]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

I am fishing Louisiana now and if the tide is not moving it is tough to catch fish. Some fish do not like muddy water and other fish do. If you are fishing with a few people use different baits and techniques until you find what is working. Keep an eye out for bait fish flipping or birds diving. Look for stained / dirty spots in clean water. Some bottom fish will make the water dirty where they are feeding. Hire a fishing guide the first day of a vacation, it might help you catch all week. When cleaning fish check to see what they are feeding on. Today we caught 4 redfish, 2 over 10 lbs. A few balck drum and one flounder. We used shrip on a large circle hook carolina rig in 2 ft of water. Weather was beautiful, just enough wind to keep the bugs away.

 

[glasply1]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

Interesting comment about the bare hook idea. It's become the most popular lure in Lake Washington for sockeye salmon. Used to be a small red plug was the key, now its the bare hook behind a small dodger.

 

[PW2]

Re: Fishing rules and theories

I salmon fished for years off the Straits of Juan De Fuca and Puget Sound andI found the following true:<br /><br />The vast majority of salmon return to their stream of origin--But some don't. Lot's of theories offered, but to my knowledge none proven.<br /><br />The rule that 90% of the fish are caught by 10% of the fishermen is true. Technique and equipment is important. If you are not catching fish and a few others are, it is not luck. You are doing something wrong. It may be a very subtle difference, but critical. See if you can get a ride with someone catching fish, and watch what they do very carefully.<br /><br />Salmon have a heightened sense of smell, and handling fuel is a no-no.<br /><br />If I ever had a dry spell when I wasn't catching fish, I'd change my line and thoroughly clean my reel. It would often make a difference.<br /><br />Fishing at the proper depth is crucial. Salmon, especially large salmon, are lazy and don't want to work very hard for their meals. And the larger salmon will rarely hit a bait hard--they will spit it out in a hurry, and if you use a pole holder, you'll often never even know you missed it. I used a hand built 9 foot graphite rod for salmon, and I swear I could feel a salmon opening and closing his mouth on a bait at 150 feet down.<br /><br />It was lots of fun, but serious business if you want to be successful!