baitstealer
08-05-2009, 06:37 PM
What are your top fishing frustrations?
I would say getting tangled and snagged on the rocks burns me up the most. If I could figure out how to do that less I might have a better time fishing.
Take a bite out of these top fishing frustrations
July 29, 2009
Everyone gets frustrated now and again when fishing. It simply goes with the territory. I've compiled my top 10 frustrations and some tips to help deal with them.
10. Missing fish: Usually, you're fishing too big or fast when you miss fish bites. Try slowing down your retrieve or pausing slightly before you set the hook. Reduce hook size to accommodate smaller mouths that may be tapping at your lure. If you're fishing dry flies in a river and continually get "false takes," switch to an emerger pattern and fish just below the surface.
9. Knots: Learn a few key knots and practice tying them. The four top knots I use on a regular basis are the improved clinch knot, double surgeon knot, blood knot and surgeon's loop.
8. Hooking yourself: Typically more painful than frustrating, nothing can prevent you from the inevitable. The easy solution to make the situation less painful is to de-barb your hooks.
7. Forgetting stuff: Pack bags for various outings. Have a bag for river trips, a bag for boating trips and boxes for multiple species. Have one bag for all trips with items such as a camera, sun lotion and bug spray.
6. Getting skunked: Change what you're doing when you're not catching fish. Don't wander over and crowd the angler who's catching fish. Be polite and ask questions. Remember the saying, "Doing what you've always done will get you what you've always got."
5. Tangles: Line messes are just part of the game. Learn that most tangles are a connected series of loops. Do not tighten them. Carefully look for the one keystone loop that has created the mess and back it out. If the knot has already tightened beyond rescue, cut the line and splice with a blood knot. Replace your line often and don't store rigs in the sun. Storing rigs in the sun reduces line memory and leads to kinks. For twisted line, remove your lure/fly and strip it all out as you walk backwards. Then reel it back in with moderate tension between your fingers.
4. Faulty equipment: Mostly this refers to spinning and bait-casting reels. The simple answer is don't skimp on them but buy quality reels. That goes for most fishing gear. Buy what you can afford.
3. Wind: Wind is a blessing in disguise. Fish the wind-blown shorelines of lakes where the food chain has been stirred. Actively feeding game fish will use this to their advantage. Be safe but learn to deal with wind and enjoy it.
2. Crowds: If you're looking to get away, then do it for real. Go as far away from metro populations as you can. Don't expect to fish a lake or river within a couple hours of the Front Range or populated areas, especially with easy parking access, and not see people. If you want to fish close to home, expect to share with others and make the most of it. Talk with people and make friends.
1. Poachers: People fishing illegally is plain wrong. While it may not be your duty to address violators, make it your duty to report them. Get to know the rules even if you're a strict catch-and-release fisherman. Too many people complain about rule-breakers, but too few do anything about it. Budgets have been cut and management is thin. Call Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648.
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907290303
I would say getting tangled and snagged on the rocks burns me up the most. If I could figure out how to do that less I might have a better time fishing.
Take a bite out of these top fishing frustrations
July 29, 2009
Everyone gets frustrated now and again when fishing. It simply goes with the territory. I've compiled my top 10 frustrations and some tips to help deal with them.
10. Missing fish: Usually, you're fishing too big or fast when you miss fish bites. Try slowing down your retrieve or pausing slightly before you set the hook. Reduce hook size to accommodate smaller mouths that may be tapping at your lure. If you're fishing dry flies in a river and continually get "false takes," switch to an emerger pattern and fish just below the surface.
9. Knots: Learn a few key knots and practice tying them. The four top knots I use on a regular basis are the improved clinch knot, double surgeon knot, blood knot and surgeon's loop.
8. Hooking yourself: Typically more painful than frustrating, nothing can prevent you from the inevitable. The easy solution to make the situation less painful is to de-barb your hooks.
7. Forgetting stuff: Pack bags for various outings. Have a bag for river trips, a bag for boating trips and boxes for multiple species. Have one bag for all trips with items such as a camera, sun lotion and bug spray.
6. Getting skunked: Change what you're doing when you're not catching fish. Don't wander over and crowd the angler who's catching fish. Be polite and ask questions. Remember the saying, "Doing what you've always done will get you what you've always got."
5. Tangles: Line messes are just part of the game. Learn that most tangles are a connected series of loops. Do not tighten them. Carefully look for the one keystone loop that has created the mess and back it out. If the knot has already tightened beyond rescue, cut the line and splice with a blood knot. Replace your line often and don't store rigs in the sun. Storing rigs in the sun reduces line memory and leads to kinks. For twisted line, remove your lure/fly and strip it all out as you walk backwards. Then reel it back in with moderate tension between your fingers.
4. Faulty equipment: Mostly this refers to spinning and bait-casting reels. The simple answer is don't skimp on them but buy quality reels. That goes for most fishing gear. Buy what you can afford.
3. Wind: Wind is a blessing in disguise. Fish the wind-blown shorelines of lakes where the food chain has been stirred. Actively feeding game fish will use this to their advantage. Be safe but learn to deal with wind and enjoy it.
2. Crowds: If you're looking to get away, then do it for real. Go as far away from metro populations as you can. Don't expect to fish a lake or river within a couple hours of the Front Range or populated areas, especially with easy parking access, and not see people. If you want to fish close to home, expect to share with others and make the most of it. Talk with people and make friends.
1. Poachers: People fishing illegally is plain wrong. While it may not be your duty to address violators, make it your duty to report them. Get to know the rules even if you're a strict catch-and-release fisherman. Too many people complain about rule-breakers, but too few do anything about it. Budgets have been cut and management is thin. Call Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648.
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907290303