Fishing has changed dramatically in the last decade.
Fish stocks are declining and the only way we are maintaining reasonable catch rates is because of dramatic improvements in tackle, technology and technique. No longer is fishing simply a matter of lucking onto something. Instead, we need to focus our efforts and improving our skills to ensure success.
There is absolutely no doubt that recreational fishermen are becoming far better at catching fish. Not only are they utilising technology, but they are becoming more target-specific. Crucial fishing tools such as HookEze also allow new anglers to prevent issues such as loose or bad knots coming into play.
As they say, practice makes perfect, but fishing is something you never fully master and every day on the water you can learn something new. There are a number of key elements that are paramount to success, irrespective of what fish you are chasing.
Tip 1: Be prepared
Preparation starts well before you hit the water and includes everything from regular boat maintenance to servicing reels and inspecting all your terminal gear. Basically, you should go through everything - How often does your mate discover that their reel has seized just as they hook a fish? Classic oversights that happen far more often than many of us would care to admit.
Basically, everything should be set up and ready before you hit the water. Once again HookEze prepares the new angler's rig perfectly for situations like this. A couple of hours’ preparation can always turn a fishing trip around. Do it right before you head out and you won’t waste valuable time setting up when you should be fishing.
Tip 2: Attention to detail
Good anglers, like tradies, don’t blame their tools for their mistakes. At the end of the day, you only have yourself to blame. It’s a matter of thoroughly checking all your gear before you put it in the water.
When it comes to tackle, it’s paramount to regularly replace mainlines on all the reels. I should point out this is particularly so for monofilament, which stretches and wears quickly. Braid, on the other hand, can last more than a year, but should still be inspected regularly.
Tip 3: Pick your target
Fishing really has changed over the years and as anglers get more and more proficient, their approach has become more specialised. These days, if you want to catch fish, you have to choose a specific target species and set yourself up accordingly.
Even casual anglers head out chasing specific species, be it spinning for bream in an estuary or cubing for tuna offshore. Focusing all your resources and efforts on one species, rather than using the ‘shotgun approach’ and hoping for anything that happens to be around, will make you more effective.
Tip 4: Do your homework
Once you’ve decided what species you’re after, the next step is to get in tune with what is happening. For example Barra at the end of the wet, Victorian Snapper in the Spring, NSW Marlin in Autumn and so on. But even in season, the fish may be snapping their heads off at one spot and dead quiet at another, so it is crucial to know where they’re on the bite.
There is absolutely no doubt that recreational fishermen are becoming far better at catching fish. Not only are they utilising technology, but they are becoming more target-specific. Crucial fishing tools such as HookEze also allow new anglers to prevent issues such as loose or bad knots coming into play.
As they say, practice makes perfect, but fishing is something you never fully master and every day on the water you can learn something new. There are a number of key elements that are paramount to success, irrespective of what fish you are chasing.
Tip 1: Be prepared
Preparation starts well before you hit the water and includes everything from regular boat maintenance to servicing reels and inspecting all your terminal gear. Basically, you should go through everything - How often does your mate discover that their reel has seized just as they hook a fish? Classic oversights that happen far more often than many of us would care to admit.
Basically, everything should be set up and ready before you hit the water. Once again HookEze prepares the new angler's rig perfectly for situations like this. A couple of hours’ preparation can always turn a fishing trip around. Do it right before you head out and you won’t waste valuable time setting up when you should be fishing.
Tip 2: Attention to detail
Good anglers, like tradies, don’t blame their tools for their mistakes. At the end of the day, you only have yourself to blame. It’s a matter of thoroughly checking all your gear before you put it in the water.
When it comes to tackle, it’s paramount to regularly replace mainlines on all the reels. I should point out this is particularly so for monofilament, which stretches and wears quickly. Braid, on the other hand, can last more than a year, but should still be inspected regularly.
Tip 3: Pick your target
Fishing really has changed over the years and as anglers get more and more proficient, their approach has become more specialised. These days, if you want to catch fish, you have to choose a specific target species and set yourself up accordingly.
Even casual anglers head out chasing specific species, be it spinning for bream in an estuary or cubing for tuna offshore. Focusing all your resources and efforts on one species, rather than using the ‘shotgun approach’ and hoping for anything that happens to be around, will make you more effective.
Tip 4: Do your homework
Once you’ve decided what species you’re after, the next step is to get in tune with what is happening. For example Barra at the end of the wet, Victorian Snapper in the Spring, NSW Marlin in Autumn and so on. But even in season, the fish may be snapping their heads off at one spot and dead quiet at another, so it is crucial to know where they’re on the bite.
Fishing mates aside, internet chat forums, charter boats and tackle shops can also be good sources of information. Having said that, if you don’t know or trust the source, then ask questions. Don’t be afraid to interrogate your source. Which boat? Who was the angler? What time of day? What was the current doing? There is a lot of rubbish out there – it’s a matter of making sure your information is correct.
These are all avenues that will help you form a picture of where the fish are and give you the heads-up as to where to head.
This is a great way to start making sure all your fishing adventures are geared for success. We will have Part 2 coming out next month, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!