Tag Archives: Fishing skills

Are you lucky?  Do you believe in “luck”? I have started many fishing seminars by stating that there is no such thing as “luck”.  Those anglers who seem to always catch fish are not “lucky”.  They know what they are doing. If you wish, “luck” has been defined as the residue of hard work, or where preparation meets opportunity.  I suppose those definitions of “luck” could apply to fishing. What about things that bring good luck?  Lucky charms?  What about …

One of the challenges of blogging about the outdoors, about hunting and fishing, is every year the same seasons roll around.  The same topics are timely at the same times, year after year, after year.  I am a huge fan of fall fishing and fish open water harder in the fall than I do any other time.  I have blogged about that many times.  Going to again. The calendar says we are moving into late October, but let me tell …

I would tell you that I have never been in trouble with the law, but . . . . There was that time I was pulled over for knocking off a convenience store.  Had three nephews and my son in the pickup at the time.  None of them were even old enough to drive. . . . That story begins as a fish story.  We had spent the day cherry-picking, hopping from spot to spot, picking off active fish, trout …

Human dimensions studies are a part of fisheries science.  Man, or the human component is an important part of any fishery.  To manage a fishery, you have to understand something about the human component as well as the fish, other aquatic creatures, and the habitat. A big part of human dimensions studies are understanding motivations.  Why do you fish? The answers to that question are as varied as humans themselves.  I say that anglers come in an infinite variety of …

I have been watching the Head to Head Fishing Pro Walleye Series on Lake McConaughy all week.  Two techniques have accounted for most fish.  Both techniques are somewhat uniquely Nebraskan.  In fact it could be argued that they have been perfected if not developed in Nebraska.  Trolling has been one of the winning techniques, including trolling leadcore with big, heavy spinnerbaits–definitely a Nebraska technique.  The other winning presentation has been vertical jigging with slab spoons, “slabbing”–another technique more popular in …

Yes, it has been hot, and yes, my motivation to fish lags under those conditions.  That does not mean I have quit! I have been “around” a bit, spent some time on several different waters.  What I have found has been typical for late summer. . . . First, was some bass fishing.  I should have taken some pictures of the water I was fishing.  It was absolutely choked with aquatic vegetation.  They were not weeds.  “Weeds” are unwanted plants.  …

If I miss a fish, first thing I do is look at the hook.  At times the size may need to be adjusted, but always you have to make sure it is sharp! I found this on the interwebs.  It will help you get it right! https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYg-rOAJm-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link You can tell when I have been sharpening hooks, my thumbs and thumbnails look like pin cushions. Have a great weekend!  FISH ON!

I have long been a proponent of fishing for a variety of fish species.  By targeting different species of fish, you can stay on top of a variety of “hot bites” for the maximum length of time.  If the walleyes do not want to bite, but the crappies are jumping in the boat, well, why wouldn’t you fish for crappies?????  By fishing for a variety of species, the learning and the excitement, never ceases. But, there is something else I …

It’s hot. I will always tell you that you cannot catch anything sitting at home on the couch.  However, when it gets this hot, I have to admit my motivation to go fishing wanes a bit.  I might still “wet a line”, but I will be selective about the times and places to do it.  On the other hand, getting into the water sound like a great idea right now. Let’s go there. . . into the water.  I can …

Going to share an article for this blog post.  I have mentioned Gord Pyzer before, retired Canadian fisheries biologist, and great stick.  So yes, this article was written a little over a year ago, and this guy fishes mostly in Canada.  But, he is right on with these ten mistakes!  Read this.  I am betting there is something there that will make you a better angler! The top 10 fishing mistakes—and how to avoid them!