New
ideas (maybe recycled?)
May 2003
A quick note first...
I considered a topic for this article about fishing 'etiquette' as
several of the boards I read have had major discussions regarding
this issue. Some have discounted the accusations and rallying around
one opinion or another as simply cliques or even 'elitists' crabbing
about problems that they have created for themselves. I can not agree
with the view that the problem is restricted to one group against
another.
Looking back it was noted that my article of November '02 addressed
this topic. It may be worth a look
to review the article. I am quite certain that a few paragraphs on
one web site or another will not alleviate the problem. As anglers,
recreational boaters or environmentalist there may be some collective
effort to address this issue. I continue to urge caution when confronting
another individual or group. If there is no other safe option your
best response could be to get a boat registration number or description
and location to turn over to the proper authorities. There are legislative
options but they could backfire limit the use of fishing and boating
areas for everyone. Let me know what you think.
Back to 'new' ideas
Okay, this is what I am thinking about. New ideas or at the very least,
rehashed ideas can help increase our angling success or enjoyment.
There is SO much information available to anglers today from so many
sources it can be hard to decide which advice is the best for each
of us individually. The internet provides the opportunity for almost
anyone to publish their ideas for the world to peruse. If anyone thought
that magazines would go the way of vinyl records (remember 45's and
LP's?). My room(s) are full of magazines that I do not want to part
with. I bring in so many I never even get them all read. Once I have
them I know of at least one ad or story in each one that prevents
me from recycling it.
I know that there are many anglers that have a system down and have
been using similar methods for decades. Why should you change. I agree,
if it works then why change? The question in the back of our angling
minds though always chimes in "What if...?" even after the
best fishing days. Pulling the other way is the idea that "if
it works why fix it?" That is a something that each angler must
decide.
Complicated?
Like the title of a current pop song all of these new ideas can complicate
things for the angler. Personally I can attest to this. Usually a
trip includes 6 rigged outfits, at least one new lure to try, a new
fishing line or knot and probably some new gadget for good measure.
Sometimes I do think that just getting back to basics is the right
strategy. In practice though the 'new' stuff works much of the time.
It also adds variety and keeps the fishing fresh. Anglers always have
that 'go to' lure that is like a comfortable pair of shoes.
This came to mind as I introduced three new lures to my arsenal. One
was the result of a magazine article about lures that imitate minnow
type bait fish. While I was in a department store I picked up a lure
that seemed to fit the description of the article. When I got my next
chance to try something new it was tied on. That lure(it was a Yozuri
Twitchin' Minnow - suspending jerkbait; now off the market) produced
more fishing excitement than I can remember in a long time. I was
getting a hit from decent trout or even better good size, leaping
ladyfish on every cast. I even ignored the radio messages of my fishing
buddies about the school of hungry reds they were in.
Two additional lures were the result of reading posts from other anglers
about a lure that was working for these anglers. I yet to try these
lures out but I am anxiously looking forward to how they will work.
There is an added bit of excitement as I get a chance to see if the
lure works as well for me or if I have done some homework that will
produce more fish on my outing.
No Fear
You have seen the stickers in the back windows of cars and trucks.
There are many variations. The one I like best is a reaction to the
'No Fear'/'Fear This' stickers. I like the one that says 'Ain't Scared'
(or 'Skeered'). There is no reason to fear trying something new. Maybe
it will work or maybe not. Anglers have little to lose as we will
be wondering if we could have attracted that bigger fish if we had
slowed the retrieve, made a cast up under the mangroves or tried that
different color. Why not experiment a little?
Sometimes our 'experiments' involve nothing more than knocking the
dust off of a technique, lure or fishing spot that has been overlooked
for a while. The most important thing
is to make sure you get out and enjoy yourself. One thing about fishing
is that you just don't get over it. Each trip has enough surprises
that it never becomes routine.
That leaves one thing. Just get out and fish. Wherever you go, whatever
you use make it a point to enjoy yourself.
Let me know what you think.
Good Fishing,
Joe |
