You know, I get more info from what people tell me doesn't work than what does work. Most people I see, I believe, get lucky when they catch a fish and therefore, I usually try the opposite of them. You can see when people are working the fish vs the fish working them. These are the true fishmen and women, these are the folks I respect.
I got the one in the other post at Prospect Ponds. The fish there have been tough (for me) and don't seem to be grouping up like in other ponds. You have to be very slow in your presentations there for bass. Again, bass there are running in the 3-5 foot range and casting parallel to shore seems to be working best. I am finding that right now the bass are moving to the 4-S program....
Slow (just fast enought to engage the action of the lure)
Smaller (I am sizing down right now. In three or four weeks I will go with big lures again)
Steady (Jerk baits are producing nothing for me, steady retrieves are)
Shallow (3-5 ft of water)
Everytime I go out, I pay close attention to my speed and rod angle. When I get a strike I hone that presentation. The fish will give me clues and I need to decipher them. Once I get follows or bites, I extremely gradually change my presentation. Maybe just a touch faster. That doesn't work, I go to just a touch slower. If you notice, the fish's energy levels are slowing down. They aren't coming out of the water as much when you catch them. This is a good sign to notice and pay attention to. Now, there are still some ponds where they will come out of the water, these places you can use a bit more speed on your retrieves but erratic presentations seem to be done this year.
My grandmother used to tell me that the key to fishing is learning to speak fish. ;D They will show you what they want or don't want. I have been skunked very few times this year, and I am fishing an average of 3-5 days a week and just an average Joe. I believe this is due to the fact that I really pay attention to what I am doing and what the fish are telling me. I know that probably sounds pretty stupid, but it does work.
These are just my observations and thoughts. They may not work for others but I wanted to share it.
What do you folks notice when you go out? What do you do? What are your philosophies on fishing?
I got the one in the other post at Prospect Ponds. The fish there have been tough (for me) and don't seem to be grouping up like in other ponds. You have to be very slow in your presentations there for bass. Again, bass there are running in the 3-5 foot range and casting parallel to shore seems to be working best. I am finding that right now the bass are moving to the 4-S program....
Slow (just fast enought to engage the action of the lure)
Smaller (I am sizing down right now. In three or four weeks I will go with big lures again)
Steady (Jerk baits are producing nothing for me, steady retrieves are)
Shallow (3-5 ft of water)
Everytime I go out, I pay close attention to my speed and rod angle. When I get a strike I hone that presentation. The fish will give me clues and I need to decipher them. Once I get follows or bites, I extremely gradually change my presentation. Maybe just a touch faster. That doesn't work, I go to just a touch slower. If you notice, the fish's energy levels are slowing down. They aren't coming out of the water as much when you catch them. This is a good sign to notice and pay attention to. Now, there are still some ponds where they will come out of the water, these places you can use a bit more speed on your retrieves but erratic presentations seem to be done this year.
My grandmother used to tell me that the key to fishing is learning to speak fish. ;D They will show you what they want or don't want. I have been skunked very few times this year, and I am fishing an average of 3-5 days a week and just an average Joe. I believe this is due to the fact that I really pay attention to what I am doing and what the fish are telling me. I know that probably sounds pretty stupid, but it does work.
These are just my observations and thoughts. They may not work for others but I wanted to share it.
What do you folks notice when you go out? What do you do? What are your philosophies on fishing?
