By Tim Huffman
May 31, 2010
Part one included patience, having a plan, improved casting, learning to tie knots and using a spinning reel. In part two we continue looking at practical ways to improve your fishing.
Be Quiet
You'll catch more big fish if you're quiet in the boat. Triple wall, insulated fiberglass boats are more forgiving than aluminum but why chance spooking the fish no matter what type boat you're in? Don't slam livewell and baitwell lids, don't drop your soda can, try not to stumble or stomp around in the boat or do anything else to make noise. The fish you spook are likely to be the bigger, smarter fish.
Become an Expert at One Technique
"A jack of all trades and a master of none." A famous saying that can easily apply to fishing. If you master one technique and dedicate yourself to learning how to use it year round in all conditions you'll improve your fishing. You can advance to another one only after perfecting the first one. Best choice: slow trolling.
Use Jigs
Jigs are easier to use than minnows. They don't have to be bought on the way to the lake, kept aerated and cool. They don't have to be replaced after every bite. Jigs are fun. You can improve your fishing by using jigs but you should consider limiting your baits. The reason is simple: fewer baits means fewer choices so you worry more about a good presentation instead of constantly changing bait colors. For example, in Yamamoto baits pick the Tiny Ika in black/blue for a dark shade; chartreuse and pink for medium; and white glow for a light shade. Have Yamaminnows in smoke black; for medium shades avocado and electric chicken; and pearl for light. Have dye markers in chartreuse, red and blue to change or add colors. That's all you need although it's not all you'll want. Add more as you learn specific choices that work well for you.
Use the Right Line
A 6-pound test line is typical for crappie. Go down to 4-pound in ultra-clear water or go up one or two steps in stained water with cover. Rule of thumb: better bait action and more bites with smaller pound test line; fewer bites but fewer break-offs with heavier line. Therefore, a compromise is usually best with good jig action being important but not losing the big one when he hits. In clear water this means 6-pound test and 8-pound in stained/murky with cover.
Keep your Boat Organized
Will this help you improve your fishing? Maybe, because you'll be able to find your jigs, split-shot or anything else you need. Your net will be available to slide under a big slab instead of being tangled with reels and other stuff. An organized boat can help you catch more fish but more importantly it can make fishing more enjoyable, keep you from breaking rods by stepping on them and help keep you from tripping and falling. Your boat doesn't have to be clean but it should be organized.
Tip of the Month
Go fishing with an expert. It could be a neighbor, friend from church or a hired guide. Your learning curve will rise quickly by going with an experienced fisherman. Concentrate on learning technique, search tactics and tips instead of catching fish or learning their fishing spots.
