Having spent most of my adult life with a rod and reel in my hands, I get asked often “What do you like best about fishing”? Believe it or not, it’s not the catching, it’s figuring it out. The challenge of unlocking the puzzle of where the fish are, and why, and getting them to bite, is what I love most.
You can’t catch them fishing where they’re not so finding the correct area and water depth is imperative. There are several factors to consider when determining where the fish might be located. Seasonal patterns, weather conditions, water color, lake level, what type of cover, and most importantly water temperature, all contribute to where the species you’re perusing might be located on any given body of water. Perhaps in another blog I’ll break down some seasonal patterns, for now, the topic is about what I love most about the sport, not so much on how you do it.
The satisfaction of fishing is breaking down a body of water and putting some fish in the boat. The larger the lake, stream, or pond, the more options the fish have and the greater the challenge. To take thousands of acres of water, find the right area, determine the correct depth, the right piece of cover, present the correct bait, and trigger a positive response, that’s why I do it. Figuring it out. That’s what I love about this sport.