What have you learned this fishing season?

[AverageJoeP]

On 11/21/2021 at 7:38 AM, ABrugs said:

I’ve learned that investing in technique specific setups as a novice bass angler wasn’t the best move for me. I’ll be consolidating and upgrading my 4 setups to 1 versatile setup going into my 3rd year bass fishing in 2022.

I feel the same. I went from 3 rods to 14 in less than 2 years. Now I am looking for rods with more quality that work for more than one presentation.

[ABrugs]

@AverageJoeP - Yeah, same page. I also fish from the bank right now and that is a big reason for this for me. My strategy will change once I get my bass boat in a couple of years. Right now, I’d rather bring one setup so I can walk and fish as I go.

[MacJig]

I learned how effective bank fishing can be. I used to be a boat fishing snob. I always thought bank fishing was a waste of time. No more! This year I caught almost 210 fish from the bank (90% Plus of those were Bass). My biggest from shore was about a 4 pounder, 3.9 to be exact. Not bad considering I went out two to three times a week. My buddy caught a 6 pounder from shore. I will never think that bank fishing is a waste of time ... never again!

[AverageJoeP]

@MacJig I only fish from my boat currently and never really wanted to fish from shore. I always think I wont be able to get to a spot worth fishing. I should really give it a try next year. How much do you guys fish from the public docks vs actual shore?

[MacJig]

8 hours ago, AverageJoeP said:

@MacJig I only fish from my boat currently and never really wanted to fish from shore. I always think I wont be able to get to a spot worth fishing. I should really give it a try next year. How much do you guys fish from the public docks vs actual shore?

When I'm home (not at my yearly vacation lake) I fish from shore. I'm sure it's the same for my buddy. He gets a number of 4+ pounders from shore. We fish the local ponds in the area and the results have been fantastic. My favorite bait from shore is the green pumpkin Pit Boss. Plus shore fishing is  easy ! Just put your stuff in the car and go !! The key is to get advice from other anglers where to fish a certain water and then work the water yourself. You will find your favorite spots. Plus Fishbrain helps in finding water and connecting with other anglers in your location. 

 

[RenzokukenFisher]

On 11/19/2021 at 4:41 PM, king fisher said:

I learned all about torn tendons in my shoulder, third world medicine, along with insurance, and torcher centers( also called physical therapy clinics).  I haven't been able to get my kayak out since June.

Sitting on the side lines can be a learning experience, but I would rather be in the game.  I was surprised to learn how many others on this forum have gone through the same experience, and their positive attitudes, has made it easier for me to have a positive attitude.

      

In the same boat currently but with a torn hamstring. Haven't had the Yak out since June and may not be able to get out until May or June of next year! Hamstring injuries are super finicky, think they are just about healed and next thing you know your down and out for a few months.

 

On the bright side I caught a PB this year and that catch in itself taught me alot about how big fish work. Overall, I learned how important is is to listen to that gut instict that kicks in when you're out on the water. If you just get a gut feeling to hit a laydown or something on your way switching between spots, do it. Going to heal strong and stay positive so I can go enjoy this beautiful sport. This time off has taught me to be grateful for the limited time most of us have out on the water.

 

[LrgmouthShad]

55 minutes ago, RenzokukenFisher said:

Hamstring injuries are super finicky, think they are just about healed and next thing you know your down and out for a few months.

Been there too. You are totally right. Heal well buddy

[cyclops2]

Torn muscle & tendons are best done with at least S S staples & a air cast to prevent forgetting your serious injury. Almost been there. I babied it perfectly from fear.

[Choporoz]

I learned a few weeks ago that bass appear to know their water mammals.

  I've noted that bites will fall off when otters are near.  Not sure if the bass take off or just get wary and lockjawed.  I always assumed swimming beavers would have similar effect, even though I routinely catch bass alongside beaver log piles.  But a few weeks ago I was swimming back a long cast and a beaver came around a point.  My bait got slammed at a spot that couldn't have been more than 2 or 3 feet right below the beaver.

   I tend to get a little frustrated with wildlife that I think might screw up my fishing....otters...or cormorants sitting on a great laydown....but I won't curse the swimming beavers anymore...at least the ones that don't tailslap-scare  the crap out of me 

[scaleface]

Also lakes change over time , a lot . There was a featureless cove that for years I avoided , never caught much there . I revisited it once this year , caught a few fish , discovered something unusual about it and it has now  become one of my main destinations .

[PressuredFishing]

On 12/4/2021 at 12:16 PM, MacJig said:

I learned how effective bank fishing can be. I used to be a boat fishing snob. I always thought bank fishing was a waste of time. No more! This year I caught almost 210 fish from the bank (90% Plus of those were Bass). My biggest from shore was about a 4 pounder, 3.9 to be exact. Not bad considering I went out two to three times a week. My buddy caught a 6 pounder from shore. I will never think that bank fishing is a waste of time ... never again!

I love boat fishing but really bank angling is killer when fishing creek arms because bass boats can't get back there or when fishing structure lines that boats can't get into