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View Full Version : When it's nobodies fault.




walleye express
03-04-2005, 11:10 AM
I've been reading and posting on fishing site boards now for about 3 years or so. I enjoy sharing the knowledge I've acquired through years of my own experience and helping people be better fishermen. And this is not to pass judgment on any posters or contributors, rather they be Pro's or beginners.

But I've noticed a distinct tendency by most new, and some not so new to the fishing game, to ask for specific explanations from Pro's why they didn't/couldn't catch any fish on Lake X or River Y, and just what the Pro's would do different to change that.

Now, don't get me wrong. Asking people with the most time and experience spent doing any particular work is not a bad idea. And, there may always be a technique, lure type, certain bait or way to rig it, even certain places on that lake/river to find feeding walleyes during that tough time of year. But even the Pro's, Guides and Charters come to the scales or docks skunked on more than a few occasions, fishing these same bodies of water.

So, even beginners have to realize and understand that it's not always just them, and that on certain days the fish will just not bite and that's all there is to it. And that old saying that "Somebody is catching fish someplace today on this body of water" will always be true. But those fish are usually grouped tight together and have had their feeding triggers pulled by some isolated or reoccurring phenomena on that lake or river on that day.

I think the first few things everybody should learn fast about fishing, is that finding fish is a good start, but doesn't always mean catching fish. And nobody (no matter how experienced) will ever have all the answers to the fishing game.




RickyP
03-04-2005, 12:05 PM
Very well said Capt'n Dan. I've been fishing the western basin of Erie in the Monroe area for the last four years. Some days have been great, some mediocre and others slow (though I must say that the great days have far outnumbered the slow ones). There are so many variables from day to day that even the most experienced guys are left scratching their heads. While it can be frustrating on those slow days, I always think that I'm so damn lucky to be fishing out of a nice boat, on such a beautiful day, on some of the best walleye waters in the world. Why be up tight about not catching fish?

I have a couple of guys I won't fish with anymore cause they don't get this part. Fishing is like a competition to them and they always have to win. They will look for confrontations when trolling in a pack (and somedays Erie seems like one big pack), and just be aholes to their fishing brethren. I don't have time for that. Life's too short. Here's looking forward to the start of another great soft water season.

chamookman
03-05-2005, 03:19 AM
If You can have fun or enjoy a pretty sun rise/set and not be devastated by a skunk in the box, is where it's at for Me. I think alot of the "gotta win" stuff comes from the rush-rush - get out of MY WAY - gotta GO GO GO attitude of People today. Man, slow down and smell the coffee - life indeed is way to short. Bob.

shametamer
03-05-2005, 07:32 AM
ya mean someone actually catches fish?....I thought my reasons were strictly to judge..boat,motor,electronics,rods, reels and tackle. You tryin to say now i'm expected to catch fish too? :confused: ........lol

The Whale
03-06-2005, 04:03 AM
RickyP, chamookman - I agree too. For the last couple years now I've changed my focus from the "dang, where's the fish ?, gotta catch the fish or the trip's not worth it" attitude to the now "this is Great !, nice weather (hopefully ;) ), nice boat, good equipment, what else is there ?" etc. outlook. I typically end up going out on the Bay alone when chasing 'eyes and even though it may be a SOB to launch/return by myself, I reeeaaaalllllyyy enjoy my time out there. I find myself grinning when I'm playing with my equipment. Trying new set ups, switching baits. Just trolling along enjoying the experience of being OUTDOORS doing one of our passions. Catching fish is obviously what we go for, but I sure don't feel like I've wasted any time at all when I don't bring home a box full. The relaxation and enjoyment outweighs the need to land a fish. :D

kcud rellik
03-21-2005, 04:22 PM
im with you guys, i fish just because it gets me outside and away from the city.. i've had more days were i dont catch anything then when i slay them... i'll admit theres nothing like fighting a big fish or even pullin small ones out as quick as you can put your bait in the water.. but if you cant have fun just sittin around fishing then maybe it just isnt your sport?

flyingfish
03-24-2005, 11:34 PM
Amen, brothers! People need to realize that just being out there on a nice day, and having the opportunity to catch fish, IS the sport. Whether you catch any or not, it's still a great day.

kbkrause
03-25-2005, 07:55 AM
RickyP, chamookman - I agree too. For the last couple years now I've changed my focus from the "dang, where's the fish ?, gotta catch the fish or the trip's not worth it" attitude to the now "this is Great !, nice weather (hopefully ;) ), nice boat, good equipment, what else is there ?" etc. outlook. I typically end up going out on the Bay alone when chasing 'eyes and even though it may be a SOB to launch/return by myself, I reeeaaaalllllyyy enjoy my time out there. I find myself grinning when I'm playing with my equipment. Trying new set ups, switching baits. Just trolling along enjoying the experience of being OUTDOORS doing one of our passions. Catching fish is obviously what we go for, but I sure don't feel like I've wasted any time at all when I don't bring home a box full. The relaxation and enjoyment outweighs the need to land a fish. :D

Great attitude Whale. I'm going to have to get up your way one of these days and hit the Bay with you, or at least get some tips...:)

flip69
03-25-2005, 08:22 AM
my avatar put's it in simple terms.