Finally we are at the best stage of fishing. The stage which is what all the hype and fuss is about. We are now about to hit the water!
Leading up to this article the authors provided you the reader with detailed descriptions and tips on how to prepare yourself for a fun filled productive day on the water. Please refer to the November and December 2013 editions as well as the January 2014 issue of the Bass Digest. Now it’s up to you to take our advice and make the best of your time on the water.
At this point in time there are quite a few good fishing platforms which offer you the reader a rather inexpensive means to get competitive. These platforms cater for the rookie to the advanced angler, to young and old, male or female. Everyone can join in on the fun.
We will be focussing on how to prepare for a competition day and how to fish on competition day.
Like with the majority of other sport disciplines, the more time you spend practising the discipline the better and more confident you will become over time, and this rule applies to fishing as well.
Pre-fishing a competition venue will give you an advantage over the other anglers, during pre- fishing be sure to document your findings for further reference when you won’t be able to pre-fish or just to determine a pattern. Document findings such as water temperature, wind direction and speed, water clarity, the time of day that you were most successful and what lures caught fish.
The last step before you get on the water is rigging your gear. Make sure during your research of the venue that you ascertain what structure the dam has on offer, then be sure to rig your gear accordingly. The last thing you want is to be rigged for grass free waters, only to find upon your arrival that the entire dam is filled with grass.
Majority of anglers have more than one fishing setup (Rod & Reel) as this allows them to switch between baits with ease.
Now the fishing can start, depending on the time of day you will be fishing the general rule is that our beloved bucket mouth friends are most active early morning and late afternoon. If you enjoy fishing reaction style baits this would be the most productive time to be casting these baits.
A DAY ON THE WATER
Bass Digest/February, 2014