Post by wader105 on Sept 30, 2019 17:12:28 GMT -5
So, now that summer's officially over, I was looking back over the season and thought it might be a good idea to rate how I did this year, especially since it felt like it was a rather disappointing season.
The Lake: D-
Water clarity seemed to be my biggest challenge this year. Since I wade fish, my main methods are slow/finesse like jigging, drop shot, etc. using smaller baits. I had some good days early in the season, but the warmer the temperature got, the less clarity. I didn't get all the way around the lake this year, but noticed a lot less grass than in past years - I also like to drag a naked worm or small frog over grass mats - but didn't see much grass other than north side of the bridge. I think we've discussed this subject quite a few times with most in agreement: less grass = not good. Insecticides/poor lake management is producing less and less grass every year. The only other negative was constant high water levels - kind of hinders my access. I didn't really consider this a negative against the lake, though, not much you can do about lots of rain. Although there seems to have been an awful lot of rain at least the last two years.
Me: F
After cussing out the lake and every other excuse for too many skunky days, I realized it was more my fault than the elements. Good fisherman find ways to to find/catch fish. Assess the elements and change the game plan - I did not. My inability to be more flexible and try other methods/presentations cost me better days on the water. If you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result - well, you know what that is. So, next year, if the water clarity is limited again, I'll need to try different methods more like spinners and chatter - something more visual or sound based.
How about you? How would you rate the lake and your success this year? I'd also welcome any tips/suggestions/what worked well for you this year?
The Lake: D-
Water clarity seemed to be my biggest challenge this year. Since I wade fish, my main methods are slow/finesse like jigging, drop shot, etc. using smaller baits. I had some good days early in the season, but the warmer the temperature got, the less clarity. I didn't get all the way around the lake this year, but noticed a lot less grass than in past years - I also like to drag a naked worm or small frog over grass mats - but didn't see much grass other than north side of the bridge. I think we've discussed this subject quite a few times with most in agreement: less grass = not good. Insecticides/poor lake management is producing less and less grass every year. The only other negative was constant high water levels - kind of hinders my access. I didn't really consider this a negative against the lake, though, not much you can do about lots of rain. Although there seems to have been an awful lot of rain at least the last two years.
Me: F
After cussing out the lake and every other excuse for too many skunky days, I realized it was more my fault than the elements. Good fisherman find ways to to find/catch fish. Assess the elements and change the game plan - I did not. My inability to be more flexible and try other methods/presentations cost me better days on the water. If you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result - well, you know what that is. So, next year, if the water clarity is limited again, I'll need to try different methods more like spinners and chatter - something more visual or sound based.
How about you? How would you rate the lake and your success this year? I'd also welcome any tips/suggestions/what worked well for you this year?