2019 Report Card?

[wader105]

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?

[tomm]

I agree. I did much better at Blue Marsh than I did at Marsh Creek this year and I think that says a lot.

Tom

[yotone]

I would have to grade myself a C-
Boat/kayak traffic really affected my game plan basically every trip. Its really hard to get excited about going up that stretch going up knowing you have to get in a line and wait your turn to fish the same stumps. That aside ive relied way too much on the chatterbait. Ive got to learn to fish other ways besides throwing a jig and chatterbait at the bank. I feel I need to target fish in other ways further off the shore. my jig fishing skills throwing it into heavy cover really needs to improve as well. my accuracy and my approach to targets have really frustrated me at times.

[Oldguy]

wader 105...Don't beat yourself too hard. It is tough to pattern fish when there is zero cover and one foot water clarity. If we all want a better year next year we need to lobby against spraying the lake. Fish have no option but to roam the lake in search if bait schools. It is unhealthy for the fish and unhealthy for the hundreds of folks who use the lake. I am stunned that nobody complains about having an algae base for a drinking water reserve. I would never do all the paddle board and other activities having to jump in that gunk. I guess it will take someone getting sick before anything changes. As far as a grade for this year...well lets just say you had to work for your fish this year.