In The Zone

Seek Help To Improve Techniques

Anglers, especially competitive types, are notoriously self-reliant. More often than not they like to figure things out on their own. When an angler discovers a new technique or a productive twist on an old pattern, he is likely to keep it to himself. When asked where and how they caught their fish, many veterans will say nothing, or even lie.

You don’t have to go very far back in our evolution to appreciate the value of keeping your mouth shut about your fishing success. If you remained quiet, you were more likely to continue to feed your family and ultimately pass your genes on to the next generation. If you bragged to your neighbor and he went out and seined all the fish your family had been depending on, your survival could be at stake.

For generation after generation, fishermen had been forced to figure out where and how to catch fish, for the most part on their own. But today’s anglers have the benefit of magazines, books, television and the Internet where they have access to the latest, expert advice.

When most fishing types talk about “getting help,” what they typically want is the location of some closely guarded honey hole or some new, can’t-miss bait. I don’t blame anyone for trying to obtain such information. I like finding out about secret spots as much as the next guy. That’s where you will find “stupid fish,” my favorite quarry. Also, I am a strong advocate of the show-’em-something-they-haven’t-seen approach to lure selection. But let me propose an alternative to following local experts around the lake or peeking in their tackle bags.

One way to get ahead of the competition is to acquire the kind of assistance most anglers don’t seek: help with particular techniques. You need to start with a reasonably accurate catalog of your fishing strengths and weaknesses. Use your own observations, as well as comments and suggestions from people you fish with, to rank your skills and abilities. Take a look at those near the bottom of your list and make a commitment to improving one or two of them. Let’s say that you are pretty good with a Texas-rigged plastic worm, but you have trouble consistently catching fish with a Carolina rig. Commit some serious time and effort into improving your skill with this technique during the coming season.

There is an abundance of information in print, audio and video form on how to effectively fish Carolina rigs. Internet chat rooms can help you exchange such information with people other than your fellow competitors. But nothing beats hands-on instruction provided by someone skilled in the technique. Whatever your approach to learning, you must practice on the water to become truly proficient.

If you find some valuable information on a Web site or magazine, jot it down or photocopy it, and take it to the lake. Set aside a half dozen, 30-minute practice sessions where you work exclusively with a Carolina rig. Experiment with several rod-and-reel combinations, different lines, and various leader, lure and sinker presentations.

It’s OK to learn on your own, but you’ll be a better angler if you don’t limit yourself to one teacher.