Outside Iowa: This is the year for learning

Before I jump headfirst into the year’s fishing efforts I like to set some goals.

That in itself has been rather challenging because winter just won’t let go.

Last week’s dose of winter weather in May was hard to take. To be honest right now, if I could punch Mother Nature in the face, I just might…

OK, that’s a bit harsh, but in all reality, this has been the worst spring weather I can remember. Snow in May? When is the last time that happened?

I digress. To help get through these tough times as we wait for summer to actually arrive, I contemplate what I’d like to accomplish this year as an angler.

Whether its following hunting or fishing season, I strive to learn something new annually—even if it’s from my mistakes.

As I look back on how I like to fish, I have habits. Some good, but many bad.

I plan to isolate a few bad ones that cost me time on the water and rid myself of them.

Bad habits are hard to kick, but I’m sure we’d all agree that we could stand to free ourselves of at least a few.

When I say ‘bad habits,’ I’m referring to things like continuing to throw a particular lure because that’s what I want to catch fish on, rather than listening to what the fish want and adjusting accordingly.

Here’s an example: I love to throw a crankbait, and will do so 75 percent of my time on the water. It works great, but there are times when I should slow down and work a worm or a jig.

I also love to fish scum frogs in the heavy slop or lilly pads. This is a very exciting way to consistently catch summer fish.

But, sometimes they are not that aggressive and won’t break the water’s surface. So, what instead?

As I have been reading lately, a newer way to successfully pull bass from the dense salad is through the use of a punch bait.

These consist of a large, lazer-sharp hook, tungsten nose weight, and a big and attractive plastic trailer.

Drop this rig through the heavy stuff and you’ll find fish that you weren’t otherwise able to catch. At least, that’s the theory.

I’m going to give it an honest try this year.

I also plan to upgrade some of my equipment. One of the latest advancements in fishing technology is how vast the assortment of rods has become. Sure, the old mentality of “one-size-fits-all” historically caught a lot of fish. But, as tactics have evolved, so have the hardware requirements.

In today’s day-and-age, rod manufacturers are building tactic-specific rods designed to appeal to specific presentations.

For example, crankbait rods have a slow-action tip that allows you to feel the structure you are coming in contact with, but the slower tip also prevents you from setting the hook too fast, thus pulling the bait from the fish’s mouth.

Heavy-duty jigging—like punch baits—has a rod unique to that tactic as well, and all the way down to drop-shotting for crappies, walleyes, or bass.

If you’re skeptical, try one out and I’m sure you’ll be convinced.

I’d recommend a couple rod manufacturers I have experienced tremendous customer service with and can personally vouch for their product quality: St. Croix and Fenwick.

Both are veteran rod designers/builders and I have personally fished with many of their products.

As we wait for winter to pass, write a list of a few things you’d like to change as an angler, and what gear you’d like to put in your boat this year.

I bet you’ll catch more fish because of it!

Good luck and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Live It Up!

Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center.  He is the Managing Editor with North American Fisherman, official publication for North American Fishing Club. For questions or archived articles please visit www.outsideiowa.com; tha481@gmail.com