Multitasking
August 17, 2005
Multitasking is our familiar term for a human beings simultaneous handling of multiple tasks. Doing more than one thing at a time - or so it would seem. Your ordinary human being can often be found multitasking at any given moment: breathing, walking, thinking, and chewing gum, all at the very same time - but some fishermen do not. Applying your multitasking capabilities within your world of fishing should be a personal priority should you wish to reap the benefits and rewards of successful fishing on a consistent basis.
If you resemble the more common, avid coastal fisherman, you keep abreast of the latest developments and successful-bite stories via daily and weekly fishing reports. And in doing so, you may have noticed that you continue to hear more and more dismal reports from many coastal anglers stating their recognition of how slow the fishing has been over the course of the past couple weeks. Regardless, and in addition to last weeks presentation of somewhat lower tides, I was fortunate enough to locate a particular shoreline that consistently produced anywhere from 20 to 30 trout each day last week, ranging in size from 15 to 24.
In my continuous effort to lead by example, I wish to share with you those things I look for during these slow periods, and how it is we have managed to catch Trout throughout the course of each day. One thing you should always remember is to make it a point to key-in on swimming pods of bait, and to make other such logical observations. An item of interest that comes to mind from last weeks experiences is the fact that we never saw any jelly fish in our vicinity during these productive days. We have noted that water temperatures in locations that hold vast amounts of floating jelly fish tend to be extremely warm - even hot. Furthermore, I have made special note of the 82-84 degree water temperature during the first two hours of daylight each morning. Our first Trout was generally caught as the sun rises around 7:00am, with the initial action normally taking place in, or near, chest deep water over sand and grass. A second important element is to make an asserted effort to locate trout-green water prior to setting up your wade sessions. A third factor to remember, and one that I have attempted to re-enforce in previous articles and reports, is the importance of you not moving after the catch of your first solid Trout - simply dont move. During one particular trip this past week, I realized I had not moved my feet for more than two hours. My party and I found ourselves casting 25-40 times without a hit, when all of a sudden everyone would get pounced on by a solid Trout. The fish were moving in and out while following the bait, but the hardest part of the equation was keeping the party members focused due to their lack of patience. Heck, during one of our long periods of not catching fish, I found myself offering up a FREE hat to the next person to catch a keeper Trout. Dont laugh just yet! The guys, who had previously become lazy, immediately started grinding it out and, consequently, began catching again. As is often the case, we sometimes need to be motivated, or pushed, in order to once again become productive. So many times we find ourselves second guessing ourselves - wondering if the grass may be greener elsewhere. But after setting up and then not catching, you wish you had stayed at your previous location. By being able to remain focused, by continuing to cast without receiving hits, by forcing yourself not to move, and by keeping a positive attitude while waiting for the bite to return is definitely a true form of multitasking in the fishing world - but is often what is required in order to keep catching fish.
By the time you read this, Redfish shall be schooling up in large pods on our area shorelines. Look for explosive splashes, and the familiar fleeing of bait fish accompanied by large fanning tails. Additionally, keep an eye peeled for the presence of fleeing shrimp - this is a great way to sight cast to September BIGs. My favorite top water lure of choice is a pink Skitter Walker rigged with single hooks instead of the factory-installed treble hooks. These single hooks allow you to unhook your catch faster, and they also tend to work in a fashion more symbolic of that of a weed-less bait. I prefer to cast ahead of the moving Reds, walking-the-dog as I advance the bait upon the pod. Hang on as you make your approach in this manner, as the fight will be on. Norton Sand Eels rigged with 1/8-ounce laser lock heads work well for these Reds as well, especially over hard, sandy shorelines that are commonly mixed with small beds of grass and undulations. Go get em!
In closing, the team of guides at Bay Flats wishes to remind everyone of the rapid approach of the upcoming waterfowl season, with this years opening day being November 5th. Although it is a bit early for us to have yet witnessed any noticeable flights, we will soon commence our annual preparations of the blinds. November is a wonderful time of the year to experience a Blast & Cast trip, also known as our Duck-Fish Combos - hunt waterfowl in the mornings; take a short break, and exchange the shotgun for top waters lures. Remember to practice CPR, Catch, Photo, and Release, whenever possible on trophy Trout and RedsGuide Chris Martin, Port OConnor/Seadrift region.
www.BayFlatsLodge.com1-888-677-4868 __________________
Keep Grinding
