Fishing, like many other activities in life, consists of the haves and have-nots, successes and failures, as well as winners and winners. Why do some fishermen consistently wrap into buckets full of fish, while others come home with an empty ice chest and a headache? If the 80/20 rule applies to fishing, then one factor that separates the 20% of fishermen who catch 80% of the fish from the 80% who catch 20% of the fish? Although a full-scale analysis of fishing methods will take a whole book, we can at least say that the success of fishing depends largely on knowing what is happening underwater. The better you can estimate where the fish is located, the better your chances of success in fishing. If you have an electronic fish finder, your job is easy while fishing on the Stillwater Lakes. For those of you who do not, there are surface indicators in lake lakes that tell you where the fish are likely to be located.
Vegetation, both underwater and ashore, provides the fish with a safe haven. Reeds, shrubs, trees, rushes, water lilies and sedge beds provide food sources, and you, the fisherman, should observe such plant life.
Reed beds
Cane beds are grassy plants that run along the lakeshore shoreline. They have many different species of animals, such as snails and larvae of larvae and dragonflies, and therefore attract many species of fish, such as pike and perch, that swim around the edges in search of prey.
Look for these cane beds. Using bait or dragonfly bait, patrol these reed beds up and down. Keep in mind that this is shallow water. If you are fishing on a boat, you need to minimize boat movement and noise. A trolling motor is needed to reduce the noise that causes the buzzing of the engine and increase control over the boat so that you can place the bait on the nose of the fish.
Water lilies
Water lilies are those wide leaves that cover the water surface of a still lake. They help clean water from the greenish hue caused by phytoplankton, by reducing sunlight from falling into the water. Since phytoplankton does not receive the necessary sunlight, they cannot grow and therefore you have a clear lake. Usually you will find water lilies on a surface about 5-6 feet deep - the key to water depth. Fish, such as the piccher and the perch, often make their way through the stalks beneath these lily cushions, undermining food from under the cushions. Large fat fish such as carp sometimes warn of their presence by cleaning the stems and swaying water lilies. Thus, on a quiet day without much current, the indicator for the possible life of the fish is when you see movement in the lily cushions.
Coastline
Trees, bushes and shrubs that grow along the shore of the lake and hang over the surface of the water are of interest to fishermen. These plants are inhabited by beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, which fall from the branches, providing a source of food for fish, such as trout. In addition, the larvae and snails grow along the branches, leaves and roots that fall into the water.
Thus, with your trolling engine you quietly and smoothly approach the area, throw a dry fly into the water, and you are in the fishing business.
Tree branches
Apparently, you will find buoys or signs pointing to piles of tree branches or logs submerged under water. They provide areas for feeding fish, so they notice these signs where they exist.
Bubbles and ripples
Have you ever noticed these little bubbles that came to the surface of the water? Guess what causes it? You guessed. Catfish and carp will be disturbed by dirt and soot at the bottom of the lake, directing gaseous gases to the surface. In addition, feed for fish, such as trout, will alert you to their presence, creating ripples and waves in the water. Therefore it pays to keep your eyes on the water and to follow these signals. If you notice traces of bubbles on the surface of the water, bring your bait, and you are lucky.
Observing these signals about possible fish activity is one thing, and the other is to be able to catch yourself and catch fish. The more responsive, maneuverable and secretive you are, the better your chances of catching something. The discussed vegetation areas will mainly be in shallow water. If you step on the deck of your boat, throttling the outboard motor, you risk to throw out the fish. The solution is to use a trolling engine. Some models with a sloping nose have leg controls that allow you to easily slide into place with a little engine noise and a rocking boat.
So what separates the 20% haves from 80%? Often it is the ability to observe the lake ecosystem and spotty signs indicating areas of fish activity.
