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The Things I've Learned
by Lance Merz for The Mack Attack, October 01, 2016
During this past fishing season, I believe that I’ve grown not only as a person, but as an angler, as well. As we are all aware, each season changes, whether it’s as subtle as a different color change, or as substantial as a different lure that works all together. Either way, we must remain fluid in regards to our local Departments of Fish & Wildlife with their projected forecasts and/or stocking reports. In this past season, I’ve fished for Kokanee, Trout, Walleye, Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Bass and Panfish. Some of the things that I’ve learned is as follows:
1. Equipment: Just as in any skilled trade, it is always important to have the right tool for the job. There is no difference when it pertains to fishing. I used to think that one rod was good enough to catch virtually any type of fish and boy was I wrong! There is virtually every type of rod for every type of fishing style and species. Yes it’s true, some of these rods can be quite expensive, and that’s just the rod! A rod is not good without a good reel, so the price gets even more expensive. I have actually purchased a few of these “high end” rods, which can make all the difference in the world when playing a fish; you can feel more, which makes it more enjoyable. The list of supplies and equipment that an angler needs can be endless, but focus on what is important to you and ask questions to those people of what works best for them.
2. Don’t be afraid of change: I’ve been guilty of not changing a particular lure that seems to catch more fish than others. What I’ve learned however, is that change is good! This past year, I won a kokanee derby because of a lure that I had been playing with for a couple of years that caught fish consistently; it is called the “Kokanee Hoochie™” made by Mack’s Lure. Yes, we have other great kokanee lures such as the Cha Cha® Kokanee Squidder, or the UV Magic™ Imperial Spoon, but I found that if all the anglers around you are fishing the same lure with the same set up, throwing out something different may just be the trick to entice those to bite even more.
3. Listen: Even to this day, I ask a lot of questions because I don’t The Things I’ve Learned By Lance Merz know even half of the answers that the pro’s do. Whether it be talking to a guide or a professional angler, or the subject matter expert at your local bait & tackle shop, these people are going to have a lot of answers that you may have questions to.
4. Patience: If you don’t catch any fish the day you go out, it’s ok! That’s why they call it “fishing” and not “catching”. To me, catching fish is a relaxing event that gives me memorable experiences with friends and family, but when I don’t catch fish, it makes me try harder the next time I go out. I’m glad I don’t catch fish every time I go out; it makes me humble. After all, isn’t being in the great outdoors good enough?
These are just some of the things that I’ve learned this past fishing season, and continue to learn new things everyday I’m in this industry. I can’t wait until the season picks up again to learn more; not just from the Pro’s and guides, but the people fishing right next to me.
Is that person you?
