The Biggest Fishing Mistakes That Inshore Anglers Make

Since there’s not much in the way of a training school for fishermen, we usually have to learn by trial and error. There’s no real school where you can be observed and graded for both accomplishments and mistakes. But we can learn from those who fish, however, we can pick up not-so-good habits as well. We as anglers don’t realize the mistakes we make and probably have been making. The fact is that these mistakes may have a greater impact on our fishing results than using the wrong bait or fishing tactics. So, here are a few tips that are at the top of the list.

Too Loud

• Not slowing the boat when passing other anglers or coming up to their fishing spot.
• Talking loudly. Fish have a sensitive sensory system that allows them to hear and feel sounds even at long distances, like our conversations.
• Walking on the deck. This is especially true when wearing boots. The fish not only hear the noise, but they are also alerted to the vibrations of walking on the deck.
• Not aware of making noises like slamming cooler lids, moving the anchor, or even dropping rods and reels.
• Another problem is getting too close to the fish. The closer you get, the more the fish can hear you coming. Cast from a significant distance and pull the lure to the fish.

Getting Too Close to Other Anglers

• If you can talk or even yell at other anglers, you’re too close. The movement of your boat, and other noises carry a significant distance and can spook the fish the other fishermen are targeting. It can also spook the bait fish that others are depending on to keep the fish nearby. This handy bit of information can also prevent being scolded by the other fishermen.

Leaving the Fishing Spot Too Soon

• It pays to be patient. Many times, the fish will stop biting for a short period. They have been spooked by noise or a predator. If the tide is incoming, and the bait is moving, and other factors are there, it may take a few more minutes of waiting. So, if you don’t get a bite in the first few minutes, don’t head to another location. Instead, check your fishing factors and make sure they’re present. Before you know it, fish will start biting. It will likely happen quickly.

So, be conscious of the 3 issues that can be the difference between a bad day and a great day of fishing. While this advice is pretty basic, it makes a big difference.