I’m sure you have all heard the saying that 10% of the fisherman catch 90% of the fish. We all wish that we could reach those lofty fish slime covered heights. But lets face it, for most of us, that will never be the case. Most fishermen, including myself, have jobs, kids and wives that all take up that necessary time that would allow us to fish the 4 to 6 days a week so we never have the time it takes to learn the ins and outs of all the fishing we love to do.
So what’s the solution? How can we reach fish catching Nirvana? Well, the answers are simple. First, I have two answers for you – Fishing Mentors and Specialization.
While I would like to tell you that my Dad was my first fishing mentor, it would be a lie. Dad liked to fish, but wasn’t much in the catching department. Actually, my first Fishing Mentor was Russ Gates. he had been our neighbor when I was little, but moved to central Oregon when he retired (with his wonderful wife Liz). Together, they fished all of the central Oregon lakes in their tan Tri hull boat. I can honestly say that those two caught tons of fish. So, when we would visit them in Central Oregon, it was like visiting family, but ones that could fish. They taught me to find natural bait (larvae, damsel flies, etc). They taught me how to find the spots in the shallow lakes that held fish and why. And they showed me that there were trout big enough to bury a 5 inch red and white bobber. Overall, our biggest trout was 32 inches, caught by my 5 year old sister on a closed faced spincast reel. it was nearly bigger than her (she has a habit of hooking big fish, more on her later). I digress… My point on this is that without the Russ and Liz Gates to show us the way, we would never have found the trout fishing success that I have. And ironically, that success helped me to become a fishing partner of my Salmon and Steelhead mentor, Steve. During a fishing discussion with Steve, I told him a few of the secrets I had learned (including secret fishing spots that aren’t so secret anymore thanks to some fishing magazines!). That led to hundreds of hours in his Willie driftboat fishing for steelhead and a bunch of trips to Lapine for trout. Thanks to Steve, I count myself to be a better steelhead fisherman than mos (he is definitely a 10 % guy). I’m nowhere near the 10% club for Salmon and Steelhead but I’m working on it. I’m damn close to it for Plug Fishing (Kwikfish!). My latest fishing mentor is my father-in-law, Tom. He is the most experienced fisherman I have ever met. he grew up as a commercial fishermans son in Wrangle Alaska. He bought his own boat as an adult and continued the family tradition. He has been trolling for Salmon and long lining Halibut and Black cod for years. For fun, he sport trolls for Marlin in Mexico (Catch and Release). When he talks Salmon, it pays to listen. I have seen him accurately predict bites (nearly to the second) numerous times. He is a serious fish killer!
So, the lesson here is to listen when a real fisherman talks. Their words and experience can propel you to the 10% club.
Dorado-On-The-Hook