CATCH MORE FISH THIS YEAR "Midwest Anglers"

The fishing season of 2022 has arrived. In some areas across the Midwest regulations limit us to the fish species that we can catch, but in other areas most species are fair game. In areas where seasons are open year ‘round, anglers are already out there chasing walleyes, northern pike, bass, and panfish. The next few weeks are extremely popular and productive times for an angler to get on the water in search of fishing action. If those anglers keep the next few ideas in mind, they will be more successful in that search.

Fish of any species that I know of have two priorities in life: they spawn, and they eat. The spawn for some species is just starting and is a couple of weeks or months away for other species. When the fish complete the spawning ritual, they go through a period of recuperation, and after that, all they think about is eating. They’ll spend much of their time looking for the next meal. The predator fish will be near baitfish or crawdads or bugs or whatever they eat in the body of water being fished. Fish where the food is, and you’ll be fishing near the predator fish.

Next thing to keep in mind: don’t get locked into one particular technique. There are lots of ways to catch fish. You can use live bait or artificial bait. You can cast, troll, or drift. You can move your lure fast or slow. The key is, try different things until the fish show you what they want.

Also, be willing to chase different species of fish. Most lakes and rivers are home to several types of fish. There are times when some species of fish are more willing to bite than others. If the walleyes aren’t willing to play along, tie on a bass bait or a panfish bait. It’s important to have a plan in place when you hit the water, but it’s also important to switch to Plan B if Plan A isn’t working. If the type of fish you’re after isn’t cooperating, try catching something else. It’s a lot more fun to catch a bunch of bass than to not catch walleyes.

Remember that river fish are often more aggressive when weather conditions are not the best for fishing. When the fish in the lake are reluctant to bite, the fish in a nearby river might be easier to catch. River fish are constantly fighting the current, so they expend more energy. That means they must eat more often, and that means they will be more willing to take your bait.

Here’s the big one: go fishing whenever you get the chance! Even when conditions aren’t particularly good for fishing, if you get the chance, to go, go. And when conditions are good, make the time to go. Time is a precious commodity to many people. We let things like mowing the yard take priority. Every now and then, go fishing even if you must sacrifice something else. If you go fishing more often, you’re going to catch more fish. Catching fish isn’t the only reason we go fishing, but it sure adds to the experience. If you keep the previous ideas in mind, you’ll add to your fishing experience almost every time out.

– Bob Jensen of fishingthemidwest.com.