You can spend your time showering… like a girl… or you can stink and fish… LIKE A MAN!
On this day in history… I chose to stink… and it was worth it.
Catching Fat Illinois Bass on Swim Jigs & Stickbaits!Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
After the weather warmed up a bit it was time to get back out and fish the ‘ol swim jig again… but not without taking the Strike King 4″ Ocho, which had also recently started to produce. Even with all of the wind today, this provided a really nice one-two punch and allowed me to fish fast and slow without stopping in my limited window of time.
This might work for you, too.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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This year my fishing season started off earlier than ever before… and was extremely frustrating. I learned very quickly that when it comes to fishing, there is no “forcing it”. There is no “participation award”. You can’t make things happen no matter how hard you try – but what you can do…
… is pay your dues.
Put in the time. Get in your reps. Make sure you are learning even if you’re not catching fish.
If you do this… the fish will show up…
Illinois Bass Fishing in early spring.Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
By making multiple trips to the bodies of water that you are able to fish you can monitor the changes that take place. You can see when the baitfish population comes to life, when the algae starts to grow and turn the bottom from brown to green. You’ll notice when the water clarity changes, when it begins to warm…
When everything comes to life!
It really is a beautiful thing, and this was the first time in my life that I made an effort to be out while these changes were taking place – even though it was causing a massive amount of self doubt due to the fact that the 3 nice fish I caught in this video were the result of 12 trips to multiple lakes and ponds between March and April in Illinois.
This is ok though – because the fish were not the sole purpose. I wanted to explore, to be by the water, to try different presentations at different times, to experiment and throughout it all – to log my success and failure so that I could learn.
And learn I did.
Chew on this. It is a worthwhile endeavor, and I want you to experience the benefits as well.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
QUICK NOTE: this is the longer version of “Quarantine Fishing“, which was edited for Facebook and meant to be all fun and games with no actual fishing information or much substance.
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During this season that started to become apparent. We pulled a few out of shallow, cold water, and some off of rip rap. To be honest… I had never fished a swim jig this early before…
Shhhh… don’t tell anyone.
On this day I was once again shut down by the quarantine police, but after calling an audible, contacted fish and make a good afternoon out of it. (Remember: we don’t quit. Keep casting, and if something is preventing that, figure out a way to work around it!)
As always, I appreciate and look forward to the fresh air, exercise and casting practice. The fish – well… they’re just a bonus!
Check out this gorgeous swim jig color combination:
Let me know if you have any suggestions for improving, or a pond or creek to fish, or just want to say hey in the comments or social media. I’m always trying to improve and I appreciate your input.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots
Get Articles & Videos First
Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
