01-20-2003, 11:57 PM
[cool] Now that's what I call a real newsy post. Great stuff. I'm assuming the fish were shallower than the fish in Saguaro. I had heard that they are shallower but I wasn't aware they were so touchy. I'll bet that was tough with the wind blowing. I can handle almost anything but wind...especially when it is a finesse bite.
You were modest in not pointing out that most fishermen do not do well if it requires "touch" to catch fish. You really have to be in tune with what is going on down there, and experienced enough to know the difference between a taker and a twig. It ain't always easy, no matter how experienced you are. I've made some great hooksets on tree branches and failed to react in time on real fishies far more often than I'd care to admit.
But, to me, that's a big part of what fishing is all about. You keep fishing and learning and refining your tackle and skills, until you can fish almost any water and any conditions with confidence. That's a big key too, as you well know. You have to maintain an expectant attitude so that when that subtle difference happens at the end of your line, you are expecting it and do the right thing.
You hate to brag and be smug about having a good fish count when the other guys are zipping, but dang it, when you have earned it, it's okay to gloat a little. Now you gotta translate your skills into a tournament, where it really counts...and cash it.
We shall go forth upon the waters together soon...I hope. Man, I have had a steady procession of out-of-towners...and other downers. My rod arm has a steady twitch that is downright embarassing...especially in mixed company. If I don't get an antidote for my case of fishing pox soon, I won't be responsible for my actions.
One suggestion I might toss out for your arsenal, on your next trip...is some 6" ringworms...black with chartreuse tails. I rig them jig style, with an 1/8 ounce jig head...black with chartreuse eye. In the cold and/or murky waters of the Verde River and lakes that color is well received...either bounced down the slope or vertical jigged on points and humps. They work well drop shotted too.
Keep in touch. We gotta do it.
[signature]
You were modest in not pointing out that most fishermen do not do well if it requires "touch" to catch fish. You really have to be in tune with what is going on down there, and experienced enough to know the difference between a taker and a twig. It ain't always easy, no matter how experienced you are. I've made some great hooksets on tree branches and failed to react in time on real fishies far more often than I'd care to admit.
But, to me, that's a big part of what fishing is all about. You keep fishing and learning and refining your tackle and skills, until you can fish almost any water and any conditions with confidence. That's a big key too, as you well know. You have to maintain an expectant attitude so that when that subtle difference happens at the end of your line, you are expecting it and do the right thing.
You hate to brag and be smug about having a good fish count when the other guys are zipping, but dang it, when you have earned it, it's okay to gloat a little. Now you gotta translate your skills into a tournament, where it really counts...and cash it.
We shall go forth upon the waters together soon...I hope. Man, I have had a steady procession of out-of-towners...and other downers. My rod arm has a steady twitch that is downright embarassing...especially in mixed company. If I don't get an antidote for my case of fishing pox soon, I won't be responsible for my actions.
One suggestion I might toss out for your arsenal, on your next trip...is some 6" ringworms...black with chartreuse tails. I rig them jig style, with an 1/8 ounce jig head...black with chartreuse eye. In the cold and/or murky waters of the Verde River and lakes that color is well received...either bounced down the slope or vertical jigged on points and humps. They work well drop shotted too.
Keep in touch. We gotta do it.
[signature]