Resolutions on New Year’s Eve sometimes get the revelers into a trouble. Some commit to outrageous goals that usually are forgotten just hours later. But what if you made a resolution that could improve your fishing for the coming year. Well, I have several resolutions that I make annually and most times it does make me a better angler.

My first resolution is never allow your gear to be neglected. During the season, maintenance is easy. Rise off any gear that was subjected to the environment especially salt water, air or debris. Lures, jigs and terminal tackle should be cleaned and put in its place. Old bait should be thrown away and not into the water. After each trip remove ten yards of line from your reel to avoid any weak line that may have chaffed and will break under stress. Maintained tackle and fresh bait catches more fish so start fresh each day.

My next one is do your homework – now and all year long.  My home work is studying the areas I want to fish in, the species I target and any new techniques or gear that will give me an advantage. Each year, tackle shops invite representatives to talk about new innovative ways to catch fish as well as the new products on the market. These new items were field tested to improve the catch. Watch for something that makes your angling better. If you don’t hear about any lessons, contact your local tackle shop.

Next one is go to school – learn more. This is the one I can’t stress enough. Over time we all lose our best angling techniques. Even professional guides hire another guides annually to watch their techniques and make recommendations. I have a good friend who has fished for over twenty five years professionally and even he hires a guide to evaluate his skills.  We are never too young or old to learn new tips and to get better at what we do.

Also, there are many seminars and fishing classes available both locally and regionally. Most are in convenient locations. You can also pick up great tips by going to boat shows. I have found professional anglers, fishing club members and boats dealers to be a fantastic resource.

My final resolution is to always “Keep it Simple” when fishing. Never over fish your skill set or knowledge. Start off using tried and true techniques but be prepared to change as the species change their preferences. The lure or jig that worked great last year just might spook the prey this year. So be flexible, be observant and learn something every trip.

So as you think about fishing during this New Year celebrations, make those resolutions that can make a difference in you.

Until next time – Tightlines – Cat. Tony