Making Memories Last – Keeping a Fishing Journal

As the years go by and middle age advances, time sees to accelerate. High school may feel like it was only five years ago (a serious under statement!), but all that is left of it – and life’s other milestones – are memories. Throughout the course of our journey we may reach many destinations, all of which enrich our lives in some way or another. By writing things down we can increase our ability to treasure these fleeting moments forever.

For myself, writing journals is something I’ve been doing for more than 20 years – specifically,journals about my fishing escapades. My first journal was a Christmas gift that I received from my father and I’ve received the same special gift every year since. I start and finish my journal entries each time precisely the same way, always ending in a short story highlighting a moment from my day and bringing a certain light to everyone. By establishing a fishing journal as a part of your routine you can not only achieve some enjoyment in writing, but also become a better angler. Each year looking back you can establish when nature starts to unfold her cards. Your journal will show you patterns of when runs of fish will move in or when specific hatches will occur, gibing you an edge for the following year. I break my journal into sections, each one beginning with what i am fishing for. i then break the section down to specifically where i am fishing whether it be a different country, certain river or a carp flat. i also write down the time at my location, because while i may have only fished for an hour on a specific day it may have been a magical hour that i will want to remember.

The weather and temperature are also mentioned as they play an important role in the behavior of the fish. Whether it be a gorgeous autumn day or a torrential downpour, it gets mentioned in my journal. The people in my life also get a mention in my journal entries. All of my fishing partner know they can go back and see what we were fishing form where we were, what the weather was doing that day, what we were using and how much success we were having. I also write down all the details from the first fish caught, the biggest and our combined total if I’m fishing with others. I comment on everything from how I or others produce fish, to special tackle and area fishing reports so that I can go back and look outside my box.

I can see where others were successful when fishing for Cutties on one river or steelheading on another. I’ll write down which sections of runs will fish better certain years or what freshwater bones are feeding on at different times. I even incorporate my gardening background, noting which plants are flowering or which berries are ripe – all observations to inform me on what nature is up to at a particular time.

Every day consists of highs and lows, and all of these get cemented into history in my journal (although highlights of the day are favorite to write about). This part usually brings me to the end of my entry. I relive the day and write a short story about all the happenings that occurred: from losing the flies i spent all winter tying ( along with my belly boat, new flippers and lucky fishing hat), to steelheading up north with my two favorite partners, Ralphy and Gus, while fa four-point buck hangs nearby. this last story is from my latest entry an, as usual I have taken down every detail. We arrived to blown-out rivers, unsettled weather and slow fishing, but its still been an adventure I’ll never want to forget. Try to write in as much detail as possible and take down everything you think of. Its all helpful! these entries are keys to increasing you fishing success, but they also highlight what you still have left to learn. Which is a good thing, because if we knew everything what fun would fishing really be?!

The Swing is the Thing

This special place is the birth of my existence. Like thousands before me, I’ve chosen this river as my home water, me lifeblood. I have walked this beat 100 times before, and every time it feels brand new. Taking time to observe and watch my surroundings, nature once again opens it window of opportunity. Life, as well as fishing, is all about timing and today I’m blessed with being in the right place at the right time. Amongst the polished cobbles and fist-sized boulders, I see the flash of fish. Not just any fish, but my beloved bull trout.

When fishing for most game fish that BC has to offer, the swing is the thing. When swinging a fly, spoon or spinner through a run while effectively covering all the water in front of you, fish have a natural tendency to crush your presentation. I’d like to tell you that this is complicated, but really, it’s the easiest and most effective style of fishing you could choose. The procedure is simple; always start at the head of the run, casting your presentation directly across from you. Avoid obstacles such as sunken logs, root balls and hidden obstructions that can grab the fly or lure. Simply, these structures are excellent for hiding fish. Textbook procedure states that you need to mend your fly-line upstream, which slows your presentation and sends it deeper into the depths. Once the line becomes taut your fly is now doing the dance, swinging and captivating its audience. Everybody wants to have her or his name on that dance card. The swing of your presentation mimics the prey fleeing the predator. Any opportunistic fish will grab it, sometimes plucking the whole way through its swing. Beginners may have a tendency to set the hook, which in turn will pull your presentation away from your quarry. Instead, let the fish take the fly. Sensing the struggle, slowly lift the rod as you feel the weight of the fish. When your presentation is finished the swing then your fly, spoon or spinner will be at your feet, effectively covering all the water in front and below. Now to fish the whole run correctly, take your steps downstream accordingly. I usually take five steps as my dance move. If I’m constanty hooking up, I will take baby steps covering all the water below until the tail out. Once completed, go back to the head of the run to fish through or walk down to the next run to swing again.

Garry Elgear