Captains Corner, Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        We’ve all become familiar with the term “stay-cation”.  You know, getting away to do something different, but not really leaving town or going to far. But have you ever considered taking a “stay-cation” from your fishing?  Most anglers tend to get in a rut.  We’re creatures of habit so we always leave from the same boat ramp, always fish the same areas.  We keep doing the same thing over and over again because if it’s not broken why fix it?  As humans however, we have a need to continually keep learning new things.  So, consider changing your routine, broadening your horizons and start learning something new.  Before the summer is over make yourself go on a “stay-cation” from your usual fishing holes.  Open a chart and pick a spot you’ve never been to and go there to learn what you can.  Even the most seasoned fisherman can find someplace nearby that they’ve never really taken the time to explore.  Maybe you’ll catch fish, maybe you won’t, but you will be learning valuable information in the process.  If anything you’ll know you either want to return to fish that area again or avoid it at all costs. This same concept applies to shore bound anglers as well.  Make yourself explore a new bridge, or try a different fishing pier, seek out new access points to wade, or investigate different seawalls or beaches.  One thing is for certain in the world of fishing.  If you’ve spent a lot of time on the water, you’ll never know it all.  There is always, always something new to learn.