A Guide's Secrets to Catching More Fish
By CAPT. PHIL WELLS

It is often said that fishing guides have a “sense” for fishing.  This is how they're able to fish and make a living at it.  I have heard people say of certain guides who have an uncanny ability to catch fish, “he can smell the fish” or “he was reincarnated from a fish.” Setting myth and legend aside, one is left with a person who has developed and honed their skills by spending a lot of time on the water.

Above all, they have the ability to observe -- a characteristic that, in time, will often make an average angler into a highly skilled angler.

How does one develop good observation skills? The answer is quite simple: spend your time on the water wisely. If fishing a new or old area move into it slowly and occasionally stop trolling or poling and take a really good look around.   Do you see mullet in the area? Are Pelicans dropping in to snatch up a mouthful of food?  Do you see a school of baitfish catching air in a fleeing frenzy?

When approaching a mangrove shoreline I often look for birds that are flying parallel to the shore.  Taking that one short moment to observe low flying avian can reveal the location of lazy fish.  Redfish and other species lying in wait for a meal will “spook” as the bird passes just inches above.

Observing the water’s surface is vital to locating fish.  Looking for subtle movements of water can often reveal where the fish are and where they’re moving.  Small ripples may be worth a cast if they appear to be moving opposite to the water’s general direction.  Look for wakes created by schools of Mullet. They almost always will have redfish mixed in with them.  The bait-o-choice, my favorite “redfish finder,” in this situation is the time tested small gold spoon.

Learning about tides and current flow will increase one’s chances of catching.  If you plan on fishing a particular area, note the tides before hand -- Observe the direction and speed of the current as the tide changes.  Movement is more obvious during spring tides and less obvious in neap (slow) tide periods.  Moving water plays an important role in the finding and catching equation, as many species wait for it to sweep food their way.  

Noting the direction and speed of the wind is also important in that a good breeze can move a lot of water.  This is important to observe because wind may lower or heighten a predicted tide and can increase or decrease the time it takes a tide to move in or out.  

Recalling what you have observed helps the chances for catching fish on your next outing.  Over time, many guides and anglers are able to commit much of what is seen and heard to memory.  However, keeping a good log and occasionally reading the entries can substantially increase your catching ratio with each subsequent trip.

It all comes down to one simple word – observation. Sharpening these skills can increase your percentage of hook-ups during any day of fishing.   Keep in mind that Mother Nature is kind enough to tap you on the shoulder and pointing out fish for you.  All it takes is a keen sense of observations.

Remember, go prepared, keep your head on a swivel and don’t hesitate to investigate any of these hints provided to you.

Capt. Phil Wells

Seeker Fishing charters
(813) 891-0695