Tips for
Fishing Crowds
- The July Fourth
holiday is upon is and it is a weekend when everyone heads to the
lake to boat around, swim, fish and just try to stay cool. The
lakes and rivers are packed, but that doesn’t mean you need to put
away the fishing pole. Fishing in a crowd of boats can be a success
if you adapt your techniques to match the busy-water conditions.
- It’s the shallow
fish that get spooked by boat traffic so target the fish that are in
the deeper water. A deep weedline or rockpile are perfect places to
search. A mid-lake sunken island or reef are other great options.
- Trolling can be
tough when you get boats anchored on your trolling path. Instead
use a vertical jigging approach as you drift a deep breakline, or
anchor yourself and work a zone with a slipbobber. These techniques
are actually quite effective in early July.
- If you’re going
to use a slipbobber use one with a bigger body so you benefit from
the wave action created by the skiers and pleasure boaters. The up
and down “jigging” motion created by these artificial waves can
trigger bites.
- Although skiers
that buzz your boat and pleasure-craft that cut you off can be
frustrating, keep a positive attitude. I’m a firm believer that
attitude makes a big difference in fishing success so realize
immediately you’re going to have a lot of company on the water
this holiday period and make it work for you.