by Lance Merz, January 31, 2014

It’s that time of season again. Sportsman’s shows are popping up everywhere in the Pacific Northwest and it embellishes a sort
of feeding frenzy; especially for fishing. There are many fishermen
who go to these shows to see what’s new and exciting for the new
fishing season, and many are filling up their tackle boxes in preparation. However, these shows are not just about shopping. It’s also a place to learn about particular fisheries and types of fishing that we can all get out and enjoy.

There are many of us that go to shows to wander up and down the
isles; but there is an opportunity to learn from some of the best
fishermen around. I’m talking about seminars that are hosted by the show. These seminars are a plethora of information to you and me
because they are taught by master anglers who have had much success with fishing. If someone is consistently landing more fish in their boat, wouldn’t you want to listen to ensure that you do as well? Most of these seminars will teach you how to be a better fisherman in the area in which you live. These classes teach you how to rig your line, which bait to use (if any), equipment needed to ensure success, and the list goes on and on.

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a seminar at the Kennewick
Sportsman Show in Washington State by a master angler named Johnnie Candle. Johnnie is a member of the Pro Walleye Tour and won in 2010. If you want to know anything about Walleye fishing, Johnnie is just one of many who know exactly how to do it. The most important lesson that I learned from his seminar is that you can’t be afraid to try new things, which will help you catch more fish. In his seminar, he explained the difference between “spot” fishing and “pattern” fishing.

Spot fishing is going out to a local lake or river and picking a spot that you think looks good for fishing. You may or may not get lucky by
fishing this spot because there are many factors that come into play when picking a good spot. Instead, he talked about “pattern” fishing,
which is researching a pattern where people have caught the most
fish. Again with the factors, it all comes down to water temperature,
forage in that area, contours of the lake or river, outside temperature, trolling speeds, types of bait used, types of lures used, time of day and which equipment to use; just to name a few. He stated that if you can learn the patterns of where the fish are using these factors, you will catch more fish. Instead of going to a “spot” to fish, learn about those factors and where they are on that particular body of water you are in.

You can easily learn these patterns by talking to people in your local
bait and tackle shop, through online fishing forums and seminars at your local sportsman shows or on the water.The more you know about fishing, the better you’ll be at catching fish. Learning everything
you can will determine your success rate and bring a more enjoyable
experience that you can share with friends and family for years to come. Look for Mack’s Lure products at your local Sportsman Show. They
will help you catch more fish to be sure. Also be sure to check out the
tips and rigging section as well as videos, on the Mack’s Lure website
at www.MacksLure.com.