Another open water fishing season is quickly approaching. In fact, the bite is on on many of the rivers that meander throughout the Midwest. Anglers on the Missouri, Mississippi, and Fox rivers are all experiencing some fast walleye and sauger action, and farm pond fishing will be heating up in the next few days and weeks. Here are some ideas that will be helpful for catching fish in the next few weeks and months.

 The most important, Number One thing we can do to catch more fish is to make sure you’re fishing near fish. Always be asking yourself while you’re fishing, "Is this an area that should be holding fish right now?" Remember, in the spring the fish will be spawning, the rest of the year they will be eating. If you’re fishing in the spring, you should be fishing near spawning areas. After the spawn, you should be fishing near the fish’s food source. If you want to catch fish, fish where the fish are.

 Try different things. Just because you caught walleyes with a yellow jig on a particular rockpile yesterday doesn’t mean they’ll be there today. You might want to start with a yellow jig on that rockpile today, but if nothing happens, try a different color jig, then a different lure presentation entirely. If the fish still don’t respond, find a different rockpile or different type of structure to try.

 Commit yourself to learning a new technique this year, or at least improving your skills on a particular technique. In the past three years I’ve done a lot of fishing with planer boards in an attempt to become more proficient with them. That time has been well spent. On many bodies of water, my Off Shore in-line planer boards are now one of the tools I reach for first. Because of the time I’ve spent with planer boards, I am now a more complete angler.

 Pay attention to details. There is no one secret to becoming a more successful angler; there are lots of little things that will enable you to be more successful. For instance, if you’re fishing with someone, and that person is catching the majority of the fish, sit back for a minute and just watch and see if they’re doing something a little different. Get beyond the lure they’re using. Consider the action they’re imparting on the lure, the line diameter being used, the speed the lure is being retrieved, these are all little things that could have a major bearing on how many fish are being caught. Work on the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.
 

 Most importantly, enjoy your fishing. If you’re not having a good time, you’re doing something wrong. Fishing is supposed to be fun. If you keep the above ideas in mind, you’re going to catch more fish, and catching more fish is one thing that will make your fishing more fun.

 
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