Make fish take notice when working crowded water
The popularity of fishing continues to flourish each year. This growth is fundamental for the future of the sport we love, but can also spell competition and congestion on some of the favourite waterways we routinely flock to.
Increased angling pressure often equates to a tougher bite, as fish become conditioned to resist our favourite baits, are apt to move to less intrusive areas, or simply develop the dreaded ‘lock jaw’ affliction.
Adapting and changing your mindset can help put the odds back in your favour —and give you the edge when casting a line in the community honey hole.
Pressure Points
Fish pressure can originate from a variety of sources. The number one cause is by anglers themselves. This is best illustrated by busy, popular fishing lakes, during weekends or holidays, and while tournaments are taking place. The more anglers or boat traffic—especially targeting favourable spots—the greater the chance for a fishery under pressure.
The working angler is often limited when it comes to choosing fishing days. For most, hitting the water on a weekend is often the only option. Unfortunately, many are in the same boat. Weekends are consistently the most crowded—and angler pressure is at its highest.
Tournaments have become a fact of life on many of our more popular lakes. With most coinciding on weekends, an additional 100-plus boats is often thrown into the already busy mix. Keep in mind this pressure begins during pre-fish and continues right up until tourney time.
The age of technology has also contributed to crowded waterways. Hot spots are routinely splashed across message board forums, and now with the advent of social media, tapping in to those red-hot lakes or bites is as easy as turning on the computer. So how do you combat the all-too-common-case of angling pressure? Quite simply, a change in tactics and going against the grain will give you the edge needed. Deliberate Downsizing
Pressured fish are smart fish. On the strength of their highly tuned senses, fooling these now wary adversaries becomes that much more difficult. One proven way is to literally ‘lighten up.’
Light line and downsized baits appear more natural and enticing to overly cautious fish. Think of it as that after dinner mint. You always eat one no matter how full or uninterested you may be. Downsizing is also advantageous as it gives the fish something different to look at, as opposed to the ‘norm’ that most folk will be throwing.
Fluorocarbon leaders offer low visibility. Braid and monofilament can’t touch them in this department. A six-foot section tied to your main line should do the trick. Choose a tensile strength that is adequate for the technique, but that is downsized from what you routinely tie on.
Drop lure size accordingly, but don’t be afraid to go small. Mini crankbaits, micro plastics, and baby spoons are all worthwhile choices. For jigs, drop a size or two in the weight department for a slower decent and increased action. Think snack instead of meal. Seek Non-Pressured Water
It may seem obvious, but if pressured fish are unwilling to bite, you need to set sail for greener pastures. Times like these call for using what resources you have, including your electronics and topographical maps. Pinpoint likely looking structure that is off the beaten path—and far away from the boat traffic and anglers that are beating the lake—and fish—to a pulp.
A proven area to seek out is an underwater hump. These offshore magnets attract fish for the structure and food sources they hold. They are also invisible to the naked eye. When times are tough and competition fierce on the resident honey hole, move away from the crowds and plunk yourself down on one of these fish factories. Waypoint humps—and other productive offshore structure—whenever you are out on the water. That way you have a detailed list of spots to head to when times get tough, especially when your one day of the week to fish happens to coincide with a large tournament.
Work On Your Night Moves
Fishing pressure subsides during the night shift, and many fish that were unwilling to bite—or be found—during the busy day time hours, are now more susceptible to angler attention.
Keep in mind that not all fish species are willing night time biters. But if your quarry includes walleye, bass, or trout—the graveyard shift might open your eyes to many new possibilities.
Night fishing is a productive pattern for those popular lakes that get hit particularly hard. And if weekday fishing isn’t an option, casting at night on the weekends is your next best bet.
Safety is paramount when heading out in the dark. Respect the water and always take the necessary precautions.
Feed Them Livebait
When times get truly tough, offering fish the most natural of baits can be your best bet. Pressured fish may turn their noses up at artificials—and even the downsized versions you offer—but put a crawler, minnow or leech in front of them, and nine times out of ten it spells game over.
Even though livebait (where applicable by law) works in most instances, downsizing and lightening up as previously discussed, is the best way to fool these wary fish. Light line and hooks, tidbit-sized bait, and finesse patterns get the nod. Go Vertical
Pressured fish are often less inclined to move far for a bait. Most in this neutral mood prefer a bait to come to them—and then they make their mind up whether to bite.
Although horizontal presentations (think crankbaits) cover a tonne of water, baits are seldom in the strike zone for more than a split second. For this reason, when I fish heavily pressured waters, utilizing a vertical tactic (think jig) will often pay the biggest dividend.
Vertical presentations can be worked extremely slow, an important triggering factor for pressured fish. A jig can remain in the strike zone for as long as you allow it, meaning fish have more time to inspect and hopefully bite. Crowded water is a common predicament for today’s angler. Pressured fish can be tough, but there are ways to make them bite—if you’re willing to adjust accordingly and add a few new tricks to your angling arsenal. n