write it down

[Goose]

I just thought I'ld pass this on

There are many things that relate to each other when I think of hunting vs Fishin. One thing that really helped me increase my catch and kill is to have an accurate log. How can we learn from our mistakes and things we did correctly by not keeping a log....I for one don't have a very good memory. I'm sure there are a few spots we know and fish that are consistent on certain times and baits but there are proably many others we don't know as well as we think we do. Often I look back in the fisherman to get an idea of when fish will be showing in the areas that I fish, even though I know nothings guaranteed, at least its a starting point. But the best thing is to take a minute or two and write down date, tide, moon, wind, bait and so on..... Bowhunters I'm sure know this well. Deer like fish change their patterns do to weather, food ,cover, pressure and so on.... I also try to keep check lists of things I need....It never fails I gotta have two lites and two nifes or I'm a mess. I try to learn somthing new each time I head to the woods and water and I usually do, so why not write it down !

[JohnR]

Yep - if I get my butt in gear too, I might have a good PRIVATE logger for you all...

[Bill L]

This was the year I was going to keep a log, even got a nice little waterproof notebook, but never did get around to it.
Do you have a good format to use as an example of what you record? Date/time/place/tide/current/wind/sun/moon/species & # caught/comments, I imagine, but to keep it organized to make it useful for reference may be tricky....

[Jaiem]

I have to admit that I don't use a log nearly as much as others do. I just haven't found it to be that helpful.

I keep a note book of ideas, tips and things I've tried (the ones that didn't work as well as the ones that did). But the major times of the year and places to fish I know from years of repetition. It doesn't help to log a specific rock or cut as that can and usually does change each year. And much of fishing is also being in the right place at the right time, sprinkled with the random element of chance.

[Goose]

The easiest way for me is to just write a paragraph of what I think is important, beginning with the date. Over this hunting season I realized keeping a log can make a difference in knowing deer patterns in different areas. Our regular spots and times we fish most likely aren't gonna change but I think most of us like to explore different waters time to time. The canal is good example.....I'd like to pull more fish out of there but the only way I'll be consistent is knowing (by writing down) when, where, on what and watching others. Maybe this doesn't pertain to everyone.

[Got Stripers]

I've been telling myself this year I'm definately going to start that log and every year I just keep updating the mental one. Sooner or later however, my mental one ain't going to function as it should and my warranty is long since up.

For those that have excel, it makes a great place to keep records and for a couple of reasons. You can sort by a location, you can sort by a date, or even sort by weather patterns, as long as you are consistant about the way you log the entries. Another nice feature is you can keep it simple, yet create hyperlinks to articles or more detailed notes on your hard drive. I've even got some tips on this on my webpage.

There are some commercially available logs, but excel or lotus will basically do it all for you.

[hooked]

I'm planning on keeping a log this season. I looked at some of the software packages available for ideas and they are way more detailed than I care to get.

Can anyone recommend other things to keep track of (or not to track)?

Date
Time
Location
Tide
Current
Structure
Weather
Wind
Sun/Moon
Catch (#, size, weight)
Bait/lure/method
Comments

[Jenn]

I have been MEANING too do something of the sort....I am so bad though......what advice do you have to REMIND yourself to write it down??? heehee....

[HESH2]

I started a log 2 years ago.used one of those organize book you usually get free from some business.i can see my first striper was last 3/29/02 i write water temp and where caught and what tide cycle.i did this all year long-also if i bought a rod or reel i enter it into log book if a warantee purchase date is needed.at end of year i can add up and see numbers of fish caught and types of fish.if tide,weather or health problems cause me not to fish i also write in memo why i did'nt fish that day.

[macojoe]

I have been keeping a log for about 5 years now and love it. I just rt down the stuff of the day. No format of any kind. Just when were and what time. What ever is imporant.

[Good N You]

Other things to consider
Eldridges tide book factors in the log
strengths of the tides
max flood time and max ebb. time
I also write down what didn't work so I don't try the wrong thing again in the same conditions.
Different lines
baitfish in area.

[chris L]

branches are easier to carry and much lighter .

[Fishaddict]

One of the best things to track in a log is water temp.
After gathering a few years of data, you will begin to see where the fish tend to be during different rises and falls in water temp.

[bloocrab]

...it isn't all that difficult. Buy a notepad ($.99) from the dollar store...

...jot down the impotent stuff, when you get home create file/folder/excel or word doc...back-up to floppy once a month. Edit in your spare time...always keep the notepads for quick reference....want me to send you mine?

[TheSpecialist]

Would ya?

[IFG]

I like to keep a very detailed log

[Raven]

went to the river last week to see if the shad were running
or the stripers were in but nothing was happening..
this week however the word is they are begining to come in.

glad to be back...

i had a huge backfire happen and it blew up my muffler on the ole fishing Van otherwise i'd be wetting a line today...

where's my freakin grinder grrrrrrr