Regular or even frequent readers of my articles have no doubt seen dozens of photographs of me holding many nice fish of varying species.
Do not worry, this is not a Mike Roux ego story. Lately I have come under a bit of scrutiny from some readers and even some friends.
It has been said that I have “honey holes” and that without them my fishing articles would not exist.
Now, here are the facts.
• Fact #1 – Yes, I do have a couple of very special spots where I frequently fish. I use these spots to test lures and methods so I can then pass them along to you to help you improve your fishing.
• Fact #2 – A major part of my fishing is done on public water. Water and fish that are accessible to anyone who wants to fish there.
• Fact #3 – The text of this article will be brief. I will give three tips for fishing public water to assist you.
The rest of the room will be used for photography of me and few species I caught in public waters.
These are the facts… here are the tips:
• Tip #1 – Use a map. Not many things are more useful in learning new water than a map. Specifically, use a contour map.
Being able to locate creek and river channels, drop-offs and flats, and boat access points is crucial as you approach a new body of water.
Maps help you form your plan of attack based upon terrain, prevailing winds and accessibility. Purchase a map, study it and keep it with you.
• Tip #2 – Use your electronics. The follow-up to reading your map is the use of your electronics to discover details the map cannot show.
The map can show a flat, but your electronics will show a stump field on that flat. Your map might show a bed in the creek channel, but your electronics will show you the brush pile in the bend and the depth of the structure.
Your map will show where the power plant is located but your electronics will tell you where the water temperature changes.
Your electronics complement the use of the map. Use them both.
• Tip #3 – Use a guide. I highly recommend cutting right to the chase on a new body of water and hire a good guide on your first trip.
A good guide not only knows how to put you on the fish but will take the time to teach you, as well. Always ask a guide for a list of clients as references. Good guides will not hesitate to provide this list.
But be specific with your request. It does you no good to get a reference from a client who caught crappie with the guide in April when you plan to fish for musky in October.
Use your head and these tips and start catching fish like those pictured here on public waters right now.
(Mike Roux can be reached at roux@adams.net.)
