5/16/2008

Gearing Up Waist Deep In Water

Don’t waste time going back and forth from the bank to the hold…you’ll miss out on some great fishing and probably lose your spot

Timothy Kusherets

Take care of gear while in the water to save more time to fish.

Take a look at both of these fishermen. They’ve figured out some simple tricks to keep them on the same reach of water without needing to go to the bank to retie. Note the fisherman on the right and how he’s tucked the fishing rod beneath his left arm, which frees up both hands to tie knots, cut line, or to land fish. The angler on the right has the same opportunity do the same thing, but more than that, his fishing vest on him while he wades into knee deep water ensures that all his tools are with him as he continues to beat the water.

I see it everywhere I go and it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is; fishermen going back and forth from the water to the bank each and every hour. Properly stowing gear in a vest, or even a fanny pack, makes all of it available no matter how deep the waded water is. Another great way to free hands up is to tuck the butt of the fishing rod beneath either arm, or like I do sometimes, tuck the butt between both thighs. In either case, there is no reason for a fisherman to give up his spot on the water. Time spent gearing up without going to the bank is more time fishing and that translates into more hookups. The concept is simple and all it takes is a little forethought about where to fish, how deep the water will be, and what gear will be taken.