PATTERNS

We talk a lot about recognizing, identifying or understanding patterns in fishing. During some recent talks, I was asked What is a pattern, and How do we use these patterns?
First we must understand that fish do not swim carelessly about in a lake but instead, they move around in somewhat predictable ways along predictable routes. This pattern of what fish are doing is determined by factors such as the time of year, time during a day, weather conditions and water conditions. We all know that a major part of a fish’s time is spent finding food, with the exception of during the spawn. Understanding these patterns can help an angler know where fish may be at a given time.
Do not get caught up in just looking for a good spot, but find a good spot and realize why it is good and find other spots like it on the lake. Let’s say you have been fishing awhile and come up on a point and catch a fish, determine what bait, depth, wind direction and any other feature on point. Now with this info you have established a pattern that works and you can look for another point in the lake with the same features. Keep in mind that this pattern may not work all day long and if fish quit biting, determine what has changed and adjust your pattern. Many times it is something like the sun has come out or went in, which may require a depth change. Before you move, make these adjustments and you may again start catching fish.
Seasons may dictate patterns, but seasons should be measured in stages, when during spring for instance, there could be 3-4 stages starting with the moving from wintering hole, the pre-spawn, the spawn and post-spawn. A good way to break down the season is by the changing water levels and water temperatures. Weather changes too can make drastic changes in patterns during a season but knowing when to quit fishing on memories and change your tactics will keep you catching fish through out the year.
To develop patterns we factor in our fishing-calendar periods, weather conditions, water conditions and with this we can determine the mood of the fish, come up with a lure and presentation to start our fishing.
During a given day, fish may be caught on several different presentations and baits and there is nothing like time on the water under varying conditions to put together a pattern. And one pattern we will be working on this month is the Catfish on Rend Lake to prepare for a tournament on June 21st listed below.
EVENTS: This month June 6-9th is Illinois Free Fishing Days when a fishing license is not required for anyone to fish that weekend. Also, we will be part of the Kids Fishing Clinic & Derby June 7th at Fulton County Camping & Recreation Area. Call 309-668-2931 for details and to pre-register.
June 21st the Big Cat Quest Approved Manufactured Bait Catfish Tournament makes a new stop on Rend Lake at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington, Illinois. Hoss's Hawg Bait is one of the approved manufactured baits for this tournament, we will be fishing this tournament along with many others and our friends & owners - Russ & Janice Nash. Ken Freeman Outdoors will also be hosting the U.S.S.A. Children event also at Rend Lake Resort this day too. If in the area, check this event and we recommend a stay at the Rend Lake Resort & Conference Center a premier destination on the lake.
*June 27-28 - Sportsmen’s Outdoor Adventure Expo primarily on the campus of Normal Community High School with some venues on the campus of Eastview Christian Church with large outdoor exhibits, planned activities and guest such as Jimmy Houston and Brad Stine plus others. Check full details and ticket info at www.jeremiahsportsmen.com
*June 27-29 - Havana Catfish & Waterfowl Festival at Beautiful Riverfront Park in Havana, Illinois. Festivities start Friday at 3:00 pm. With Catfish cooking contests, a Catfish Tournament, Duck and Goose Calling contests, lots of Exhibitors and many raffles. Also Kids Catfishing pond, kids casting contests, Kids catfish coloring contest with lots of good food including catfish and walleye and you may find us in a booth, so come out and see us. Check our website for more info or call 309-452-9646.
For more fishing related material and product reviews, visit our site www.larrysfishinghole.com

Till Next Time, GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !