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Daily fishing report

By LENNY CRISPINO

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 4, 2001

Every angler has a preferred lure or method. It usually comes from success with the method. It can be a benefit when the fish are biting on the preferred bait, but a hindrance when conditions are not applicable to the choice bait. Though I don't discourage having a method you have confidence in, consider the conditions before you choose a method or lure.

When you get to the lake, consider first the time of year, which will give you an idea of the depth of water you will be fishing. Second, is it sunny or cloudy, windy or calm? These conditions will determine the most effective lure. Third, water color will help you choose lure color. Suppose I show up at Lake X, it's summer and the fish probably will be deep. It's windy and sunny, so I will need to choose a lure that does not require much feel to set the hook. With the wind blowing, it will be difficult to feel a fish pick up a bait, so I would choose a bait that I can retrieve through the strike zone like a crankbait or spinnerbait. The water is clear, so I will choose a bait with translucent or natural color. The next time you are fishing, analyze the conditions and determine the best lure choice by using this method.

Use your tackle box as a tool box. Choose the tool you believe will be most effective for the conditions in which you are fishing. This will allow you to catch fish more consistently.

- Lenny Crispino guides on Lake Tarpon. Call (727) 938-2379.

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