Before you make your first cast ... 2024
scaleface reply :
You are on the water ready to fish either from boat or bank . Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?
drscholl14 reply :
Time of year, weather, water temp, windy or calm? If windy which part of the lake is the wind blowing into, where were the fish last time I was in these weather conditions. Cloudy or sunny? Clear or stained water? The list goes on and on......
Would probably be a better fisherman if I could shut that off once in awhile.
Troy85 reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 9:05 PM, drscholl14 said:Time of year, weather, water temp, windy or calm? If windy which part of the lake is the wind blowing into, where were the fish last time I was in these weather conditions. Cloudy or sunny? Clear or stained water? The list goes on and on......
Would probably be a better fisherman if I could shut that off once in awhile.
I'm with ya here. Sometimes I think I over complicate it.
Fish the Mitt reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 9:05 PM, drscholl14 said:Time of year, weather, water temp, windy or calm? If windy which part of the lake is the wind blowing into, where were the fish last time I was in these weather conditions. Cloudy or sunny? Clear or stained water? The list goes on and on......
Would probably be a better fisherman if I could shut that off once in awhile.
A lot of this I do before ever leaving the house in order to maximize my already limited time on the water.
Before I leave:
- Time of year
- Weather (encompasses everything from sun vs clouds, wind speed, wind direction, barometer, incoming/outgoing fronts, etc..)
- Understand which species I'm targeting (or if both, plan for both)
- Successful spots in previous endeavors
- Typical bass patterns for the season
- Study topo (Navionics) to choose high probability spots
Before I cast:
- Water clarity (and how the wind/direction impacted this)
- Current (since I fish a lot of impoundments)
- Water temp
- Water level
- Whether or not the spots I picked from home would hold up based on what I see on the water
- Then adjust as needed
Very rarely do I just go out and fish without doing any of the above. I tend to plan my outings in advance, and rarely do I just wing it. Unless all else fails on the water, then it's a free-for-all.
I wouldn't say it overcomplicates things as I actually enjoy this part of fishing. The challenge in trying to figure it out, if you will.
68camaro reply :
Much more than I ever thought, this winter I really started reading and studying bass fishing (only got yak last summer), I started to make a list of variables I wanted to incorporate into my pre-fishing and on on-water routine. The following is not comprehensive as I have not updated with notes I have scattered around but here goes.....
Weather 2-3 days before
BassWhole! reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 9:05 PM, drscholl14 said:Time of year, weather, water temp, windy or calm? If windy which part of the lake is the wind blowing into, where were the fish last time I was in these weather conditions. Cloudy or sunny? Clear or stained water? The list goes on and on......
Would probably be a better fisherman if I could shut that off once in awhile.
You want to get to a point where you can incorporate all these things in a subconscious or instinctive fashion. Think of it like dancing, You don't want to be looking at your feet counting 1, 2, 3, cha cha cha, you want to move gracefully and seemingly effortlessly in perfect time to the music. Of course it requires having put in your time and effort, and having counted and stared at your feet.
mattkenzer reply :
Distance from Boat Deck to the Trees ..... 
RPreeb reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 10:55 PM, mattkenzer said:Distance from Boat Deck to the Trees .....
This is more my style. I'm more the "What a great day... I'm out on the water paddling - got a couple of rods set up - I'm at peace with the world - I might even catch some fish out here somewhere. Life is good. 
Darren. reply :
I think about my leader - is it nicked?
Run fingers over each setup. Retie if needed.
I do not change leaders every time I go out
as it is not needed....
Usually will do this the night prior to going out,
but I still double check when on the water.
Then I think about where I wanna start fishing.
riverbasser reply :
Pay attention fellas he said "your on the water about to make your first cast" all that planning and crap was done before this moment.
Normally for me since I try to always fish at daylight its along the lines of "I hope they"ll eat this buzzbait this morning"
Or
"What piece of cover or structure am I trying to hit"
And sometimes
"Scale face needs to get out my hole" lol
the reel ess reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 8:59 PM, scaleface said:You are on the water ready to fish either from boat or bank . Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?
What I might have forgotten to bring along because I got the cart a mile before the horse.
But really,
Water temp.
Seasonal patterns that might work and what baits to use for them.
And where I might go to do the best with those two factors in mind.
jbmaine reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 11:05 PM, RPreeb said:This is more my style. I'm more the "What a great day... I'm out on the water paddling - got a couple of rods set up - I'm at peace with the world - I might even catch some fish out here somewhere. Life is good.
me too. I do all the prep, but once I am on the water I take in the peace and quiet, kick back and enjoy the day. We have never had a bad day on the water. Rain or shine, catching fish or not.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Check my drag.
Check water clarity to determine bait color.
Check water temp via depth finder.
A-Jay reply :
Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?
Bait size & type, wind direction, drag and perhaps most importantly, proper spool tension.
A-Jay
Ratherbfishing reply :
The answer varies quite a bit, actually. If I am going to a lake I am familiar with and conditions seem "ideal", I'll head out with a very specific tactics in mind. I'm not going to lie. I fish from memory-if it works. It's when it doesn't work that I reevaluate things. If I am going to a new lake or a familiar lake under "unusual" or difficult conditions, I am much more likely to think long and hard about how to proceed.
Two conditions tend to vie for center attraction and they are Time of Year and Weather Conditions. These two (together and separately) will USUALLY determine the location of the fish and the mood they will be in. Thus, I usually have these things in mind when I'm heading out. After that, it's a matter of studying maps, watching the fish finder, and, of course, visually looking for structure and/or cover that fits the criteria I believe the fish "want."
Choporoz reply :
All of the above, but far and above anything else: Wind. Starts days before I fish, but most of my fishing is from a kayak and force and direction of wind dominates my thoughts. Even if in a boat, current, recent past and future (through the day) winds are primary consideration.
If on tidal water, next high and low tides are second.
Catt reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 11:44 PM, A-Jay said:Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?
Bait size & type, wind direction, drag and perhaps most importantly, proper spool tension.
A-Jay
My first thought when I read the title, hope I don't backlash!
Smokinal reply :
Where my net is
senile1 reply :
- Check surface water temperature via depth finder
- Check water clarity (though I usually know what to expect in this regard based on weather review beforehand)
- Check wind direction and magnitude
- Check activity on the water (shad schools, birds)
- Scan every location chosen with depth finder and eyes (to setup casts, look for bait balls, and possibly find fish)
WRB reply :
I make a short cast to get my line wet so I don't backlash and check the drag setting.
Blew up a few dry line reels before getting into my habit of short cast first.
Rarely blindly start fishing and usually go through my launch routine checking water temps and looking for bait and bass visually and sonar unit in the marina to determine where and what depth to start. Weather and seasonal periods are obvious, the water temps confirms it when transitional.
Tom
Paul Roberts reply :
Pretty much the same stuff all year:
-Heat
-Weather/Water Conditions
-Prey whereabouts
-Vegetation conditions
-Circumstances, miscellaneous.
One thing I almost always do, esp under transition periods, is do a lake, pond tour. I'm looking at the above list of parameters. This informs my tackle, techniques, and strategy(ies).
Vinjints reply :
I'm ready to fish? Then I put all my gear down and start tying on hooks and weights and bobbers and worms for the little ones.
Mike L reply :
Man O Man can't really add much more than what was already written.
Before the first cast I always make sure I have a fresh knot, plastic is straight and have a good idea where I want to start and end up.
Mike
scaleface reply :
On 3/7/2018 at 1:12 AM, WRB said:and looking for bait and bass visually and sonar unit in the marina to determine where and what depth to start.
This is something I learned from you and probably the biggest thing I have learned on this forum . Look for a zone that the baitfish and game fish are in . Several times last year I started out fishing the correct depth because that is where the "life zone" seemed to be .
TOXIC reply :
I have never stopped to list them all because as I have said, for me when I get to the ramp in the morning and the boat is tied off to the dock, I am putting "the puzzle" together in my head because every day it's like dumping a 500 piece puzzle out on the deck. The more of that puzzle you can figure out the better day you will have. The last piece of my puzzle is to always follow my gut. It's usually right.
FishDewd reply :
I don't know about the rest of you, but I always check behind me and beside me before I cast. Sometimes, especially from the bank, an unexpected onlooker or spot bomber will sneak up on you without warning. I'd hate to hook the wrong cheek! So I always check to make sure no one else is in the danger zone. Then I make sure I'm not too close to any trees, cause I catch more trees than I probably do fish! Then I consider wind and how it will affect my cast and retrieve. Make sure the spot I'm tossing at has a fair chance of having fish based on whatever criteria I've decided. Most importantly, I make sure I'm enjoying the experience. Then let it rip! Yeah, I'm simple. 
I like simple. If I wanted to do a ton of thinking, then I'd probably be playing video games, working... anything but fishing!
fishwizzard reply :
Mine is allways "have
I tightend my drag back down?"
Caught a 16" smallie my first cast of my first wading trip last spring with spinning reel drag all the way backed off. It took me about 15-20 seconds to figure out what was going on. He ran stright downstream and almost spooled me before I got myself sorted out.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree? Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.
Chris Brunk reply :
Before making my first cast, I check for people around me (even when no one was there, someone may walk up behind you). location of where I want to cast. does it look like a good spot, Am I in someone else's spot, is there structure? take note of wind, temp, depth of water. I also look for schooling fish on the surface.
fishwizzard reply :
On 3/7/2018 at 4:22 AM, ratherbfishin1 said:When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree? Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.
I do make a 12 speed false cast almost all the time before I cast for real. It's a time waster 95% of the time but it has saved me a few rod tips for sure. I've gotten to the point where I don't even think about it and just do it as a reflex.
BassWhole! reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 10:55 PM, mattkenzer said:Distance from Boat Deck to the Trees .....
There was this one small lake in upstate NY, that I fished as a child. Found my first lure (#9 blue back/silver floating Rapala) in a tree there. For some reason, there were more lures in the trees there than any other place. I got good at climbing trees, and throwing a make shift grapple on a rope. busted my a$$ a couple of times too. Must have found around 50 lures there.
Crestliner2008 reply :
I always use the In'Fisherman's formula: F + L + P = Success!
I'd say 90% of success is the "L" factor. You gotta be fishing where they are. The rest is less complicated in my opinion.
Oregon Native reply :
Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"
Mobasser reply :
I used to overthink all the variables. Since I've fished the same lakes for years I've got a pretty good idea what should work. Now after all these years Im just glad to be out there!
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
My first cast, I alway hope for big fish after 100 casts I hope for any kind of fish then 1000 cast I know it SKUNKED again.
Bankbeater reply :
I make sure that I have everything before I leave the house. I’ve left tackle, water, and lunch sitting in the garage before.
Chefster reply :
Did I lock my car door?
slonezp reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 11:38 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Check my drag.
THIS!!!!!!!!
Way north bass guy reply :
On 3/9/2018 at 10:19 AM, slonezp said:THIS!!!!!!!!
X2!
I’ve lost a fish or two over the years because I forgot to check the drag, then when the first big hookset occurs, it’s a nice backlash and goodbye fish.
Crestliner2008 reply :
On 3/8/2018 at 7:40 PM, Oregon Native said:Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"
I do that every time I wake up in the morning and realize that I'm still alive!
canbassguy reply :
If I'm ready to cast im already in the spot I want with the lure I want tied on......only thing left is where to cast....
Wildbillb reply :
Where's my fishing license?
desmobob reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 8:59 PM, scaleface said:You are on the water ready to fish either from boat or bank . Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?
Spool tension, casting brakes and drag set? Leader and knots OK? Fish grippers/Boga, net, and pliers/hemos ready (lots of pike where I fish)? Camera and scale handy? Remind myself I'm out to have fun, and then make that first cast.
Tight lines,
Bob
RB 77 reply :
The fact that I'm fishing and not at work! Thank God!
Jaderose reply :
Am I wearing pants?
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