Have you ever wondered why lures work at times and are ignored other times? It’s all about who is the predator. Since Wal-Mart or your local grocery do not exist in the world of fish, they need to forage for their own food. Many insects are on the diet for fish such as Trout and Steelhead. But they also eat smaller fish and that green slimy stuff on the bottom of the river or lake. So there is always a predator vs. prey relationship at work.

Spinners tend to make sounds like a wounded fish or struggling insect in the water. Other lures make a swimming motion like a fish. These various actions look and sound like a nice snack for a hungry fish.

As the population of fish increases, so does the competition for food. That is why a lure is one of the best choices when fishing in a large school of fish. Reeling it quickly through the school will often be met with a strike.

A similar situation exists during spawning runs. The anatomy of Steelhead and Salmon will change as they re-enter freshwater. The throat of the Steelhead will close to just 20% of normal capacity, thus limiting what they can eat. Salmon stop feeding in freshwater. The males develop a hook like nose preventing the mouth from closing.

At this point you may be wondering how these fish are caught with a hook. Think of it like a fly buzzing around your head. You can tolerate it for a while, but sooner or later, you are going to swat at it. Salmon are the same, except they use their mouths. They may slap at the lure with their head or bite it, either way you could get a hook-up.

So make sure you have an ample supply in your tackle box.

See You At The Dock!

Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

It’s hard to miss that there will be some difficult economic times ahead. I have been through tough times before and my fishing skills helped put food on the table.

I was living in Northern California when I was injured on the job. Because I was the main breadwinner in the family, the loss of two thirds of my income really hurt! There were lots of changes, that were made unwillingly, but this was survival time!

We sold the boat and one of our cars to reduce expenses, but I still needed maintain my sanity. I went from working 40-50 hours per week, to going to the doctor’s office and physical therapy three times each week. I had too much free time on my hands.

I had been fishing for Trout and Bass for a number of years, so I decided we were going to eat a lot of Trout and Bass for the next year. I realized I could buy a dozen night crawlers for $1.50 and about $2.00 in gas and convert it into dinner for one and a half nights.

This accomplished much more then just putting food on the table. It also provided me with a sense of accomplishment. I was being proactive. I wasn’t just sitting around feeling defeated and depressed. Don’t get me wrong, I had plenty of those feeling, but I would not allow them to capture my life.

You see, fishing is was more then a way to provide food. It provided peace. I could get away and spend time on mountain lakes. I saw Bald Eagles snatching fish from the water and carrying it off to their family. I observed the silly squires scampering as they played and hunted for food. Fishing is a type of therapy for my. It allows that rubber band to unwind a little so it doesn’t break and hurt someone else.

So it you are stressed out over life, thing about going fishing. Get away and relax. Contact your local sporting goods store for good fishing locations. Remember times will get better! They always have and will again.

By: Ken Bear Cole

Fishing with Bear LLC

I love bobber fishing! It is so exciting to see your float move or start to go under the water. Too often people miss the fish because the pull on the line when the fish has let go.

Let me tell you the story of Bill and Rita. They are a very active retired couple. They lived all over the country while working as a teacher and postal inspector. Rita told me at one point, they moved three times in five months. Since retired, they have become world travelers.

I met them just after they returned from an Alaska trip. They tried fishing in Alaska, but weren’t very successful. One of my clients told them to book a trip with me. They were told, “Bear will get you fish!” I target Trout and Bass not Salmon or Halibut. I fish with ultra light gear rather then broom sticks (heavy rods).

We met at one of my favorite lakes and headed out to find the fish. They seemed to enjoy the luxury of my 22’ pontoon boat. They snuggled up on the sofa as I searched for the fish.

Well, it didn’t take long to spot a nice size school of trout. I stopped the boat and dropped the anchor. I set up the rods with a nice fat night crawler and bobber. I showed them how to cast and offered my assistance if desired.

As the bobbers sat on the water we started to get to know each other better. As we were talking it started. Rita’s bobber started to bounce in the water. First a bump, then it went under, but came up soon. Rita asked what happened? I told her that trout seldom just swallow the entire worm like a Bass will. Trout like to pick at it first. Her bobber started to dance again. Boop, Boop and then it went down and stayed down. I told her to reel in her fish. Rita was so excited to see the trout on the end of the line. She actually caught 3 fish before Bill got one. Bill would see the bobber start to move and try to set the hook. I told him to be a little more patient. He complied and started to haul in yummy trout.

They caught about 45 trout that day. They were actually close to their limit after only an hour and a half of fishing. We spent most of the day doing catch and release and enjoying the bounty! I have two live wells on board the boat, so we can keep the fish alive and fresh. Sometimes the challenge is catching a smaller fish to set free so we can keep a larger trout.

Bill Rita and I had a wonderful time on the boat that day. Rita told me that she has never caught that many fish in her entire lifetime. Rita said they would do it again. Bill said he wanted to book three trips next year.

And just think, it all started with a bobber and worm.

Ken Bear Cole