Fishing with Kenny: Make Time for Change and Learn Something New

Article by Kenny Covington

Fishing, like most other sports, is always evolving. New techniques, technology and fresh ideas are constantly changing the face of this great sport. To some die-hards, change is the one thing they will fight to the bitter end. As I have grown older I have come to realize that not all change is bad, and as an angler, I am always trying to find ideas I can use to make me a better fisherman.

In this month’s BayouLife, I would like to share with you some simple changes I have incorporated in the past few years and how you might be able to benefit from this same information. If it will put more fish in the boat this year, what can be the harm of giving it a try right?

Better Health

One of the things I began doing different this past year was to get into better shape. I began walking each evening at a local track and have since joined a health club. You may be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with fishing?” Well, it’s been proven that no matter the activity you are passionate about, you enjoy it more when you feel better physically as a person.

Being more physically fit has allowed me the stamina to endure long days on the water, it keeps my mind fresh, my recovery time is much shorter and, in general, I simply feel better overall. I had one of my best years ever fishing tournaments, and I firmly believe it was due in part to my better health.

Create Confidence

As a tournament fisherman, it is not unusual for me to have as many as 25 rods stored in my rod locker at any given time. I can usually always tell when I have had a good day or not based simply by how many rods are on the deck of my boat by the end of the day. The more rods that are laying about, the less successful I usually am. By keeping things simple, my success rate is usually much higher.

The past few years I have also worked more diligently to focus on the things I am good at. I know what my fishing strengths are so why try to do things I am not comfortable with? I choose basic colors, like blue/blue or watermelon/red, and I stick with those. I fish shallow water less than 10 foot deep 95% of the time regardless of the season or what body of water I am fishing. If there isn’t a reason to change, then why do it? That doesn’t mean, however, that I am not open to suggestions.

I can throw a drop shot or a shaky head, but that isn’t where my confidence is. I may use these techniques enough to learn the when, where and how to incorporate them, but I still find myself leaning on the style of fishing I developed over the course of many years on the water. I am open to learning, but it also has to fit into what I am confident in doing.

Fun

Fishing is a fun, relaxing sport. To me, there is no better way to spend the day than to be on a body of water somewhere. I was asked recently if I ever went fishing for fun, and I responded, “I have the most fun preparing to fish an event, which is fun fishing to me.” To the average angler that likes to go every now and again I can see where they would have a hard time understanding my statement.

I still enjoy spending time in my boat making lures, retying lines or just doing basic tackle preparations. I love sitting on the water listening to Mother Nature wake up her world for another day. It’s not just the catching of the fish that I enjoy, but I find every aspect of the sport to be just as fascinating. Regardless of the level angler you find yourself at, fishing should always be fun!

Try To Get Better

I love to do research. I watch a lot of different fishing shows looking for lures and techniques that may help me catch a few extra fish over the course of a year or two. Overkill? Perhaps, but only if you don’t have the desire to get better. What took me years to learn, today’s anglers, thanks to technology, can wrap their heads around in a matter of days.

Our fisheries are more crowded than ever before. Our anglers are better than they have ever been. Our fish are well educated. All of these things play a significant role when it comes to our own success as individual anglers. Don’t put away your baby Brush Hogs and your Carolina rigs just yet. Being open minded and open to change can be good. Embrace technology, read about and try new techniques, talk to other fishermen and, above all else, never stop learning.

Just Go Fishing

Pick a lake, call a buddy and hook up your boat and go. Take your kids. Take your father. Just get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors. Don’t worry about how many fish you catch or how many things go wrong. That’s not what fishing is all about.

Look at the shoreline make up. Notice the color of the trees, the rocks, the grass or anything else that catches your eye. Look at the lake houses and camps. Find the jewels that Mother Nature loves to keep hidden from those who choose not to look for them. Enjoy the moments and remember to always take your camera!

Well, it looks like we have run out of room for another month. I hope you all have a healthy and prosperous New Year! Be safe on the water and catch one for me! See you next month!