Since someone posted a report about bird fishing I though we could re post this to help out anyone who is not use to fishing under birds....
Please read these tips as they are the Bible to Bird Fishing..
__________________________________________________ _______________
Tips:
When you locate a group of birds , don't just run up to them. There are a few things you need to know 1st about that group to be successful
- Look to see which way the wind is blowing, this is the first key factor to your success for bird fishing
- Once you have determined watch way the wind is blowing you want to go up wind of the birds,
- Once your a good ways upwind point your boat nose straight on to the set, and drive up slowly until your 400-500 yards away from set, shut your big motor down
- Make a huge circle around them to keep your wake down, big wave will spook the birds
- Now once your trolling up to the group of birds you need to determined which way the fish or group is moving...this is very important to know how you will set up on the fish.
- with light wind you should be able to place the boat in a good position to cast into the set or where you see fish popping
- If winds are high and its rough you will have to work the trolling motor more than fish....You will have to try to get your guys or gals in the best position to cast into the group while you maintain the boat from blowing into them....
Never approach a group of birds trolling upwind! This will spook the fish and shut the bite off quickly, always let the wind drift you to them! if calm let the tide push you or troll softly over
Remember that 1 boat Per Group of Birds ..... 1st boat on them , thats there fish! Only if its real calm attempt to fish two boats... Let the 1st boat have the lead....He was there 1st...
Awareness is key also.... You should approach a set of birds to get the most number of fish out of them. Don't worry about other groups or your next move, as this is where lots mess up on fish! Take your time and fish them ! Remember if you know which way the birds are moving you know which way the fish are moving. So when the birds fly away your able to still produce fish! Trout don't fly so there still in the area.... I have produced tons of fish by staying after the birds leave....
System.... If you do join someone on a group of birds allow the person there to be the leader! Allow them the best angle on the group and you fill in the gap... More then likely if you crowd them they will get pushy and blow the group out!
Have courtesy for all anglers and respect, you can learn a lot also by watching others fish.
Good Luck