Bird Fishing Helpfull Hints

["W"]

Here is a set of basic tips and rules of thumb for everyone to read over on 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
- 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

Rule of thumb is 2 boats are plenty on a group of birds and if its real windy or rough you will only be able to fish one boat per set

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


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[speckdaddy]

that ol hr and g guide taught ya that? otr did he force ya to post this up? lol great info for those who dont know

[huntin fool]

What the heck?

Theres rules on fishing birds? Who enforces these rules? I dont want to get caught by the "eagle eye police"

[speckdaddy]

Originally Posted by huntin fool

What the heck?

Theres rules on fishing birds? Who enforces these rules? I dont want to get caught by the "eagle eye police"

i thought you were a junior game warden??

["W"]

No bashing....This is for those who may not have the experience to fish a lot

[ShadMan]

Good info, W. Why don't you add that article to the wiki under the topic "Fishing the Birds"?

http://www.gcoutdoors.com/w/index.ph...edit&redlink=1

[all star rod]

I agree. W do you have a theory on how to fish the birds when dealing with a GUIDE??????

[Mediumheavyaction6'6]

that is some good info. i needed that i have never fished birds before.

[mikedatiger]

Originally Posted by ShadMan

Good info, W. Why don't you add that article to the wiki under the topic "Fishing the Birds"?

http://www.gcoutdoors.com/w/index.ph...edit&redlink=1

Was going to say the same thing - this is something everyone should read.

On really windy days I have also caught trout under sitting birds on numerous occasions. Watched the birds do this on Big Lake a few weeks ago when the wind was awful - they would feed for a few minutes and then land. You could watch em fly about 100/200 hundred yards and then land again - right with the school.

A guide on Sabine taught me to fish sitting birds under rough conditions.

Don't know if anyone else has ever seen this, but it has worked for me.

["W"]

Today the wind was blowing us so hard into them... I had the trolling motor wide open point into the wind and let Brian and Darren get on the back and slam em.... We only fished a few sets to produce our 45...... Had a few throw backs..

[bay_slayer]

This is a good post......very informative on potlicking the birds.....i mean fishing the birds

[BIGJ]

Good post W.
I really like reading this kind of post. Good information.

[rosska]

Good job there W. It is good to read info that will make better fisherman. This should help alot of people catch more fish and be more courteous.

[huntin fool]

May I add something to the list for waders?



Fishing birds works well while wading aswell..Just ask bruce




good list W.

[Slidellkid]

That's good info to have. I haven't fished birds so it's helpful information to me and I appreciate it.

[trophytroutman]

Originally Posted by mikethetiger55

Was going to say the same thing - this is something everyone should read.

On really windy days I have also caught trout under sitting birds on numerous occasions. Watched the birds do this on Big Lake a few weeks ago when the wind was awful - they would feed for a few minutes and then land. You could watch em fly about 100/200 hundred yards and then land again - right with the school.

A guide on Sabine taught me to fish sitting birds under rough conditions.

Don't know if anyone else has ever seen this, but it has worked for me.

Caught many under sitting birds.

[Wag]

Good post W

[catch.and.fillet]

Nice tip about fishing sitting birds on windy days. Makes sense - they're tired or full - and want to stay near their spot.

I'd also add - don't run your trolling motor higher than 50% close to the set. I think the noise/vibration scares 'em off.

thanks for posting.

[speck-chaser]

this is what I normally try to do. The only problem down here is when you shut your big motor off 4-500 yds away and start drifting with the wind, before you can get to the school, you have 5 boats that run up to the birds 20 yards away and catch their 2 fish,and the school scatters before you can get close. pshshshhhshhhhhh

[fishinpox]

Originally Posted by speck-chaser

this is what I normally try to do. The only problem down here is when you shut your big motor off 4-500 yds away and start drifting with the wind, before you can get to the school, you have 5 boats that run up to the birds 20 yards away and catch their 2 fish,and the school scatters before you can get close. pshshshhhshhhhhh

why u think i put a 109 36v tm on my 20 ft boat!!