An Introduction and set up guide to writing a fishing Log.
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
A fishing log is a record of all your previous catches. It will include the weather conditions, pressure, date, time, method/technique and lure/bait. Fishing logs can be found online or in paper form. The simplistic layout of fish logs will allow anglers to record the information related to their catch quickly. The purpose of keeping a fish log is to view trends and increase your chances of similar encounters in the future. A standard fishing log will include at least basic information such as weather conditions and tide times. More detail added will make the log better for future use.
Viewing patterns and trends within your fish log can decide between being an amateur fisherman or an advanced fisherman. Understanding when the fishing will be at its best will help prevent you from having any future blanks on the water.
Patterns and Trends
Creating a fish log can be a long tedious process but the results are usually phenomenal. It is recommended to wait a full fishing season before trying to view trends within your fish log. You should be as detailed as possible within your fish log to prevent missing any vital information. Leaving an extra column for key information’ at the end of your log is advised. Any great angler will swear by fish logs trends.
Different Types Of Fishing Logs
There are two main forms of fishing logs. Paper and online. The older generation of anglers generally uses a notebook and pen whereas the preferred method for many younger men is recording the information online. The reason online logs can be a better option is due to their large storage capacity, adaptability and presentational values
What Can Be Included
There are many things that should be added to your fishing log. I will split this section into essential requirements and non-essential but preferred requirements
Essential (needed for any fish log):
● Weather - vital as weather can alter fish feeding patterns
● Tide (coastal fishing) - slack water when the tide stops will have less feeding fish.
● Pressure - one of the main factors of fish activity.
● Location/ Structure - fish will hide amongst structures and crevices depending on the species.
● Bait/Lure used - try a mixture to see what works best.
● Species
Non-Essential (Not needed but would improve the standard of your fish log):
● Species Length
● Species Weight
● Date of Catch - This will allow you to understand if fish are more abundant at certain times of the year.
● Depth of Fishing - can imitate this depth if it is successful.
● Time Caught
● Time Fishing - how many hours did it take?
● Retrieval Speed
● Technique Used
● Rig Used
● Pre baited Location
Finishing Notes
Overall, it is evident that choosing to complete a fish log can greatly improve your chances of future success. Being able to spot developing trends as well as provide the information needed can be a difficult task. Although, fish logs are very rewarding for any form of angler. If you are comfortable using an online log it is preferred over a paper copy. The reason for this is due to an increase in storage, faster input, cleaner formatting and easier to read prints.