Tips & Techniques

 

I. Don't Rock The Boat

     Make sure your boat is seaworthy. Maintain and keep your boat, engine, and trailer in perfect working order to prevent breakdowns and loss of fishing time.

 

II. Buy and Maintain Quality Tackle

     Maximize the experience. Buy good tackle and keep the rods and reels in excellent workingorder at all times. The same goes for your line; change it on a regular basis.

 

III. Use "Hot" Bait

     Always fish with lively, "hot" bait. Change bait often to keep the most lively ones out there. Make sure you have a good live well with round corners to keep your bait alive all day.

 

IV. Do Your Homework

     The best fisherman leave as little to chance or luck as possible. Know where you are fishing and what you are fishing for. Arrive to a tournament site a few days early and "prefish". Results come from hard work and advance preparation. 

 

V. Have a Daily Game Plan

     Know where you're going in the morning. But be flexible enough to make changes during the day based on chaning conditions such as tides, water temperature, water clarity and bait.

 

VI. Know Where To Look for Kingfish

     Kingfish are found historically in the same places in each area. This is a good start on where to start fishing. Check the local tackle shop or fish house to see where the fish have been biting as of late. Then be able to react to the condition.

 

VII. Follow the Bait

     Find the bait and you will find fish. Look for signs such as birds, color, and temperature changes in the water, fish striking, and/or bait being marked.

 

VIII. Fish Stealth

     You have to fool the fish. Fishing in clear water, use real small tackle, including line, hooks and leader. Use a light drag to keep the small hooks from pulling out or the light line from breaking.

 

IX. Don't Push the Limit

     Always leave a margin of safety in every aspect of fishing. Fishing right up to the last second and missing a weigh-in or getting caught in bad weather will cost you.

 

X. Remember Fishing is a Sport

     Give yourself the best opportunity to succeed, then "Enjoy the experience, whatever the outcome"!

 

Dave Workman, Jr. is a two-time Southern Kingfish Angler of the Year and a leading candidate for the 1999 Pro Angler of the Year.