fisherman's log

[ssaamm]

Every winter I tell myself that I need to keep a record of the what, where, and how of the upcoming years's fishing trips. Do any of you keep some kind of a log to refer back to?--scribble on a napkin?, write on a calendar?, notebook? I need some way to pass the next couple of months, and there aren't any fishing shows on until Sat. Thanks for any suggestions, and what info do you record in your log?

[TNFL]

I print out a dnr map and write notes on the back and highlight areas on the front where I caught fish. Things to include:

invariables::date, weather, water temp, time of day

variales: lure selection, size, location, depth, etc.

[fisher98]

I have a binder in which i keep a copy of the map which i can mark, and then i have a fishing log that i made up which includes:

***location/lake---date-----day of the week-----time started/finished---water temp(start/finish)---air temp(start/finish)---structure type that i catch fish on----vegetation that is holding fish---weather conditions---wind mph/direction----water clarity----baitfish/crawfish/other food source-----i also keep track of the time that i catch the fish--length--lure caught on---and then i put together some notes or comments on the day....a sort of reflection on the day...things i did right or things that i should have done differently, or something that effected my day....

this is what i do, or try to do as much as possible...hole punch these and keep it in a log at home, in the truck, or leave it in the boat...you may want to laminate it, or something so it isn't wrecked....

my 2 cents-----fisher 98

[Granny]

Not only does a log help you understand fishing patterns it really helps the winter go by when you can look back at the previous year(s). I just put all my info on a spreadsheet on my computer and add to it each time I go out fishing. Keep as much info as you would like but the more the better! My log has lake and area, date, species targeted, air and water temp, time of day fished, wind, weather, current weather trends, bait/lures, depth, people fished with, lure of choice, results/comments, # of fish kept, and largest of each species. For bass'n I am going to add a column for # of fish over 18" also this year. I also keep a log of the number of lakes I have fished just for fun of it. A log helps keep those 20"ers from turning into 21"ers

Granny

[FlipR70]

Hey,

I just started writing things down last year. The more I think about it, the more sorry I am that I didn't start this sooner. Here's a few options for a log ...

1) electronic .. This is freeware I found out about on another HSOforum. I didn't find any viruses with this software but I'm not guaranteeing anything ...

http://home.flash.net/~tvandy/frame.htm

2) I went to Gander Mountain and they have logs there that you can buy. I think mine is called "Write it Down" for fishing. It's a nice binder that you can write in as you see fit.

FlipR70

[Mark Christianson]

I just use good old MS Word now.

My logs started in March of 1993 in a notebook, and I sure wish I started it earlier. Its a blast to talk with friends about an outing, and yank out the log to prove I am right...

I have a TON of logs on paper that I am moving into soft copy.

I have had my 8 year old son start a log already. he will really have something special to look back on.

[RandyFish]

ss,

I just saved a fishing log page from a HSOforum.

Here is the site: www.largemouth.info/ html/fishinglog3.gif

Randy Fish

[Daze Off]

I have one that I partly developed and partly downloaded from several websites....would be glad to post it but not sure (A) if that is permitted and ( how to do it. It is in WordPerfect format.

I wish I could remember in the heat of fishing to fill it in as the day goes along - I tend to forget and fill it in at the dock when the day is done.

Daze Off

[ChrisR71]

I write down the details of my trips in my calendar.

I heard Al Linder say that he stopped keeping daily detailed records. He said that in 7 days, he has 2 good days, 2 bad days, and 3 average days. It is hard to imagine Al having a bad day on the water.

[ssaamm]

Thanks for the ideas. The hard part will actually be remembering to fill it out after the trip.

[M.T. Bucket]

Make sure to check this thread:

Keeping a fishing log

[jackfish]

I have kept a log for the past 10 years. Every day that I have gone fishing is logged in my fishing book.

Get yourself a leather bound ledger book with blank pages. This book is valuable so treat it so. Your kids and grand kids will benefit from your record keeping, and if not at least they may get to know you better. Keep all your thoughts, it's amazing how many things and patterns we notice but they don't register at the time we are fishing. Take note of the things you see, bugs, birds, water levels, foliage, water clarity, alae blums, wind direction. Glue photos maps and draw pictures and diagrams in your book. Keep note of the number and quality of fish you catch and on what baits in what depth. Be creative and jot down anything you think is important. I found that if I use a template type log I tend not to record the real important stuff, I just fill in the blanks so take some time away from the TV and put some thought into it. My fishing log book has become one of my most prized possessions and if you keep a good one, I'm sure you'll find this to be the case for you. One small thing. Some of my friends and family know how detailed my logs are and often give me things to add to it like photos, poems, quotes and funny stories. They mean alot.

Jackfish