One of the most critical things that inexperienced fisherman never learn is how to maximize boat position so you catch more fish. It always amazes me to watch someone fish down a river channel or around a hump and never consider the contours of the area they are fishing. It’s even worse when someone fishes a point and never utilizes the natural contours to be a productive fisherman.

You cannot be productive in these areas unless you learn the basic rules of boat position. Let me give you some basics.

When fishing a point don’t cross it with your boat while fishing. Turn your boat parallel to the point and work it out — not across — the point. You can fish it from the topside, but you should use the same parallel tactic.

When fishing along a channel, keep the boat in a consistent depth so you are turning with the depth changes not crossing them.

When fishing a hump, fish from both the deep side and the top. Many times the change from the inside to outside or vise-a-versa is the critical difference in catching fish.

When fishing down a bank don’t always sit off the shore and throw to the bank. Work the boat into the edge and throw parallel to the bank in order to fish a consistent depth.

In Lake Guntersville because we have so much grass you should always be checking the depth and turning out where the grass shows or produces a point. This allows you to work the underwater contour as well as the visible grass edge.

Lastly when you take someone fishing, be aware of the fact that boat position is what allows the people in the back to have an equal chance at catching fish.

As a guide, it’s essential that I position my clients in the back so they have as good or better chance to catch fish than those in front. Proper boat position is the only way to accomplish this. I hope this tip helps you become a better fisherman.

The boat isn’t just a fishing platform; it is the biggest item of fishing tackle you have. Use it properly, and it can not only carry you to fishing sites but can aid you in catching fish. Always consider how your boat could be used to improve the chances of catching a fish.

Captain Mike Gerry
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
Web: www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
(256) 759-2270

Tags: boat position, lake guntersville, Mike Gerry

This entry was posted on Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 5:00 AM and is filed under Fishing, Fishing Articles, Tips and Tactics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.