In The Zone

ADAM PENNING describes how focusing your attention on one spot can result in multiple bites.

- Adam Penning

We will have to assume that we are in an area with fish in front of it. Whatever we talk about or try to imply, the key factor would be that we are on fish. Get to the lake at first light and see where they are showing. It is then a case of getting as close to them as you can.

A lot of people say that they can’t do it on their lake because it’s too busy, but I fish a lot of busy lakes and always manage to get either bang on them or very close. Most people are not looking hard enough or can’t be bothered to move, so if you are one of those, change your ways and it will help you catch more fish, I can assure you.

Once we have found the fish, it is best to let them do their showing and feeding in peace. I watch and study where they are showing and fizzing and take note of everything. The fish won’t do this all day; there will be a period when the shows start to tail off.

I watch the fish and drop pins in a mental map for when I do investigate the swim. There are two ways you can look at it, and one is to cast to them. You might nick a bite and that could be it. By waiting, you will find that the fish will come back the following morning and instead of catching one you will have multiple bites when they next feed. I am looking at the bigger picture and trying to work out the best way of catching a number of fish.