Crappie Tom’s Mysterious Fishing Journals of Fun…

Hey Crappie Master Tom,

i can’t help but notice that you seem to mention referencing some kind of personal fishing journal every now and then. i always thought it would be a good idea to start one of those (sooner rather than later), so i’m trying to put one together here tonight.

i was just wondering exactly what type of info you put in this journal that’s most helpfull? and what kind of format do you use to keep it organized for easy refrencing?

…and any other little secrets you may have for me

I do not journal like I did when I was a young man, but it is still interesting for me to go back and read what worked 20-30 years ago. The things I recorded that I find very useful are my observations about what the fish were relating to or what bait worked under certain conditions. I would recommend keeping a journal! Record whatever you think might be helpful. I can help you with a thermometer Jake.

Good Fishing,
Mike

thanks for the very thought out reply tom (as always)

do you only record the info for crappies, or do you do it for all your fish?

aight……so here would be my predicimate……..i would classify myself as a minimally accomplished multi-species fisher of fish . i’m very likely to fish 6 days a week, and never fish the same body of water, or for that matter, even the same type of fish…….i guess you could say i like a little varity in my life (gotta keep things interesting)

so what are the chances a journal like this would help a guy like me? i know you like your craps and mike likes his pannies and others like there wallys…… I LIKE THEM ALL ….. i’m sure i’d learn some general things about all the fish, but sense i don’t concentrate on any one style of fishing, would i be wasting my time? it seems it would be hard to establish a predominate pattern without significant info regarding a certain place and type of fish (ex. Spring, lake Zum, Craps)

In other words Jake, when in school you have 6 classes and you take notes in all the classes so you have something to study and learn something from. Same with fish, you have 6 fish species so take notes on all of them. Now if I only did what I just said I would have a journal too.
Thanks, Bill

i’m not sure what all this “studyin” talk is all about…..but the journaling has been begun.

i came up with my own little table format (that i can’t seem to post here )….hopefully it’ll work as i just printed out 50 pages of em

and just think, in 3-5 years i’ll be able to let you guys know my results . i’ll see ya then

Jake, since you plan on not seeing us for 3-5 years then you must not being planning on being on the water at all. I hate to be the one to break the shocking news to you, but you only journal AFTER you have been on the water EACH time.
Thanks, Bill

It seems we need to take poor young Jake out for some instruction in the fine art of catching fish…..
I do note that his 2004 fish count is increasing – ssslllooowwwlllyyy. Must be a sticky keyboard?
I suspect we will see Mr. Jake sooner than 3-5 years as I believe he will be working for me this summer.

Good Fishing,
Mike

ALRIGHT!!!!! We can pick on him, I mean see him , in person! Oh what fun we can have.
Can’t wait!!!
Thanks, Bill