SportFishing and Charters Forum - Finding fish

I am new to captaining my own boat and locating fish. Typically before a trip I will review Hilton's website for water temps, etc and come up with a trip plan. When I get out I will look for weedlines, rips, temp changes and bait fish. I can usually bring a few fish in the boat, but not had a barnburner day. Others fishing the same days load the boat.

How can I improve locating fish? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated,

attend seminars

The fastest & best way to shorten your learning curve would be to go with a Captain for Hire. He will simplify your spread, teach you what to look for & explain why it's happening. (if he's good)

Fishing schools & seminars help. Go more often, stay in touch with those that are doing it for a living, target the species that are here, now.

Learn to bottom fish when trolling not working for you.
All fish like structure find it, save it & fish it.

Hope this helps ...... ICM

http://www.ripcharts.com/tutorial.aspx

Here are some explanations to make sure you are getting the most out of what charts you are using and planning your trips to the most opportunistic spot. If you're fishing relatively same location as others catching them by the truck load it may not be the spot but your bait spread, rigging etc keeping you from filling the box.

d.lew, thanks for the link.

hydrosports (and anyone else that has an interest), we are having a few webinars over the next couple of weeks. Feel free to sign up for one or both. There is an overview one, and an advanced techniques webinar that covers more advanced strategies. here is the link to the sign up form. Space is limited.

http://www.ripcharts.com/WebConference.aspx