What is a fishing log?  No, it’s not something lying in the water that fish hide behind.  A fishing log is a document that is kept by anglers to record conditions and places where fish are caught.   I have kept a fishing log for several years now.  There are several ways to keep a log.  Some anglers use a notebook of paper and a pencil.  I keep a pad and pencil in the glove box of my Ranger Boat to take notes on.  I then use my notes to complete my computerized fishing log.  I use a computer program called “Fishing Daze” that retails for about $20.00.  This program has a fill in the blank format.  All you have to do is place the information required in the blanks.  It’s fast, easy and convenient to complete.  I have tried other computerized fishing log programs but nothing compares to Fishing Daze; it’s the most user-friendly.  The only location that I have found the Fishing Daze program is at Green Top Sporting Goods in Glen Allen, Virginia.
     You will want to record the following basic information to begin your fishing log: the place where you fished such as the Potomac River; the weather conditions such as was it clear, rainy or sunny, was the wind blowing and from what direction, for example, 10mph from the northwest; the barometer reading if available; and the air and water temperature.  You should also write down the exact location you fished and whether or not you caught fish there.  I feel that it’s important to record the lure and color you were using that caught fish and the ones that did not catch fish.  In addition, you should record the water level at the lake or the tides you fished on a river.  A fishing log is not an immediate help to you but will definitely payoff in time.  I know that my logs have helped me a great deal.  For example, when I go fishing on the Potomac River the first thing I do is determine all of the conditions that I can prior to launching my Ranger Boat.  I will determine the weather conditions, water levels/tide and approximate water temperature.  I then go through my logs and match these conditions to previous fishing trips on the Potomac River.  The conditions that I am able to match will give me an idea of what lure to use and where to go and use it.  I almost always have a good fishing day when I am able to use my fishing log successfully. 
     I recently discussed pre-fishing tactics with legendary bass angler, Rick Clunn.  He told me that he has kept fishing logs on every bay of water that he has ever fished for over thirty (30) years.  The information provided by his fishing logs has allowed him to be more effective and require less tournament pre-fishing time.  He relies on his logs to tell him where to go and what type of lure to use.  And we all know how effective he is on the water.   I feel that my logs are as important as any Allstar Rod, reel or any lure on my Ranger Boat.

"As published in the October 2003 edition of The Sportsman's Magazine"