Ghost Stories – Mix It Up In The Bahamas!
All too often we choose to live our lives in a mundane fashion with little change and little excitement; this “safer” lifestyle is not always better. In terms of angling, this approach can lead to lost opportunities, lost fish, and simply leave anglers in a rut.
Fish are constantly on the move in marine environments. Tides, currents, temperature changes, salinity, dissolved oxygen, angling pressure, predation and a long list of other factors determine fish movement. Anglers disregarding this fact are bound to be flogging dead water. It has been stated that 90 percent of the fish are usually found in about 10 percent of the water. Identifying the 10 percent where fish exist is a great start at finding fish. However, that 10 percent changes and moves, and so do the fish that rely on their ever evolving environment.
Changing techniques, tactics, locations and approaches will always provide better bets for finding fish. While the outcome may not always immediately offer fish, changes are sure to educate anglers making them better anglers in all areas. Additionally, changing approaches can at times provide great alternatives to “the usual spots,” making new hot spots.
Travel destinations are also frequently subject to consistency. Tourists generally flock to their favorite lodge, island or guide based on positive past experiences. While this is comfortable and may hopefully lead to another “great day,” with a certain guide, changes can bring many positives. In speaking with many lodges and guides as a component of Ghost Stories research, it is apparent that repeat clientele that makes up a large majority of business in the Bahamas. While I do not want to upset this vital business sector, I encourage anglers to mix it up; try a new angling approach, try a new lodge, try a new guide, try a new island!
The Bahamas as an angling destination is an excellent place to explore and try new things. Many islands in the 700 islands throughout the Bahamas archipelago hold bonefish and other prized gamefish. Environmental diversity throughout the islands and even within larger islands is truly amazing, and this variability offers many different types of angling. While some may be hesitant to try new places, the rewards for doing so can be great!
One aspect of Ghost Stories research that I love is the opportunity to visit new places, see new lodges, meet new guides and learn so much more. With research on Nassau, Bimini and Grand Bahama behind me, my sights are now set on Abaco this coming winter, where my research will continue. If you are interested in learning more about this important study, please visit http://tomkarrow.wix.com/bahamas-guide-tek, where regular updates on the project are provided.