Going Local for Information

Knowledge is Power. Information is Key. Clichés to be sure, but clichés that are nonetheless true. There's nothing better than local fishing information to find out what's going on close to home. Prior to any?fishing trip, especially to a new location, an angler should attempt to gain?as much?knowledge?as possible.

In our digital age,?we have an infinite library at our finger tips. We?can obtain almost any and?all information we seek;?almost. My experience has found that nothing quite beats getting your boots on the ground. Seek information from its source and be rewarded?with local knowledge.?It is time to hop off the information super highway and take the local road. Very often, the best source of fishing information emanates from the local tackle shop or fishing guide.

The Tackle Shop

While fishing?reports and location specific forums can provide a great local fishing information, sometimes?our fellow?fisherman can?be withholding. After all, who wants to show up to their “secret spot” to find another already wetting their line. Tackle shop owners and fishing guides are small business owners;?entrepreneurs who thrive on word of mouth and repeat business. They have their fingers on the pulse of local fisheries. They?are generally the medium through which?a great wealth?of first-hand?information is exchanged.

As a point of courtesy, always remember while?the information was free,?their time wasn’t.?I always purchase an item or two?whether it’s a favorite lure or the one?suggested. A simple and meaningful?way to say?“Thank you" (along with actually saying?it).

Fish On!

Whether you are an experienced angler or brand new to the sport, fishing with a local guide offers a variety of benefits,?especially if fishing a body of water for the first time. If your wallet allows, spending?time with a guide will only increase your chances of success. Remember, you are fishing with a person whose main objective is to yell “fish on.”?This will also?provide additional opportunities to obtain knowledge from the source. Furthermore, the lessons you take away with you may potentially be applied to other fishing locales. This will?improve your chances?of success?the next time you have?the?opportunity to fish that same location or similar conditions.

My Guides

For the sake of transparency, I benefit from being family friends and fishing buddies with Mike and Evan Padua of Sweetwater Guide Service LLC. They run father and son guide business on the Upper Delaware River (NY and PA),?with four decades of collective experience guiding. I can honestly say that I still learn something new on every trip.?For more information, please visit: Sweetwater Guide

If you ever find yourself near Lake George (NY), travel to the north end to spend a few hours with Justy-Joe Charters. Originally booked as a one and done trip to help my grandfather hook a “trophy trout,” we were so pleased with Captain Joe that we visited the area for the next several years. Joe splits his time guiding between New York and south Florida. For more information about his NY guide service, visit: New York Fishing