“The key to successful fishing is not just about using the right bait or equipment, but also understanding the behavior and instincts of the fish.” — Jeremy Wade
I grew up on a lake, so fishing is second nature for me. I used everything from just a net, to a stick with string, to a spin real, to a bait-cast, to fly fishing. After I watched a River Runs Through It, I practiced casting my fly rod to try to match the movie poster.
So this book is pretty special treat and something I can deeply relate to, even though I never caught a river monster (just some big catfish).
How to Think Like a Fish by Jeremy Wade is a book that teaches readers how to become successful anglers by understanding the behavior and biology of fish.
Through his experiences as a professional angler and adventurer, Wade learned that the key to successful fishing is not just about using the right bait or equipment, but also understanding the behavior and instincts of the fish.
Wade shares his knowledge and experience, providing insights on topics such as finding the right fishing spots, choosing the best bait and lures, and using the right equipment.
He emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and observation, and encourages readers to respect the environment and the fish they are pursuing.
The book is an insightful resource for anyone interested in improving their fishing skills and understanding the natural world.
10 Big Ideas from How To Think Like a Fish
The 10 big ideas from the book include the importance of observing fish behavior, studying their environment and natural prey, understanding their senses, and adapting to changing conditions.
Other key takeaways include the role of instincts and memory in fish behavior, the importance of patience and persistence, and the benefits of continuous learning and experimentation.
Let’s walk through the 10 big ideas from How To Think Like a Fish…
1. The importance of understanding the behavior and habitat of fish to increase your chances of catching them.
The first big idea from “Think Like a Fish” is to understand the environment where fish live. This means paying attention to the water temperature, clarity, depth, and structure, as well as the type of vegetation and other organisms in the area.
To translate this into actionable insight, anglers can research the bodies of water they plan to fish in and learn about the conditions that fish thrive in. They can also spend time observing the environment while fishing and make note of any patterns or changes in the water conditions.
This information can help anglers make informed decisions about the best times, locations, and techniques to use for catching fish in a particular environment.
2. The need for patience and persistence in fishing, as it can take time to learn how to think like a fish.
The second big idea in “Think Like a Fish” is that anglers should observe the behavior of the prey that fish eat.
This insight can be translated into actionable advice for anglers to research and learn about the natural food sources of the fish they want to catch.
By understanding the diet and habits of the fish’s prey, anglers can select the best lures and baits to mimic those prey and increase their chances of a successful catch.
Additionally, observing the natural prey of fish can also help anglers identify where the fish might be located, such as near underwater structures or vegetation where prey may hide.
3. The role of senses like sight, smell, and hearing in fish behavior and how to use this knowledge to your advantage.
The third big idea from “How to Think Like a Fish” is that fish rely on their sense of smell to find food and avoid danger. This means that anglers should pay attention to the scent of their bait and lures, and use scents that mimic the natural prey of the fish they are targeting.
To put this insight into action, anglers can experiment with different scents and attractants, such as fish oils, garlic, or anise. They can also use scent-free products to avoid leaving their own scent on their gear or bait, which can spook fish.
Another actionable insight is to use the wind to your advantage, as fish will often swim with the current to follow scent trails. Anglers can cast their bait upstream and let it drift down to the fish, allowing the scent to reach them before the bait does.
Overall, understanding the importance of scent and using it to your advantage can greatly increase your chances of catching fish.
4. The value of observation and paying attention to small details, as fish often give subtle clues about their behavior.
The fourth big idea from “Think Like a Fish” is to learn about the natural prey of the fish you’re trying to catch.
This insight can be translated into actionable insight by doing research on the specific fish species you want to catch, including their diet and feeding habits. You can then use this knowledge to choose the right bait or lure that mimics the prey the fish is naturally drawn to.
For example, if you’re targeting bass, you may want to use lures that mimic the movement and appearance of crawfish, which are a common food source for bass.
By understanding the natural prey of the fish, you can increase your chances of catching them by presenting them with something that looks and moves like their favorite food.
5. The impact of environmental factors like weather, water temperature, and pollution on fish behavior and how to adjust your approach accordingly.
The fifth big idea from “How to Think Like a Fish” is to understand the structure of a fish’s habitat. This means that it is important to know where fish live and what conditions they need in order to thrive. For example, some species of fish prefer clear, fast-moving water, while others prefer slower-moving water with plenty of vegetation.
To translate this into actionable insight, a fisherman or angler could study the habitat of the fish they are trying to catch. This could involve researching the specific species and learning about their preferred habitat, as well as visiting the location where they plan to fish and observing the conditions of the water and surrounding area.
By understanding the structure of a fish’s habitat, an angler can choose the right bait and fishing techniques to increase their chances of success. They can also make informed decisions about where to fish and when, based on the time of day, weather conditions, and other factors that may affect the fish’s behavior.
6. The role of bait and lures in fishing, and how to select the right ones based on the type of fish you’re targeting.
The sixth big idea from “Think Like a Fish” is that fishing is a skill that requires constant learning and adaptation. To translate this into actionable insights, anglers should always be open to trying new techniques and learning from their successes and failures.
This could involve experimenting with different lures, baits, and fishing spots, as well as seeking out advice and insights from other anglers, books, or online resources.
By being open-minded and constantly seeking to improve their skills, anglers can increase their chances of catching more fish and experiencing greater success on the water.
7. The importance of technique and how to cast, reel, and land a fish effectively.
The seventh big idea from “Think Like a Fish” is that understanding fish vision can help anglers use the right lures and baits to catch fish.
This translates into actionable insights by encouraging anglers to consider factors such as water clarity, light conditions, and fish eye structure when selecting lures and baits.
For example, in clear water with bright light, using natural-looking lures that mimic the fish’s natural prey can be more effective than brightly colored lures.
Similarly, in murky water, using lures with strong vibrations or scents can help fish locate the bait. By understanding fish vision and how different factors affect it, anglers can make more informed decisions when choosing their gear and increase their chances of catching fish.
8. The ethical considerations of catch-and-release fishing, and how to handle fish properly to minimize harm.
Big Idea #8 from “Think Like a Fish” is to understand the influence of weather and water conditions on fish behavior. This means paying attention to factors like temperature, wind, water clarity, and currents, as these can affect where fish are located and what they are eating.
To translate this into actionable insight, anglers can use weather apps and websites to track current and forecasted conditions for their fishing location.
They can also keep a fishing journal to record the weather and water conditions on days when they have a successful catch, which can help identify patterns and preferences of fish behavior under different conditions.
Additionally, adjusting fishing techniques and lures to match the conditions can increase the chances of a successful catch.
9. The cultural significance of fishing and how it has evolved over time.
The ninth big idea from “How to Think Like a Fish” is that understanding fish vision can help you catch more fish. Jeremy Wade explains that fish see the world differently from humans, as they are sensitive to certain colors, movements, and contrasts.
By understanding fish vision, you can choose lures and baits that are more likely to attract fish and also use stealthy techniques that won’t spook them.
To translate this idea into actionable insights, anglers can research the types of fish they want to catch and learn about their vision capabilities.
They can choose lures and baits that mimic the natural prey of the fish and use colors and contrasts that are more likely to catch their attention. Anglers can also be more aware of their movements and avoid making sudden, jerky motions that could scare the fish away.
By taking these steps, anglers can increase their chances of catching more fish.
10. The joy and sense of connection with nature that can be experienced through fishing.
The 10th big idea from “Think Like a Fish” is to think outside the box and be creative. This means not being afraid to try new things and experiment with different techniques, baits, and lures.
To translate this into actionable insight, anglers should be open-minded and willing to take risks in their fishing approach.
This could include trying new fishing spots, using unconventional baits or lures, or experimenting with different casting techniques.
The key is to keep an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone in order to improve your chances of catching more fish.
Think Like a Fish to Fish at a Whole New Level
By learning about their natural habitat, prey, and instincts, anglers can better identify the best fishing spots, use the right equipment and bait, and increase their chances of success.
With the help of this book, readers can develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the fascinating world of fish and the art of fishing.
So whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, “Think Like a Fish” is a must-read for anyone who wants to take their fishing skills to the next level.
Get the Book
How To Think Like a Fish by Jeremy Wade is available on Amazon:
View on Amazon | View the Audible
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