The “Opening Day” Effect 1

  I have been affected by opening day…

  I don’t care what kind of opener it is Brother, but I am there!!!

  River opener, shrimp opener, crab opener, Marine area opener, deer opener, elk opener, duck opener…

  Well, you get the picture…

   Sorry, I kinda went all “Bubba Gump shrimp” on you there for a moment…

   That’s part of my ODE (Opening Day Effect) disorder… You’ve heard of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)? It’s just like that but it’s brought on by looking at the fishing or hunting regs, or a look at a calendar that is open to a month containing a potential opening day.

   A couple of years ago I was in chinook “hog heaven” with a June one river opener that yielded a couple of hatchery Skagit springers…  

   And -The very next day, a June second Tulalip “bubble” opener that produced a dandy pair of chrome kings! 

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Over the years the fishing seasons seem to follow loose patterns that once recognized, can lead the way to consistent success.

  First, get your butt out on opening day! Oh, really???
  Since the fish have not seen sport gear for a while and fish abundance is up, success comes a bit easier on the opener and often you can hook fish in new areas utilizing differing techniques and gear styles and colors.  The opportunity to experiment a bit when fish abundance is high and you can get immediate feedback on your efforts should not be overlooked. Often your “experimental” results will resonate success through-out the entire season and lead you to other technique innovations as well!

   By far the biggest aspect of opening day is the most obvious. It’s your first opportunity, first shot, first day on the water! Experience is always the best teacher and the earlier you can learn a new season’s “lessons” the better fisherman you will be! Never stop learning and good luck on your opener!!!