If you say match the hatch to a trout angler, they’ll immediately go sit alongside a stream or lake to observe the bugs that are rising from the water. Then they’ll pay attention to which one of the bugs are being eaten by trout.
Then they’ll catch a few of the things that are getting eaten and take them home. They’ll sit down at their fly tying vises and with a hook, some thread, possibly some feathers and a bunch of stuff they scraped up off their carpet, they’ll tie a pretty accurate imitation of whatever it was the trout were eating.
If you say match the hatch to a bass angler, or one who angles for anything but trout, they’ll go wander up and down the aisles of a big box fishing store. They’ll pull down off the wall a thing that looks like absolutely nothing that swims in water anywhere on earth.
Since Illinois is the only geographical place on earth that doesn’t have trout, I guess this is for the other anglers.
It’s very simple, throw something in the water that actually looks like something fish like to eat. I know wandering up and down the aisles of the big box stores is kind of intriguing, but much of what is hanging on the walls looks like nothing even remotely edible.
This may explain why 90 percent of the fish are caught by 10 percent of the fishermen. That 10 percent know what fish food actually looks like.
So following is a refresher. Rather than try to describe what things look like, which I have a feeling would be a waste of time, I’ve collected up some pictures of what is out there right now that the fish are eating. You should be able to print them out. Next time you go to a store, bring the pictures with you. Hold them up next to the things you see hanging on the walls and buy the things that most closely resemble what is in the picture.
It’s fool proof and in the long run will save you a ton of money and will catapult you into being one of those 10 percent that are catching all the fish. If after looking at these images you have any questions, don’t contact me. You’re hopeless and will never get it. At that point, go back to wandering the aisles and buy whatever catches your eye. I’m sure the pro angler behind the counter would be more than happy to help you.
