Hook, Line & Sinker
There is huge difference between a professional fisherman and an amateur. Most people don’t know the basic elements of fishing, such as how to tie a lure or bait a hook, yet they take off expecting to win a tournament.
First, you must determine what your target fish species is and go to a spot where those fish are. For example: if you were fishing for catfish, you wouldn’t go to the ocean. If you were trying to catch Halibut, you wouldn’t go to the lake. And, when you’re fishing for sturgeons, because they move a lot on the tides following food, you can’t expect to catch them in still water. All this might seem obvious, but too many times you’ll see amateurs fishing in the wrong area. Then you look around and see a professional, less than fifty feet away, which has already caught their limit.
You must learn what type of bait to use and keep it fresh. It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing for catfish, sturgeon or salmon, you can’t use the same bait for too long. Many anglers are trying to conserve bait because it’s expensive and then make the excuse that: “the fish just aren’t biting right now.” Truth is, you must be using the correct bait for that particular fish and the bait must be fresh.
You must also learn the proper season and best time of day to fish. Fishes behavior is affected by the calendar. They spawn in the spring, but then in the fall they will move to wintering waters. Fish change their positions in the water and their appetites according to the clock. The early mornings and the hours just after dusk are generally high feeding times. Fish usually have moved to deeper, cooler waters by afternoon.
Always use the proper equipment. This might be a given, but each species requires the use of a proper rod and reel combination. For example: use a spin casting reel for big bass but switch to a bait casting reel for deep water fishing. Each fishing rod has a limit to the weight it can lift and cast effectively. If your line it too light, you’ll lose larger fish.
You must match your target fish’s behavior to your approach and have the proper equipment for more “big catch” results.
The same is true to become ‘Fisher of Men.’ You must learn the proper way to reach those people that God has asked you to reach! Everyone wants to be in a big boat on the ocean catching big fish, but are you willing to stand in the muddy river to get the catfish?
If you’re not reaching people, maybe you’re not casting your net on the proper side [John 21:5-6]
You must understand whom God has designed you to reach. If you’re a single mom, reach other single moms. If you’ve overcome anger and bitterness, help others wrestling with similar challenges. Every battle won, every trial you’ve overcome, has prepared you to reach certain people. Go where God has equipped you to be the difference.
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