Do you keep a log?

[cchobot]

How many of us are keeping logs of our trips? If so, what information do you record.

[bart]

I do. i jot down the date,weather conditions, and what i was using. usually don't have to write down the tide as i know the spots im fishing and know when they produce.

[ChiefLinesider]

yes

Location
Weather
Weather Prior
Wind
Water clarity
Wave Height
Tide
Moon Phase

And of course what was caught

[shadow]

I try to but never really keep up with it for long I can ussally remember what works and when since I only fish a few spots.Keeping a log is to much like work .I find no joy in it.I fish when I can,as much as I can, as long as I can.don't let the wind and tide tell me when to fish, but where to fish.

[shortsy]

I put my computer into the issue. Maybe you're already doing this, somehow.
With computer 'freeware' Wxtide32 & printkey.

Heres what I do.
I've learned that I can display upto 5 tidal locations in separate windows crossing the desktop (like in stripes).
I have the wxtide settings tuned to show about 4 days of tidal cycles, graphically (these look like 'sine' waves ).
So; when it is 'right' for usage..I do a printscreen (another 'free'ware ).
When fishing, I bring a pen when I go fishing with a screenprint folded in a ziploc bag.
When a(ny) happy event occurs, I, merely, mark the graphical tide state with a 2 letter code(the species and the bait). At the exact 'time'.
Also, if important!, I can/do make additional notations on the back face. It definitely helps when pursuing 'bones', 'macs' & 'albies'. You will quickly see patterns emerge which may last, at least, a few days, eh? And you'll will be there waiting for them on the next tide.

Obviously, stripers & choppers will be a little different (eg dusk, dawn, bottom fishing, etc). But the secret is it helps as well, here.
I ,even, include (reliable espionage, eh?)
hearsay (the walls have ears...dont they?)
best of luck
Bob

[steve24]

I do it the simple way. I try to log every trip for the places I regularly fish in a spiral notbook. Tide, time, wind, water conditions, moon phase, bait, fish caught, etc. I have only got about 3 seasons down, so it is still not 100% obvious to me what exact conditions are the best in the several spots I fish, but it is great to look back in my log and have a pretty good idea what to expect.

I guess it can seem a bit like work sometimes, but I would rather spend the 5 minutes taking notes so I don't waste time in the future and can hopefully maximize my catching!

[Steve]

Keeping a log IS important. It is uncanny how each season is similar, ie bass in the same spot at the same time of year during the same conditions. I've been doing it so long that I basically keep a mental log but I do note numbers offish caught and if I fish a new location. I use a large wall calender to make notations.

[BassDawg]

Though last year waz of the "good" days only, ie the days that I caught.
This year I plan to record the whole year to begin to establish patterns for locations, conditions, bait, lures, and "ideal conditions" for our vaunted prey. In this way I hope to maximize my time spent, although there are several new (new to me, anyhow) places that I plan to "document" in an effort to enlarge me catalog and widen me range.

Suppose that I'm kinda "mental" when it comes to the numbers side of the sport. I've put together a sheet that includes, EVERYTHING!!!
Location, date, time, tide, slack, barometer, sunrise, moonrise, water and air temps, surf, weather, forage, bait used in order of usage, lures used in order, skunk, BITE and its duration, catch, length & weight, tackle and terminal tackle used, who went with or solo, and then there's a few lines left at the bottom for journal type comments regarding the outing. I punched three holes in the margin and store it in a plastic coated loose leaf binder for quick and easy entry and retrieval of data. The hardest part will be to remain steadfast in the task of documenting each and every outing, good or bad! I usually make it to about the end of June/July then I just record the keepers and schoolies on a dry erase TOTALS BOARD in the "Situation Room" of HQ . I will do both this year.

I also make maps...............you know, "stand here ~~ cast here" type stuff to aide my fading memory as the years progress, thanks be to God! The maps serve as mostly a mnemonic device, but are very handy when combined with the datum from the logs in an attempt to record the cyclical patterns that our beloved stripeys repeat with amazing regularity. They also serve to maximize my efforts as windows of feeshing opportunity present themselves. In this way I can be at the "right place" at the "right time" more often and for more accurate/focused periods of time.

[rirockhound]

BassDawg...
what happened to 'feesh sense' dude? I thought conditions didnt matter?
Not busting stones just curious?

You would be shocked to know I DONT keep a log...

Like a lot of people have said, I used to keep one, and by June or July I'd forget and then not have one. I internalize it, and since I rarely fish more than 4 or 5 spots I go mainly based around tide, wind, moon...

when I do keep a log:
Wind
Tide
Moon/Weather

Thats what I keep in my head...