I like the orderliness and comprehensiveness of spreadsheets. I use them for work. I use them for home. I use them for fly fishing.
Yes. I use spreadsheets for fly fishing.
How? I keep track of some pieces of data that I think will be beneficial. Things that aren’t apparent on the surface or necessarily what I want to focus on remembering. But when I need said information, I can click on a file and get everything and anything I need.
This all might be way too involved, too obsessive, or too high-tech for you. And that is okay. But some aspect of keeping a few notes may very well help you in a small way. If that is the case, then great. Here are three easy ideas for keeping track of some fly fishing information:
Fly Line
When it comes to keeping information on gear, fly line tops the list for me. It is relatively indistinct and has a shorter shelf life than other terminal tackle. Here’s what I track:
Specs & Spools
Which line is it? While more and more manufacturers are printing the model, weight, and taper in tiny lettering on the line itself, not all do. Of course, the information is most helpful if it is keyed to a particular reel or spool. Once more, having this information at hand is easier than uncoiling a few dozen feet to read the tiny print.
Date
When did you spool the line up? Well-kept fly line will last a long, long time. But if you fish hard, having some empirical records to back up when lines fail will help you decide which brands to use. It also can cue you in on when to inspect as you anticipate replacement.
Gear Purchases
Is there value in creating a list of all your rods, reels, and other angling essentials? Perhaps:
What you have
It might sound incredibly conspicuous, but it is possible to lose track of what gear you have. A pile of rod tubes or a drawer full of reels isn’t a problem until you buy something that you already own.
Where you got it & when it was bought
Warranties can be helpful in a worst case scenario. But without some particular pieces of information, some manufacturers or retailers will simply offer their condolences.
Fishing Records
This can be as intricate as barometer/moon phase/river gauge/your emotional state, or as simple as where you went and if you caught fish. I know some people who swear that their secret of success lies in observing patterns. I know some that just like seeing what they’ve done over the years.
If you give record keeping a shot, remember to do it insofar as it works for you. If it isn’t too much of a task, accumulate data and see what you can glean from it. There is no right or wrong; but down the line you will probably appreciate having something to look at.