The 80/20 rule in fishing (often called the "Pareto Principle" applied to angling) suggests that 80% of your catches come from 20% of your efforts—whether that’s time, locations, lures, or techniques. Here’s how it works and how to use it:
Key Applications of the 80/20 Rule in Fishing
Location
80% of fish are concentrated in 20% of the water.
Focus on high-probability spots:
Structure (submerged logs, weed beds, drop-offs).
Oxygen-rich zones (inflows, riffles).
Temperature breaks (thermoclines in lakes).
Time
80% of bites occur during 20% of the day (e.g., dawn/dusk, tidal changes).
Prioritize "golden hours" over random fishing times.
Lures/Bait
80% of success comes from 20% of your tackle.
Use proven lures for your target species:
Bass: Soft plastics (worms, craws).
Trout: Spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail).
Saltwater: Jigs or live shrimp.
Technique
Master 20% of skills that yield 80% of results:
Reading sonar/fish finders.
Detecting subtle bites.
Adjusting retrieve speed.
Practical Tips to Leverage the 80/20 Rule
Focus on "hotspots": Spend less time exploring and more time refining casts to productive zones.
Simplify gear: Carry fewer lures but prioritize versatile, high-performing options.
Track patterns: Use a fishing journal to identify your personal "20% factors" (e.g., best tides, weather).
By targeting the critical 20%, you’ll maximize efficiency and reduce wasted effort—whether you’re shore fishing, kayaking, or deep-sea angling.
