Off The Press
Off The Press - wayzgoose's Online Journal
Welcome to Off The Press, the official blog of wayzgoose, home of British-made planners. Our range is beautifully crafted in our Yorkshire workshop. Explore expert tips, inspiring guides, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that celebrate our dedication to thoughtful organisation and reflection.
Top Tips To Improve Your Fishing
We wish being a master angler were instant, but sadly, it takes time. Even the most experienced anglers are constantly refining their approach. Tinkering with small improvements, from altering your casting technique, working on your awareness, or starting to keep records, all of these small elements add up. The fastest way to improve? Learn from your experience. (Not that we need any persuasion to spend more time bankside!) In this guide, we will cover practical fishing tips to help you on your future trips. The Top 8 Tips For Improving Your Fishing Tracking your progress is the main element that separates the casual anglers from the successful ones. Like anything in life, when you take the time to reflect, you can see how far you have come and look to improving in the future. The best anglers are always working on ways to improve, from their technique to their mindset. The main elements we think will improve your landing rate are:· Researching and understanding your fishing environment· Mastering your casting techniques· Adapting to weather and water conditions· Stealth positioning· Keeping your hooks sharp· Using a fishing log book· Learning from your peers · Practising patience and consistency. So whether you are fly fishing, lure fishing, coarse fishing, or sea fishing, check out the fishing tips below. Research & Understand Your Environment One of the simplest fishing tips that makes a difference is to research your planned trip location (not just its distance to the local pub!) Research the species in the body of water and read up on local fishing reports. As we all know, different fish species behave differently. So if you usually go for Carp at your local lake, but your next trip is to the river, and you have Barbel and Chub on your list, read up on their traits. Remember that fish location changes with the season and the time of day. Also, aim to be at your swim early, with fish being the most active at sunrise and before sunset. It is common to see them rolling or jumping as the sun rises. Allow yourself to be submerged in your environment. Step back and watch for any ripples or surface disturbances. Note birds diving at bait fish. Look for stark shade lines on those rare sunny days. All of these little moments will help improve your fishing. Taking time to understand fish behaviour removes the guesswork and will dramatically improve your fishing rate. Go one step further and record the water temperature, note the location and depth, and even the structure type. Logging little details will help you paint a picture of the successes in each environment. Master Casting Techniques Casting further generally means you will catch more fish. However, accuracy matters more than distance. A well-executed cast can be the difference between a successful fishing trip and a frustrating one. Smooth and controlled casting not only boosts your chances, but it also prevents line tangles, too. Practise makes perfect and improves muscle memory. So every cast is a stepping stone to your future success. Start with overhead casting. Remember to keep your wrist firm, as the power comes from your forearm. Bonus Tip - Practise your casting (in a field) and knots at home to maximise your actual fishing time. Better casting reaches fish without spooking them. This will allow you to place the baits in optimal feeding zones. In turn, reduces the frustration and saves you from wasting your precious time. Adapt To Weather & Water Conditions Like us, fish behaviour changes with temperature, light levels, wind and water clarity. I don't blame fish for hiding out from the hot midday rays under shaded banks. Understanding these patterns gives you a significant advantage. Overcast days are often more productive than bright sunny conditions. On cloudy days, fish feel more secure and feed more confidently and venture out into open water. Whereas on bright sunny days, fish will dive deeper into cooler water or head towards the shade. Post rain and during cold fronts, fish will also drop down deeper on the hunt for a stable temperature. Wind direction is also a factor to take into consideration. Wind pushes plankton and baitfish, and fish will follow to that side of the bank. So adjust your position when the wind direction alters. Make sure you alternate your lures to the changing water conditions also. With cold and clear water, use smaller, slower-moving lures or flies, as fish are less active and their metabolism is slower. On warm and turbid water days, increase speed by using brighter lures or high vibration lures. These tips about fishing apply whether you are a lake, river or sea angler. Adaptability is the biggest difference between being a beginner and a skilled angler. Stay Quiet While Fishing Practise stealth and minimise disturbance. Noise can push fish away, as they detect noise, vibrations and shadows. Walk softly on banks and boats, avoid dropping tackle and making unnecessary noise. Also, try to keep your profile low near the water and do not cast shadows over fishing areas. When wading more deliberately and slowly, to avoid stirring up sediment that can alert fish to your presence. Stealth increases your chances of catching, especially in shallow or clear waters. Keep Your Hooks Sharp A common mistake beginners make is not ensuring their hooks are sharp. A sharp hook ensures better penetration. Whereas blunt hooks loose fish. Simply mastering small details like keeping your hooks 'sticky' sharp will help improve your fishing success. Before every session, take the time to check your hooks' points. If it does not scratch your fingernail lightly, this is your sign to sharpen it. Use a small hook file to keep it in good condition. Also, use point protectors in your tackle box and replace rusty hooks, too. All these fishing tips will prevent lost fish after all the hard work you have done locating them. Use A Fishing Log Book For Continuous Improvement Don't be like other anglers and leave your chances of 'filling up the boat' to pure luck. Log your trips. Most anglers rely on memory, which is a risky business, especially when it comes to increasing their success rate. Catches leave clues. Patterns only become clear when they have been logged. One of the most overlooked ways to improve your fishing is by keeping records. Use your fishing log to record· Location· Water Temperature / Level / Visibility· Weather Temperature · Wind Speed· Weather Conditions· Humidity· Barometer· Moon Phase· Gear & Location· Baits & Lures· Any Other Observations Any insights you log will become your personal knowledge gain! You will soon be able to note from a glance what lures work in certain temperatures. The times of year certain species thrive. Plus, what weather patterns and combinations you need to drop all plans and fish as they have been producing the best results. A structured Fishing Log Book makes recording easier. Especially with the prompts to help anglers track any key data. All the data you log will build your own personal, dedicated Fishing Log Book. To truly improve your fishing, tracking and reviewing past trips is one of the most powerful tools available. Learn From Others Experience accelerates learning. Sadly, most of us are not lucky enough to have the freedom to fish every day. Small adjustments can change everything. Get the upper hand by leaning on your peers for advice. Here are a few suggestions to help broaden your fishing knowledge:· Join your local fishing club·Follow experienced anglers online· Watch technique breakdown videos· Ask questions in tackle shops· Fish with someone with more experience You can avoid common beginner mistakes and then learn proven techniques faster. Practice Patience & Consistency Modern life is relentless, with everyone running at a non-stop pace. Fishing allows you to take a step back and enjoy the serenity and quiet periods. Skill develops through repetition, and we have often found ourselves in a zen-like state, especially when fly fishing. Treat each session as an opportunity to learn and develop your skill set. Focus on the whole process, and being out in nature. Reframe success and redefine a 'good day' as just being able to do a hobby you love, rather than how many fish you have landed. Allow yourself to reminisce (and spot patterns) by reviewing your log book between fishing trips. Celebrate your small improvements. As consistency builds intuition and sequentially better anglers. Final Thoughts Every cast teaches something. The only difference between those who stay average and those who consistently land more fish is what they choose to remember and apply next time. A Fishing Log Book turns your scattered memories into structured knowledge. Your own personal guidebook to the best catches you have ever landed. It is not just a storybook; it is your key to repeating success by spotting patterns, tailored to your waters, your species, and your style of fishing. One entry might not seem significant. Fifty entries will change the way you approach every trip. If you are serious about improving your fishing, stop relying on your memory and start building your own data. 'Tight Lines' from the team at Wayzgoose! Ready to start logging? Explore our Fishing Log Book and turn every trip into valuable data.
Learn more
A Guide To Fishing Gift Ideas
They love fishing, and you love them! Finding the perfect gift for a fishing enthusiast can feel tricky. Whether you are shopping for Christmas, a birthday or just because, the best fishing gifts are those that reel in both practicality and thoughtfulness.From beginners to seasoned anglers, they will truly appreciate you supporting their passion and wanting to help enhance their time on the water. In this guide, we will explore a range of fishing gift ideas to help you choose something they will genuinely enjoy. So whether you are looking for Christmas gift ideas or birthday gift ideas, we hope to help you 'land' the right gift. The Best Fishing Gifts: A Guide Novelty gifts have a time and a place, but to show them how much you care, we think the most appreciated fishing gifts are the ones that are useful, personal or enhance their overall fishing experience. Below we have scooped up some of the very best gifts for fishing lovers, perfect for Christmas, birthdays and everything else in between. A Fishing Log Book We think the most thoughtful (and practical) gift for anglers of all experience levels has to be a fishing log book. Our fishing log book has been thoughtfully designed to help them track every catch, location and the conditions with ease. Unlike other equipment that may already be owned or duplicated, a fishing log book is welcomed with open arms, as it is another excuse to get back to the bankside to fill up another book! It is perfect for anglers who love reminiscing and reflecting on their past fishing trips. Our fishing log's inner cover is personalisable, so why not use this space to note that it is their volume number one, of many books in their lifetime of loving fishing. Not only is it a meaningful keepsake, but the information collected in it will help them fine-tune their strategy. What greater gift could you possibly give? Personalised Equipment Who said practical gifts can't have a bit of heart and soul to them? Why not treat them to a new monogrammed tackle bag, then there will be no more debates over whose packed lunch is whose!Or perhaps you could spoil them by engraving their name into a fish knife, or perhaps add a touching message to a fishing lure, to truly show you care. Even personalising a tackle box will remind them of how much you care while they are sat bankside.Personalising fishing birthday gift ideas helps transform their everyday equipment into memorable presents. Making them great options for anglers who have already 'landed' the basics. A Voucher For A Fishing Trip For those who value quality time over something physical to unwrap, why not make an IOU day ticket for one of their local favourite spots? Or perhaps they have always dreamed of fishing for salmon in the River Tay, so book them a rural stay?Maybe you are thinking of Christmas gift ideas for your grandchildren? Turn those promises of fishing with you into reality and pencil in a date to look forward to after the festive season and create long-lasting core memories. High Quality Fishing Apparel Comfort is key, especially on those unpredictable bankside days. They will be so thankful for high-quality clothing, especially in pieces like waterproof jackets, thermal layers or waders.Quality fishing apparel is a reliable choice when searching for gifts for fishing lovers, especially when dealing with our 'summertime' weather. Plus, if you are unsure about specific equipment preferences, a toasty hat or pair of gloves is a solid choice. Tackle And Bait Kits If you are looking for great gifts for both beginners and well-seasoned anglers, then how about tackle and bait kits? Especially if you do not have expert knowledge on what is needed, these kits are premade and can introduce new tools or replenish essentials.These kits are so versatile and available in many different price points, making them suitable for both birthday gifts and Christmas gifts, especially when paired up with an essential fishing log book too! How To Choose The Right Gift Choosing the right fishing gift doesn't have to be complicated. Start by considering your loved one's level of experience, how often they fish and the type of fishing they truly enjoy. Next factor in the budget, gear can be expensive; however, meaningful gifts don't have to be.If you are unsure of what equipment they already have or their clothing size, a fishing log is a safe and thoughtful option. Plus, at its accessible price point, you could use it as a 'just because' fishing gift. Final Thoughts So whether you are shopping for a birthday, Father's Day or Christmas, the best fishing gift ideas combine thoughtfulness with quality and usefulness. From meaningful keepsakes to practical gear, there are plenty of options (and price points) to suit every type of angler on your list.Our fishing log book is the standout gift, as it can be used all year-round, even when they are miles from their beloved river. They can use it to reflect on their personal best catches and on the ones that got away. Plus, all the valuable intel they will gather over the season in there will help them track their progress.We hope you find the perfect, rewarding gift to help grow their passion.Tight Lines from the wayzgoose Team
Learn more
How To Use A Fishing Log To Catch More Fish
There is nothing more disheartening than spending hours sitting on the riverbank, soaked through by the glorious British weather, and not getting so much as a nibble. Whether you're coarse fishing on a canal or casting off the coast, keeping a detailed fishing log can turn those long, disappointing days around and dramatically increase your catch rate. Why Use A Fishing Log? Once you have got into the routine of packing your fishing journal safely into your tackle bag and noting your fishing trips, you'll soon start to spot patterns in your catches. Over time, you will slowly build up a bigger picture of your favourite fishing haunts. When you have learnt the art of patterning fish through your records, you'll learn when and where the fish are most active With the result being, you'll start catching more fish, more often! What Is A Fishing Log? A fishing log is a place to document anything of note from your fishing trips. Allowing you to identify patterns and trends that have influenced either the success or failure of your days on the water. Our A5-sized Wayzgoose Fishing Log Book includes sections to record everything from the location, bait and lures, and fishing partner(s) to the moon phase. With all these elements recorded, you will never forget a great catch again. How A Fishing Log Helps You Catch More Fish Like everything in life, the more data you acquire, the higher the success rate. As we all know, fishermen only remember the good times, so using our fishing log book, the good times will keep rolling in! With our fishing log, we have made journaling easy for you, with our prompts to remind you to note the water visibility and level, and with our double-spreads' simple layout, recording the fishing trips will be a breeze. You can include as much or as little detail as you desire; however, the more you fill out, the easier it will be to highlight which elements are hindering your catch rate. Even those frustrating 'skunked' days become useful. Looking back, you may find a change in the water level, temperature or time of day made all the difference at those previously successful hot spots. A fishing log helps you recognise when certain fish are at their most active in specific areas. Once you have analysed past trip reports, you can see the patterns and how the time of the day, water conditions have influenced fish behaviour. Your new fishing log book will soon become your most valuable resource for working through hard patches and staying focused, and in turn, improving your fishing results. One thing we do love reviewing is our baits and lures selections, as compared to the other variables like the weather and water temperature, we can control this one! The correlation of which lures were used in the murky water and what type of worm caught your personal best Carp is always exciting to analyse. What To Record In A Fishing Log In our fishing log book, you can note anything and everything you want, from the exact minute you reeled in that Barbel in the 'Catch Log', to that Heron that was stealthily stalking the shallows in the 'Other Observations' section.Here are some of the key variables we record in our fishing logs: Date & Time Location (include coordinates) Body Of Water (river, canal, lake, sea, ocean) Gear & Equipment Bait & Lures Water Visibility Weather Conditions Moon Phase Species Caught Catch Of The Day With every piece of data you record, similarities will shine through in multiple journal entries. Helping you refine your strategies to improve your overall fishing experience. Track Your Progress And Celebrate Success Over the seasons, you will create the ultimate fishing log book, with the complete picture of your fishing journey. It is also a great place of reflection, you can tot up how many hours you spent fishing in total over the spring, or did your average size of Bass go up or down this year?Our Wayzgoose Fishing Log Book includes special sections for: Top 20 Trips Personal Best Catches These pages are perfect for the nostalgic angler to collate their favourite memories, as your top trip may have been more about the company than the record-breaking lands! Final Thoughts We hope your fishing log book will provide valuable insights into your habits and achievements. This tool will help you remember the spots teeming with fish, the best tackle to use, and enable smarter decisions on the water, ultimately boosting your chances of landing more fish. So stop guessing, start logging. Grab your Wayzgoose Fishing Log Book today. Love sharing your fishing memories? Why not follow us on social media? Just search Wayzgoose Shop
Learn more
