Do you keep a Fishing Diary?

Fishing Diary? What's that?

Well simply put, it's a log or a journal of your fishing day.
Not many of us keeps a log of our daily activities, but it turns out that keeping track of a certain activity, the turn of events and its outcome, is a great way to succeed at that activity greatly the next round. Its a sort of patterning. But in order to identify pattern's, we must first start to record. With records and over time, pattern would emerge.

Let's take a simple example. Assume we are heading to Jugra Paypond in search of some GT / Grouper / Red Drum action. Now, let's target a specific species, let's say the Red Drums. How did you caught one the last round? What lure / fly did you use? What color was the most effective? In cold weather with cloud cover opposed to a bright day, was the pink or chartreuse fly, more effective? What was the speed of your retrieval? 
If you have kept a log of these, it's an easy task of comparing your note's and getting straight into the game, rather then fiddling around with the fly, pattern and color to use. Time invested in "FISH ON!!", rather then "Owh Snap, let's try another pattern or color".

Ian Peters explains here on how to start a fishing diary and how  / what to keep track.

Diary doesn't necessarily mean paper nowadays. It can be in the form of digital log as well. But i wouldn't advice anyone to carry a digital device near water body and clickety click and enter notes. That could leave you with a lost device or a water logged device one fine day. 
The simplest form of a pocket note or piece of paper or even a dedicated pocket book would be a better idea. And a pen or pencil, would do just fine to scribble sketches and write down observation. These could be transferred to a digital device later for safe keeping and references of later day.

A Fishing Diary should consist of the below information to begin with;

• Date
• Body of Water
• Total Hours Fished
• Weather (indicate sun, full cloud, part cloud or rain)
• Wind Direction and Strength
• Temperature (air and water)
• Time (indicate when fish was caught)
• Size (length or weight measurement)
• Depth and Clarity
• Cover/Structure you are fishing — weedline, rocks, slop, pads, dock, etc.
• Lure or Fly or Bait (include size and color)
• Retrieve (fast, slow, finesse etc.)  

But of course, certain information can be omitted or added as you see fit.

Be as detailed as possible, when you're recording data. Add in details such as bait fish swarm, frenzy periods, run's to obstructions on hook up's, etc...

And at the end of the day, sit down in front of your PC / LapTops / Smart Phone / Ipad or any digital device and digitize that crucial information. After a couple of year's, you'll have a pattern on your favorite

fishing spot and know exactly what's required to tackle the spot.

Happy Log Keeping, and tight lines.