Targeting Trophy Fish: "Big Fish Are Lazy"

Big Fish Are Lazy

The majority of big game fish anglers pursue are predatory in nature. In the simplest terms, these fish eat other fish, and quite often, any small animal that fits in their mouth. While conducting numerous guide interviews, the message “big fish are lazy” was brought to my attention repeatedly. While the mental image of a predatory fish doesn’t initially align with this statement, here’s how it all shakes out.

Eating Habits of Predatory Fish

The trophy sized fish anglers dream about seem to change how they hunt as they get older and bigger. In general, younger fish will hunt in groups or patrol areas waiting scanning for a potential meal. These younger fish are smaller and burn fewer calories while on the hunt. If a particular fish is lucky enough to grow to a substantial size, their hunting style often becomes reserved and calculated.

How Fish Get Big

As fish reach this larger size their movements are more taxing which requires the prey to be worth chasing. For many large fish, this means they stop chasing small prey but instead, wait for a bigger more rewarding opportunity. Steven, a muskie guide in Tennessee, explains that “little muskie will chase baitfish all day, but the trophy musky wait to ambush something bigger. For these fish it’s all about calories in and calories out. They’re lazy but smart.”

Why Big Fish are Lazy

In nature, the next meal is never guaranteed. The only way for a predatory fish to eat enough to grow to an exceptional size is by conserving calories and picking their attempts carefully. These exceptionally large fish balance the perceived effort it would take to catch their prey and the energy they would get from eating it. The biggest predatory fish only strike when an opportunity offers a significantly greater reward than the effort required to get it.

How to Target Trophy Sized Fish

This insight directly translates to targeting these trophy fish with a rod and reel. When selecting bait or lures, the size has to be big enough that it’s worth chasing. The cast should land in an area beyond the where the fish is thought to be to avoid spooking them while also allowing the bait to be retrieved right in front of them. This makes the fish’s decision very low effort and high reward. To locate the best spots where these fish might be hang out, look for cover such as brush or vegetation and don’t assume big fish lurk in deeper waters. On any given body of water, finding good spots takes time but hiring a guide is an easy way to speed up the process.