Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Fishing Logs

Have I posted anything about keeping a Fishing Log before?  I mean, not the fact that I do it, but why and how?

There are a number of reasons to keep a fishing log.
1.  Record-keeping.  A Fishing Log allows you systematically record various metrics of your fishing experiences in a standardized way.  Its funny how inaccurate your memory can be, and a fishing log is an external memory.  When I say I caught x-number of fish or the biggest fish was x-inches long...or whatever...I have the hard data to PROVE my claims.  I'm not just ball-parking or generalizing.  In the format I use, I'm able to store all my digital fishing pictures within the Fishing Log, within the date of entry when the pictures were taken.  Not only is this a good place to keep and organize my fishing pictures, it makes my Fishing Log very enjoyable to go back and look over time after time.

2.  Learning tool.  A Fishing Log allows you to accurately evaluate seasonal and yearly changes regarding your fishing experiences.  For example, after several consecutive years of record-keeping, a fellow angler was able to nail down exactly when to start fishing the shoreline of the local reservoir for White Bass.  He could show when the bite would start, and when the bite would tend to taper off.  There are year-to-year variations based on specific weather patterns, but the more years of data you have, the better you can track the trends.  This is tremendously useful in helping you decide "what to fish for, where, and when" throughout your future years of fishing.  You can choose what parameters YOU wish to track.  I like to track # days fished, total time fished, # of each species, largest of each species, what they were caught on.  You can also tie that in with weather patterns such as wind speed and direction, temperature, barometer.  Or you might wish to see if there are correlations between your fishing success and moon phase or time of day.

3.  There are a number of other reasons for keeping a Fishing Log, and I'm having a big brainfart just now, so....I'll just move on.

I used to keep a handwritten "diary" type fishing journal.  It was OK.  It was interesting to go back and "relive" my thoughts and experiences from each fishing trip.  Back in 2005, a member of our Central Iowa Anglers fishing club gave a presentation on electronic fishing logs.  He used Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and that method had some major advantages over my handwritten diary.
The major advantages of the Excel Spreadsheet Fishing Log is that I can choose the parameters I wish to track when I develop my log.  I can add/delete parameters as I feel the need.  It standardizes and structures my fishing experiences by recording the same types of information for each trip.  I can use several pages within the spreadsheet to record different aspects that I couldn't do on one page.  It also allows me to tally up different items and calculate averages and note trends.  There is the graphing function...but I haven't really utilized that yet.  I also use a separate page to compare a variety of metrics from year-to-year, so I can see how the most recent year compares to past years.

I keep a separate LOG for each year.  I fish so much and insert so many pictures, by the end of the year my Log has become a rather sizeable file!  But I do copy the "summary" from all past years into the newest file so that I can compare all years at-a-glance.

And one of my favorite things about using an Excel Spreadsheet is the ability to "insert comment" into any cell of the spreadsheet.  In these "comments" I can write up a lengthy (if necessary) text description of my fishing trip.  Or, I can insert a fishing picture into that cell, and the picture will only show up when I drag my cursor over that cell.  How cool!!!

Below are a couple screen shots of parts of my Fishing Log from 2011, so you can see sort of how I set it up.  You should personalize yours so it suits your needs.  Click the pictures to make them bigger.

NOTE:  As of 1/5/2021, I will no longer be emailing examples of my spreadsheet.   If you have MicroSoft Excel, I think everyone can figure out how to set up their own fishing log.  I do appreciate all the past requests, which I have honored and shared with.  Its been over 9 years since I penned this post.  Good luck! :) 



The red triangles in cells denote a "comment".  Drag your cursor over that cell (in the actual excel spreadsheet, not in these images), and the text or picture shows up.

This is the 2nd page of my log.  It specifically tracks what species I caught, when, where, and how many.  That way I can keep a running tally all year long.


122 comments:

  1. Hi Dave,
    I came across this post while looking for ideas to help create my own fishing log spreadsheet. I need to do a better job tracking my fishing down here in Florida. Is there any chance you could send me a copy of the spreadsheet you use so that I can see how others are doing it. Thanks.

    Mike

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Mike!
    Yes, I can send you a version of my spreadsheet that has all the categories and pages shown, but only has a few example blanks filled in, so you can see what it will look like, and then you can delete/edit the whole thing to suit your needs.
    Just leave me your email address, and I'll get it sent to you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A very helpful writeup thank you! Being from Australia and the bulk of our fishing is done in the ocean there are a lot more conditions and weather related items I need to track and I have drafted a doc to cater for this. What I am wondering is how do you collate and use your information and turn it into useful results to refer back to later on. Do you do this? how does your analysis and charts work? Do you have a search function to pull out results say for a particular spot under certain conditions? Or do you keep this log as more of a 'brag book' of sorts? Would love to get your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello, Jared!
    I tried graphing something, and failed...its been over 20 years since I had to make an Excel graph! :) I'm sure others can do it with no problems. One guy I know graphed several years of his fishing log data to help determine when the peak of the White Bass run was occurring, and when they were available to shore-bound anglers.
    Mostly, I refer back to previous years to see what was biting and where at specific times of the year. It helps me determine where I should be focusing my fishing efforts at any given time of year. I enter my trip reports in chronological order, so I don't need to do any other sorting later on. However, if I wanted to go back and see where/when I caught most of my walleyes or trout in 2009, for example, then I go to my second spreadsheet page where I have my species listed. Then I can just look down the column for that species until I get to entries where I started catching them. I check the date, and can then cross-reference back to the first page to check the details of those trips.

    I hope that answers your questions? If you have any other questions or comments, I'd love to hear them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. How do you embed pictures, than simply cruse over it to see the picture? Cant figure it out, in your log its the tiny red triangles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Tony.
      Here's what I do:
      1. Click in the box you want to place a picture in. Then right-click and select "Insert Comment". This opens a yellow box. Around the box is a border that looks like a hatch pattern.
      2. Hover your cursor over that hatch border around the yellow box, and right-click. Select "Format Comment".
      3. In the new box that opens, select the tab "Colors and Lines".
      4. The top section of the next window is called "Fill", and there is a pull-down box called "Color". Click the down arrow and then go to the bottom and click "Fill Effects".
      5. In the next window that pops up, click the "Picture" tab. Then click the "Select Picture" button.
      6. Locate and select the picture on your computer that you want to add.
      Make sure to check the "Lock picture aspect ratio" box, then click "OK".
      7. The picture should now be in the comment window. You can resize the comment window to any size you wish.
      It sounds complicated, but after you do it a few times, it goes pretty fast.
      Hope that helps! :)

      Delete
  6. Hi Dave, I noticed your happy to send a blank copy of your spread sheet it looks really great and comprehensive, I am a novice angler and looking to start to keep a copy of my catches and would love to get some ideas from others on their detail record keeping....if possible please send me on to Alexis.Tausig@yahoo.co.uk........thank you so much form the UK..Tight Lines

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  7. Dave,
    I fish tournaments in and around central Florida. I agree with you the memory fades over time and saving data is the best way to help remember. I would really appreciate if you could send me a copy of your spread sheet.
    Thanks,
    Mike
    maleggett@cfl.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dave,
    I have been looking for a fly fishing log in excel and I found your blog. Your blog is great and full of good info. I too would like a copy of your excel fishing log spreadsheet. Could you email me a copy.
    Thanks and Take Care,
    dr_howard_tx@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dave,

    I have been looking for a spreadsheet that has the ease of use with the correct functionality. I like the look of your spreadsheet, could you send me a blank copy?

    schmidtthomas25@gmail.com

    Thanks in advance
    Thomas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got it, Thomas....its heading your way! :)

      Delete
  10. Dave, I'm sure this question is overly asked, but may I have a copy sent over to me as well?

    mjp0506@gmail.com

    Thanks!
    Miguel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miguel, its not asked enough! :) Its no problem for me to send you an example of the Fishing Log I use. I have sent it to you. Let me know if you don't receive it for any reason.
      Good luck and enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions about it.

      Delete
  11. Dave, nice fish log spreadsheet. May I have a copy blank copy sent.

    vbarb71@gmail.com

    Thanks
    Vince

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Dave

    I've been messing about with a log of my own, but its nowhere near as comprehensive as yours - could I have a copy?

    My email is davyredftm@sky.com.

    Also, how do you get the pics in the comment box to open up in the middle of the screen? Mine open up half off screen.

    Many thanks

    Dave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You bet, Dave! I've emailed a copy to you. Let me know if you don't recieve it. Also in the email, I tried to answer your question about comment/picture locations on the screen. Let me know if that doesn't solve your issue.

      Delete
  13. Hi Dave,

    Really like your fishing log concept. Would be interested in a copy if you would be willing to send it to:

    gregsdave@gmail.com

    Cheers,

    Greg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Greg! I sent a copy to you, let me know if you have any questions about it. :)

      Delete
  14. Hi Dave,

    Have just started fishing, and I really like your log. Could you send me a copy so I can start logging all the fishing trips?

    samepple@gmail.com

    Cheers,
    Sam E

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey Dave,
    Can you send me a copy of this template?
    thx bob
    bsolley1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its on its way, Bob. Hope you enjoy filling it out with the results of all YOUR fishing trips! :)

      Delete
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  17. Great article Dave, would you be willing to send this my way?

    Thanks,
    Wes
    Weston.c.spiering@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Dave
    Looks really nice
    Would u mind send me a copy?
    Merry x-mas from Denmark
    Thomas
    tanfiskeriskolen@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Thomas! Merry X-mas from Iowa! :)
      I've sent a copy your way.

      Delete
  19. This is a great fishing journal and exactly what I was looking for. Can you please send me a copy at dusin.potters@gmail.com

    Thanks,
    - Dusting

    ReplyDelete
  20. Whoops, I mistyped my email address in that last post. It should be dustin.potters@gmail.com

    Thanks,
    - Dustin

    ReplyDelete
  21. Haha! I wondered about that first email address! :)
    Its all good, and I sent a copy off to you, Dustin. Good luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I would like the fishing logs sent to me also. My email is fish4trav@gmail.com.

    Thank you.
    Travis

    ReplyDelete
  23. It would be great if I could get a copy too, my email is larry-87@live.com.

    Thanks a lot
    Lawrence

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! Let me know if you did not receive it.

      Delete
  24. Can I get a blank copy sent to gurley40@gmail.com

    Thanks,

    Matt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Matt, I emailed you a copy. Let me know if you did not receive it.

      Delete
  25. Hi Dave

    Really stunning concept you have here. I am a fishing charter company in Cape Town South Africa mainly targeting Tuna, Marlin, Yellow etc. I would really love to try your log. Would it be possible if you can send me a copy please. Will really apreciate it. wickus@piranhagroup.co.za

    Thank you in advance.

    Regards

    Wickus Nel

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Dave,
    I really like your excel spreadsheet fishing log and would appreciate a blank copy for myself! I love to fish the lakes here in GA and need to get better organized. Would you mind sending out a copy to stevenwaters76@yahoo.com ?

    Thanks in advance!
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Dave,

    Like many others I believe the spread sheet looks great. Im gonna be targeting the long island sound for striped bass in a few days to kickstart the season. Would I too be able to receive a copy of your spreadsheet? Email is cflorio061@g.rwu.edu

    Thanks in advance Dave,

    Charles

    Thanks in advan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have sent you a copy, Charles. Best of luck, let me know if you do not receive it.

      Delete
  28. Great idea on the log. I fish a lot offshore and I'm about to start a coordinates log myself. I really like the fishing log idea though.
    Do you mind sending me a copy as well? I would greatly appreciate it. dlopezgonefishing@gmail.com
    TIA.
    Danny Lopez

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You bet, Danny! I've emailed it to you, let me know if you didn't get it or if you have any questions.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  29. Fantastic! Any chance I could get the spreadsheet as well please. Pruspeter@gmail.com

    Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course, Peter! I've emailed it to you. Let me know if you didn't receive it. Good luck!

      Delete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Dave!

    Any copies left of your blank fishing log (LOL). If so, would you please email me a copy at speedyospeedy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Dave, I would love to get a copy of your fish log please send mine to angler13@sbcglobal.net, and thanks for helping all of us!

    thank you!

    Marty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its on its way, Marty! Let me know if you didn't get it. Good Luck! :)

      Delete
  33. Hi Dave,
    This looks great any chance you could send me a copy of the spreadsheet.
    Cheers
    magic-finish@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You bet, Greg! Its on its way! :) Good luck!

      Delete
  34. Could I get a copy please. nick sportsmansreview.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Replies
    1. Absolutely, Nick! Its on its way, let me know if you didn't receive the email.

      Delete
  36. As everyone else has said, it looks great. Could you send me a copy also please? ryan4osu @ yahoo . com

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. Looks great! Could you send me a copy also please? Kreck_@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Dave,
    I really like your excel spreadsheet fishing log and would appreciate a blank copy for myself! I love to fish Would you can sending out a copy to fjagostinho@gmail.com ?

    Thanks in advance!
    Best Regards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I sent it to you. Enjoy, and good luck!

      Delete
  40. Hey Dave! Looks like you are on to something! Might I get a copy? andrews.dick@gmail.com

    Many thanks!

    Dick Andrews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Dick! The email/fishing log is on its way! :)

      Delete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  42. Hello Dave, will you please be so kind to send me the spread sheet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Miguel. Please post the email address you'd like me to send it to. If you don't want to post your email address here, you can email it to me at david.merical@gmail.com

      Delete
  43. Dave can you please send me a copy. this is just what I have been looking for. chad.cooley76@gmail.com Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Dave, can you send me a copy of the spreadsheet? Thanks tremcircle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Dave can you please email a copy, this is what I have been looking for.
    Ocast009@gmail.com

    Again, Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  46. fine looking log! love to have a copy! dfwbeer@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  47. please send me a copy too. love the log. karmar1971@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  48. Would love a copy too Dave! dean.a.taylor@icloud.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  49. Hi Dave, could i have a copy of your log file
    msheffield@clear.net.nz
    Cheers from New Zealand

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  50. Hi, Great post...I would appreciate a copy of your spreadsheet to use to keep accurate records of catches and activity in South Africa.
    Regards
    Erwin carle@vodamail.co.za

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  51. Great work on the log, I am setting my own up and would like to use yours as a template. Could you email me a copy to krusin96@gmail.com.
    Many thanks.
    Wayne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apologies...haven't checked comments here in awhile. The log is on its way to your email address!

      Delete
  52. Hi Dave, I have been looking for a log in excel for fishing. It's not easy and find and I see you have a solution. Is it possible to get a copy of this that I can use here in Norway. I'm doing trolling fishing at Mjøsa and fly fishing when I have time. Now I write on paper and would like to put this into excel. Hope to hear from you. You have a great page that I have the bookmark. Mvh Arild arild.loken@online.no

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Dave, I have also been looking for a spreadsheet log to keep track of my fishing experience. I just moved to a new area and recently have rediscovered how much I enjoy fishing. I would appreciate if it is possible to send me a copy as well. Please send it to: medic_mike03@hotmail.com Thank you again.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great work, i would appreciate if you could send me a copy to neutrino966@gmail.com

    Cheers,

    ReplyDelete
  55. Would you mind forwarding me a copy of your spreadsheet? Thanks
    bradandpam_1@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  56. I sent a copy of the log out to you folks that had asked for a copy. My apologies on being rather late on the response....I hadn't noticed there were new comments on this blog entry. My bad! :)

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  58. Hi Dave, any chance i could grab a copy of your spreadsheet?
    kaney0504@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi Dave

    Can you send me a copy of the fish log book please.

    Faheem74245@gmail.com


    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hello Dave
    If you can please send me a copy of your log.
    Chaput_denis@yahoo.com
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  61. Please send to me aswell :) kristian@rydheim.net

    ReplyDelete
  62. Great post. Please send me a copy of your excel log. to agm2003@gmail.com
    Thanks,
    Art

    ReplyDelete
  63. Josh.Swerling@gmail.comMay 24, 2020 at 12:21 PM

    Hi Dave, I'm hopeful you'll send me your template too, I just picked up surfcasting in New England last year (mainly Cape Cod, the Canal and RI) for stripers. I just landed two "almost" keepers the other day and figured I ought to start tracking my progress better now that I'm making some! Thank you for helping others - I've found the fishing community to be as welcoming as the camping community which we also just joined last year.

    ReplyDelete
  64. HI DAVE, BEEN HUNTING FOR A LOGGING TOOL, CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME A COPY. MUCH APPRECIATE IT.
    THANX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. APOLOGIES FORGOT TO LEAVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS rudideconing92@gmail.com thank you once again cant wait to start tracking. :-)

      Delete
  65. Looks like an excellent spreadsheet, would you mind sending a copy to me as well? golfindick@gmail.com Thanks, Steve

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Dave i would be very greatfull of copy of the spreadsheet bezzy300472@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Dave, could you please email me a copy of your spreadsheet layout. This would be super helpful!!!! nmosley79@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Hi Dave,

    I am really impressed with your fishing log. I appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to your making your awesome fishing log.

    Dave could you please send me a copy of your Excel fishing log to; citizengump@gmail.com

    thank you very much...Karl

    ReplyDelete
  69. Dave would you please send me a copy of log?

    My email is jfreuler@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'm late to the party it seems. Looks like an incredible spreadsheet. It would take me a year to build it. If you feel generous - Maybe you'll still send a copy to scubaman_at03@yahoo.com

    Thanks,

    Rob

    ReplyDelete
  71. This is a great tool! I understand you aren't sending it out anymore. However, if anyone on this thread feels like sharing the wealth, I'd appreciate it. drew.necaise@raymondjames.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Greetings from sunny Maldives. Looks like a great spreadsheet, would you mind sending a copy to me? ahmedazleem@gmail.com
    Thanks

    Azleem

    ReplyDelete
  73. We would love your fishing spreadsheet too, if it is still available
    liamzfishing@gmail.com
    we also have a YT channel we are tying to build interest for kids getting in to fishing
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete