Back to the Past to Become a Fishing King

Chapter 857 - 574: Practical Skills for Choosing Fishing Spots in the Reservoir Area (2)

Zhang Yang walked straight to the shore, not stopping his stride, and continued swiftly towards the south.

The surrounding area didn’t look like an old fishing spot. Why? Because even though there’s a small path on the ground, there are very few traces of fishing activity here. Even the grass on the shore is growing quite lushly, unlike a place with frequent human activity.

After walking a bit further, Zhang Yang slowly stopped.

There were still some bait remnants and packaging traces on the ground, and not far behind, there were instant noodle buckets, bread packaging, mineral water bottles, simple trash gathered in a plastic bag but not taken away, just brazenly left there.

Zhang Yang observed the surroundings and said, "This area must be an old fishing spot! Look at the packaging on the ground!"

Xiao Yi glanced down, saw many packages of old altar corn, rice for making wine, and other baits, the ground was well-trodden, and there were faint traces of man-made fishing spots.

"Shall we fish here tomorrow?" Xiao Yi asked.

Zhang Yang shook his head: "No rush, let’s keep exploring!"

At a new reservoir, finding old fishing spots can be a shortcut, but requires discernment. Although this location shows heavy traces, the bait packaging indicates bottom fishing, which isn’t Zhang Yang’s preference.

After walking further, Zhang Yang found more traces of old fishing spots, but all were using old altar corn and rice for making wine with red worm granules for bait; the bait for catching silver carp-catfish that Zhang Yang desired was nowhere in sight.

Across the entire east bank area, Zhang Yang walked almost from the middle to the southern curve, but didn’t find a dedicated old fishing spot for silver carp-catfish.

Not meeting his expectations, Zhang Yang felt a bit disappointed inside, and turned back with Xiao Yi.

At this time, Boss Zheng was on a small boat, cleaning up the trash left by anglers along the shore, and bumped into Zhang Yang and his group.

"Hello Boss, my friend and I strolled around but didn’t find any old spots for silver carp-catfish fishing? Is it because the reservoir hasn’t been producing fish lately, so no one’s fishing here?" Zhang Yang cut straight to the chase.

Boss Zheng nodded, then shook his head in response: "It’s true that few people have been fishing for silver carp-catfish recently, but not because the reservoir isn’t producing fish!

After Labor Day, there were quite a few anglers and the catches were good!

The main reason is that my place charges quite high, with such a large surface area, only experts and those who aren’t short on cash would choose to fish for silver carp-catfish this way!"

This answer was acceptable to Zhang Yang—a fee of 500 yuan for four hours does keep regular anglers away.

"Could you recommend some of the previously good spots? You see, I’m here with two lady friends, so spending a bit of money is fine, but I’d like some gains to save face!

Our circle has many friends who enjoy fishing in black pits; if this goes well, I’ll bring more friends to support your business!"

Zhang Yang read Boss Zheng thoroughly, using emotional appeal and making promises, turning the boss completely around.

After hearing Zhang Yang, Boss Zheng became further convinced this young man was just a rich kid bringing girls for fun.

Boss Zheng had hosted many similar anglers before, not skilled in fishing but great at bragging, spending a lot but gaining little, and often losing each time, trying to get deals from the reservoir owner, which was nearly impossible.

Poor in skill, rich in money, and loving face—such customers are considered prime targets by reservoir owners.

"Over at the small promontory further ahead, the few spots there have produced decent silver carp-catfish catches lately. The water level is suitable there," Boss Zheng pointed casually, without a care.

"Okay, thank you. We’ll check it out later!"

"No problem, tomorrow morning at seven, you can start fishing; you can get up early, I’ll arrange breakfast, noodles and buns! Just let me know what you want via phone! Delivered either to your room or the shore!"

"Alright! Let’s check out the fishing spot!"

Zhang Yang responded several times, greeted the boss, and led Xiao Yi towards the location he pointed out.

Actually, after walking the entire east bank, Zhang Yang mentally marked several places; the spot recommended by the boss was also one Zhang Yang favored.

The water depth at the small promontory is ideal, similar to main intersection roads, where the terrain makes it easier for fish, whether top or bottom dwellers, to pass through feeding. This logic generally applies.

Arriving at this spot, Zhang Yang observed more, becoming increasingly satisfied with the location.

"This is the place; remember the spot marked by those trees behind, come back tonight!" Zhang Yang reminded Xiao Yi.

"Got it!"

Having decided on the nighttime location, Zhang Yang and Xiao Yi leisurely returned the same way, exploring the northern side, but finding no better option, solidified this as their fishing spot.

After finishing the reservoir exploration, Zhang Yang and Xiao Yi returned to the board house, past six o’clock. Xiao Wei and YOYO had set up a foldable table under the hawthorn tree, relaxing on crescent chairs with phones in hand, enjoying the breeze.

"The spot’s decided; your job tonight is to rest well, as tomorrow morning we’ll be doing some physical work!" Zhang Yang joked with a smile.

"The spot’s decided? Where is it?" Xiao Wei asked.

Zhang Yang pointed in a general direction and said, "You two bring the fishing platform to my room, and tomorrow morning Xiao Yi and I will set it up for you; then you just head straight to the water’s edge!"

"Okay! You’re the captain, we’ll follow your lead!" Xiao Wei agreed without hesitation.

After a brief discussion about the spot, everyone chatted casually for a bit, soon having dinner arranged by Boss Zheng delivered.

A large plate of stir-fried chicken, several green dishes, and homemade pancakes—everyone tasted it, surprisingly good despite low expectations, and the supposedly local chicken seemed genuine.

The four of them devoured the stir-fried chicken, leaving none behind; even the picky eaters YOYO and Xiao Wei were eating with gusto.

After the meal, Boss Zheng’s wife collected the leftover dishes, and everyone relaxed under the hawthorn tree, chatting as evening fell.

At this time, the reservoir owner appeared with a headlamp, strolling around, reminding everyone not to fish at night. Zhang Yang and the group reassured him easily and sent him on his way.

Once the boss left, Zhang Yang signaled Xiao Yi, and the two sneakily returned to their room, closing the door and drawing the curtains.

"Hey, what are we doing?" Xiao Yi felt uncertain, not knowing Zhang Yang’s plan.

"Grab the water bucket, go to the shore, fetch some water, and mix the bait!" Zhang Yang said while unsealing a full box of silver carp-catfish bait.

"Oh!"

When Xiao Yi returned with the folding bucket, Zhang Yang had already brought the large bait mixing bowl from the car into the room.

The entire box of silver carp-catfish bait was unpacked, awaiting water for a major batch.

The room was filled with the characteristic garlic and sour smell of the silver carp-catfish bait, but Zhang Yang didn’t mind, he poured the bait into the bowl, added water, and began mixing.

The main component of silver carp-catfish bait is Snowflake Powder; it’s easy to prepare bait for fishing, ensuring the right water ratio for manageable clumps that don’t sink or stick.

Before long, Zhang Yang had mixed a full basin of bait, then retrieved a roll of plastic wrap from the car as if performing magic.

In no time, he sealed the bowl’s opening with plastic wrap—preparation phase one completed!