The Five Rules Of Fishing That Will Make You A Better Angler!

If you implement these 5 fishing rules you will catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water! Make sure you support todays presenting sponsor by downloading the Deep Dive app! deepdiveapp.com/
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@Oldbasshole]

I think the 5th one is the most important! Any day on the water is a good day , catching fish is a bonus !! Enjoy every second . The 15 min rule is a great one as well . I think a lot of people get stubborn about a spot and waste time in unproductive water

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Yeah it sucks when you're stuck on a pier or shore or beach and you can't just go look for the fish. That's basically my situation by the Chesapeake Bay. We were doing great a month ago with redfish and trout but they're gone now.

[@Oldbasshole]

@@comfortablynumb9342 being stuck on shore definitely adds a layer of difficulty to it

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@bcurnutte8528]

Agreed

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

Great rules! I took notes! A good topic might be when you're rotating baits trying to find what works...how long do you use each one?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great suggestion!

[@timholsworth316]

I found myself nodding my head in total agreement, thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@johnhumphreys9732]

Would you give us a tour of your tackle room and share what you have going on as far as organization and different brands,types and colors and what you like and dislike about your room.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good idea

[@joeyhelton7114]

Like that last rule I need to follow some days.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@0017Bulldog]

Great stuff Matt, as always!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theorthattorney]

Great list--anyone who follows these 5 will benefit immensely. Jonny Schultz calls the 15 minute rule "failing fast." Nothing has made more of a difference in my fishing than this tip.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@astrophysicistguy]

I modify #1 where if I’m in a good area but haven’t got a bite in 15 mins I usually change baits once or twice before I leave

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Matt, your advice always work!! Even here in very warm South Africa. Stunning channel. Thanks Bud.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@JohnRobertson870]

Kayak tournament angler here, but one of my rules, and you hear it all the time, “don’t leave fish, to find fish.” I’ve heard the 15 minute rule before, but how far are you moving? Or are you just moving to a different type of structure? Going from a channel swing bluff wall to some standing timber even if it’s only 100 yards away? Or are you literally moving 1-2 miles down the lake?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Could be same area just different presentation. Basically just switch up what you’re doing

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺I use the acronym for the “BASS TABLE”. The bass portion of the acronym is the mental part. BELIEVE you ARE going to have a SUCCESSFUL SEARCH for fish. You cannot be mentally defeated before you start. TABLE, the T is for the time of year/day which assists you in choosing the best A for area which assists you in choosing the most appropriate B for bait. Then the L is for life (birds, baitfish, etc) and then trust your E for experience which is basically historical knowledge. This is an easy and effective way to go about breaking down a body of water especially if you do not have electronics.🤠

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@billypowell7306]

Thanks Matt great tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@farrzmd3038]

Great rules. #1 and #5 for sure. Keep moving and have fun. #5a, pick one rod and three baits or one rod and find three ways to fish one bait. Such a good time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@douglasspickler4925]

Decent set of rules. I think they are all great. Thanks for sharing them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@G8AR]

Great video Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!l

[@Fishboy68]

Right on Matt great advice!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@stevesmith7164]

Good tips, thanks 😊

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BenHolliday1]

Gulls. Love it when I see gulls getting excited in a cluster over the water. Usually that means it’s about to get really fun.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@joesgonefishin4789]

High barometer makes fish sit higher in the water column, to equal out the pressure. At least in Australia. We actually have a rule.. 1020 bass are plenty. And we throw surface lures

[@MattStefanFishing]

I don’t think that would work here

[@sha6mm]

Thanks Matt and Yes I use the 15m rule but not a couple of the other.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Water currents are really important for any kind of fish. Especially saltwater fish. I don't bother to go unless the tide will be moving, and usually the faster the better. This is another great video with good tips. Well done.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@everttebenn4925]

Matt Larry Nixon told me along time agothe same thing.and when i go fishingas a boater oras co-angler or a team tournaments always no pressure

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool

[@michaelshoffner6584]

what advantages do you see in the in line spinner as compared to a regular one?

[@zesteecheeze]

I'm no expert, so take this with a grain of salt: I beleive a spinnerbait is supposed to mimic more of a small school of fish (especially the 3 and 4 blade spinnerbaits), with the hook/bait portion of the spinnerbait representing the slowest/lowest/weakest member of that school, which is generally the first fish targeted in a school. An in-line spinner more represents a single fish, either wounded or fleeing, depending on retrieve. I think it's like changing between a craw and a stick bait on a ned rig. Sometimes fish want to eat one over the other, and switching it up, trying the in-line when the spinnerbait is getting skunked, is sometimes what it takes to get a bite. Like I said, I'm no expert, I'm still learning, but this seems to be the difference to me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Streamline appearance gives it a whole different look and it’s much more finesse like

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

Very good rules. Number one is all important. Also a person needs to have confidence in what they are doing, and always fish to your strengths

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@tomperry7345]

Good rules to go by, thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@alcav54]

The 15 minute rule is my biggest weakness. I tell myself to “be patient” and I wind up wasting too much time and given area. That’s clearly something I will be working on next year.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@williamknight5142]

Multiple cast to a nice piece of cover#6👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

Also, preparation and organization are critical to success

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@rodneychandler82]

Great Vid , Rule Matt 👌

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@MarcusSpjut]

Great rules, my go to is that if I want to catch fish others don't I have to go to where other fishermen wont go.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@beef1541]

Pretty solid set, much like what I set out to do, need to work on a couple.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@brettnewman7389]

Great info

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pj3p488]

When fishing an offshore school, I have a 3 cast rule. Three casts without a hit and I pick up a different lure. Sometimes I will get 7 or 8 lures in before they trigger. Then 3 casts without a hit, I start to rotate through lures again. I have caught as many as 65 in one spot this way.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TBassFactory]

Agreed Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@zesteecheeze]

What platform is the deep dive app on? I can't find it in the play store. Maybe you could add a link to the description? Idk, it just looks really useful and I want it lol I'm in Canada, so maybe that's it; is it US specific?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s for iOS and android

[@mikethetoolman8776]

The 15-minute rule is great but Ohio lakes are small and crowded so moving every 15 minutes puts you on lots of fished water? some of our tournament lakes are 2000 acres or less? also, should you return hrs later and retry an area if you know it to be good at times?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s really about switching what you are doing

[@johnrayner5599]

These are some constant rules that we all should follow, you will not go wrong if you follow these rule, and one I use is … if the wind is from the west, get out there and fish all day.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like it!

[@PistolPete3322]

I spend more time in one spot in winter. An old guy told me If the cows are laying down the fishing will be slow.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Interesting

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

I forgot to mention tht i fully agree with you. Rule 1 is a problem for me. I spend WAY too long in one spot but will change for sure. Rule 5 always!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it a try

[@egschreib4795]

Thanks for sharing! Have you ever fished up in Florence County?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@egschreib4795]

We have a little cottage on Patten Lake. I feel like Northern Pike have won the lake but it is still a beautiful little lake to fish.@@MattStefanFishing

[@romaloboda2280]

Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You're welcome

[@jonbullard7074]

Weather I catch anything or not I always enjoy being on the water. There is nothing I’d rather do.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@myriammorrison9840]

I love i! A great reminder 👍I should write these on the dash of my boat!!!! I have found all these to be true 😮 when I can remember or recognize them on the water 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

Great info really appreciated

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnnyweaver1300]

The 5th one should be the reason your out there, but I've had days that I would get upset & make the day even worse, the 1st one is a great rule, I try to keep it but sometimes it goes longer than that & the others are also great! 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nelsonchiro]

1. Every cast counts. As soon as I get lazy, shit goes bad. 2. Organization is key. And know where everything is! 3. Stay calm and focused. Breathing exercises help here. 4. Patience. If you are too anxious, mistakes will be made and it takes away from the fun!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I've been fishin' for 46 years and I don't have any arguments against your comment. And the lazy part is super important. As soon as I quit paying attention I'll miss a really good fish. Mr Murphy is always near the water.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mattthomen1608]

I love the failfast method,I pack for all conditions. I use either hard or soft bait profiles.a deadstick,medium, fast retrieves. And if there in hvy cover get the flipping stick out! GO MSF 🎣💥🤙.

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

You vet

[@ClayWilliamson]

The 15 minute thing is real. I don’t need to even look at the time, I can feel it in my bones when it’s not happening. Sometimes 5 casts is enough for me to know to move and I don’t even tournaments fish anymore. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too!

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

1. If you see someone prep/prebait a certain location try to get there earlier and harvest his hard work 2. If you See someone Hook-Up to a nice fish. Pay attention to what kind of bait he uses and trow your bait (unaware) right next to him. 3. If your a local or the Hook-Up is done next to your property (yard/house/caravan) get into an argument with the fisher and claim he caught YOUR fish. A matter of fact you Own ALL the Fish in the Pond or Lake. 4. If you notice ANYONE walking with a rod explain They have additional rules to follow. And insist he MUST act accordingly. 5. If NONE of the above mentioned situations are obbeyed / Followed up CALL the Police, Local/ National Authorities or Wildlife protectors ASAP. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@zesteecheeze]

You had me on the first one for half a second 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Oh boy

[@grandwonder5858]

Does high pressure means that the air pushes down on us harder? And low pressure means the air pushes down on us less? I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer my questions since I have always wondered what is a high and low barometric pressure, but I have no clue!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I dont have that answer

[@kellymoore4517]

1. Never run out of beer! 🍺

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@GopherHayes]

Great tips thanks. Do you have pics of your boat posted anywhere?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bass boat central

[@GopherHayes]

Thanks

[@commoncents235]

Treat others like you want to be treated 👍🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got that right!

[@thomasvangeel1869]

#5 is straight up wisdom

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@irench]

I remember KVD and his fifteen rule. I'd like to say I use it but the pressure here is SO high it's impossible really. Lastly, people ask why I go by my self. Well, because that's the way to make sure I enjoy the day on the water. No one to muck up my day and I'm going to have a good end to end. NO late fishing partner or they forgot gear or their gear sucks issues. I used to take friends fishin in WI and not fish and theyre like why are you fishing? Because I'm certain it will go sideways. I'd rather put them on the fish and not ruin my or their time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rustyreidfishing3334]

Having fun #1!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@davidgosper3842]

The 15 minute rule. How long do you use one bait or technique, before changing. I think the 30 minute is a better option for me, KVD can cast a1000 times in 15. Secondly, I live in Florida, natural lakes are between 900 to 8,000 acres. Very few over 6 feet deep, filled with spatterdock, and hydrilla. The wind is the only current, fishing the outside line, every boat does. What would Matt do?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Look for hikes in the hydrilla or irregularities of weedline

[@davidgosper3842]

Matt, what are hikes. Never heard that term.@@MattStefanFishing

[@yourakunt4909]

So I'm in northwest Iowa. I go for any fish but mostly bass and walleye. Some bigger lakes can get really choppy. Especially on the banks. The waves will be crashing and i feel like the fish must hate it. Ive gotten mixed info. Do they like it? I hear walleye do....

[@MattStefanFishing]

It can be good to fish

[@bass4996]

#5 Is The Golden rule of fishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@terrytresemer2864]

My 15 min rule is 20 min cause I don't move so fast these days. Organization is my first rule. Got to know where everything is at the time I need it! And the last rule should be to have enough core tackle rigs! Rocks and zebra mussels play hell on your line.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha i like that rule

[@SmokinBaits]

Let’s Go!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bassngal3314]

I’ve been practicing medicine for nearly 40 years, my medical students asked me how I managed all my stress, one word….fishing!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love fishing!

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I keep hearing about the sound of bluegill, but I do not what this sound is. Can you describe it?

[@kellymoore4517]

Sounds like a "snap"

[@MattStefanFishing]

Snap crackle pop just like the cereal

[@law1831]

Do you think the moon phases like moon rises impact bass or do you think that's junk science. My buddies who are big time musky guys are all about it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It has an affect

[@patrickcotter945]

would these rules apply to other species ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@rodneychandler82]

5th Rule rules 😊

[@MattStefanFishing]

it does!

[@chriscurtis8577]

That is what I look for light blue aren't you a little birds flying that's how I can tell where the fish save as fish and can you look for frogs 🐸

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@muskyvictim]

Wait it's the opposite - high barometric pressure is best . Why ? think bladder ..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnmango6056]

Idk how you do it Matt. This whole making a great video every day thing is getting out of hand at this point.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha thanks!

[@ccr8392]

This sucks , the deep dive app doesn't work in Canada.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bummer

[@mikewelter180]

Rule #6 No Bananas!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@chriscurtis8577]

I watch Kevin Gates he really shows you what did he is my best bass fishing do you watch video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching