Showing up at your favorite fishing hole and seeing oily patches on the water can be an indicationof a great day on the water, but keep in mind not all slicks are created equal.

Showing up at your favorite fishing hole and seeing oily patches on the water can be an indication of a great day on the water, but keep in mind not all slicks are created equal. Simply put, slicks occur when gamefish gorge themselves on food and regurgitate to make room to continue to feed. When this happens, it can look like someone poured vegetable oil randomly along a shoreline. It also has a distinct scent, like fresh cut watermelon. Although slicks may indicate that fish are actively feeding, they can also be misleading. When fishing an area with slicks it is best to look for multiple slicks as well as fresh slicks forming. Fish slicks are affected by current and wind so it is important to identify and key on smaller slicks
as they are being created.  Paying close attention to the direction of the slick and casting behind its formation can be an effective way to catch a lot of fish very quickly.