It’s an easy trap to fall into: fishing the same body of water, same time of year, same location, same tactic, year in and year out. Admittedly, the draw of familiarity is a strong one. I could tell you exactly where I will crappie fish on Memorial Day this spring, or what nights around the June full moon I will troll post-spawn walleyes. However, the one constant in fishing is change.

To be successful year in and year out, you must not fall into the trap of only fishing memories — flexibility is key. Adding new techniques to your arsenal each year will pay dividends when conditions an...