Anyone who loves nature, also loves the calming serenity of bodies of water. And what better way to go out and enjoy the sea than to partake in an activity that has fed and entertained people for thousands of years? Use these tips to bring more fish home for dinner tonight.
When you fish in a river or lake, casting near shore leads to optimal results. The type of fish that eat surface water insects tend to linger closer to the shore, so try casting your line near the edge for the most likely chance of landing a fish. Watch for the weeds, however!
Exercise caution as you wade through water in pursuit of your prey. Any time you are in the water, you should move very slowly. Being too noisy will scare fish away, and sound can travel farther under water. Don’t disturb anything and don’t hurry.
Consider which way the fish may be migrating in the stream you are fishing in to determine an upstream or downstream cast. During the springtime when the weather breaks for the warmer, fish are moving upstream. Casting in front of them is the smart play here. Fishing downhill works best in the fall when fish are returning.
The most fish are caught with natural live bait. Usually fish will eat insects which live in the area near the water you are fishing. If you can catch insects found near the water to use as bait, the fish probably will hit on it. There are a lot of expensive lures that do not work very well and only help the bait store, not the fisherman.
Many times, the best fishing locations are near the shore. Fish that collect insects will coalesce in these areas, so cast your line near there. Watch for the weeds, however!
It is smart for fisherman to have a small scale on all trips. This helps you to determine which catches are worth keeping, as well as to record your own personal bests.
Take some time to learn responsible fishing practices. Try your hardest to not harm the environment when fishing. Take any garbage you create from food and beverages with you. Check into local regulations when it comes to the amount of fish you can catch and follow them. Put back any fish you happen to catch that are too small for consumption.
People fishing in the stream should cast upstream, letting the current move the lure or bait. The bait will appear more natural, tricking even the smartest of fish. Be careful of how much slack line you leave in the water; don’t leave an excessive amount.
If you are searching for big fish, use larger bait. While they are more expensive, they usually translate to better catches. If you think about it, it does make perfect sense as bigger fish would tend to eat bait that is much larger.
When you leave for your fishing trip, be sure to take all the essential goods and supplies with you. This will vary depending on your location. In general, basics are things like sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses. If you plan on going into the wild to fish, be sure to also carry a cell phone, compass, and flashlight.
If you wish to become an avid fisherman, you’ll need a sharp hook. If the hook can scratch your fingernail lightly when you drag it across, then it is sharp enough. If it doesn’t. try sharpening or replacing it prior to catching fish.
A cloudy sky can make for a great day. If the sky is overcast, the water is very dark, and fish have to look around for food they cannot see. This make it take longer for fish to find food, which increases the probability that you will encounter fish looking for a meal. Be sure the water temperature is warm and fish will be active.
Make sure your fishing boat isn’t out of commission when spring comes by looking after its battery. It is best to just remove the battery completely and store it in your garage or basement during the off-season. However, avoid placing the battery on a cold concrete floor, as that may lessen the battery’s life.

You should use sinkers if you fish during winter months. The sinker will bring the line lower down in the warm water where most of the fish will be during the colder seasons. The number and size of sinkers used depends on your line and upon the depth of the water in which you are fishing.
If you are fishing with a net, ensure that any fish you catch swims into the net with its head pointed forward. A fish that goes into your net head first will thrash less, decreasing the odds of it escaping. Generally, nets aren’t the best way to catch fish.
Stay calm when you are wrestling with a big fish. Avoid reeling in your fish while it is trying to swim away. Make yourself relax. Let the drag and the rod handle the situation. One you have set the hook, you must set your drag. Orient your rod at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the water, and point your rod at the fish.
Use the migration patterns of the fish to determine whether you fish uphill or downhill in different seasons. When fishing during the springtime, for example, casting uphill will allow you to position your lure ahead of your prey. During fall, fish move in the opposite direction so you need to cast downhill.
When your fishing buddy reels in a fish, it is always a good idea to remove your own line from the water. This helps avoid the annoyance of lines getting tangled up, and you can also help the other person with their fish.
Try fishing at night, if you’d like to get a different experience from your favorite fishing place. If you own a head lamp, you can use it to see what you are doing, but be sure to keep your boat lights turned on, as well. You can catch a different range of species from the same location simply by changing the hour at which you fish.
Remember that larger fish require larger bait. Larger bait will cost you more at the tackle store, but it just might equal a bigger catch. This makes a lot of sense because bigger fish would normally eat larger things in the water, making them interested in bigger baits.
Fish Prefer
Use bigger bait to catch bigger fish. The principle is simple, small fish prefer small bait, and large fish prefer large bait. Larger fish, such as Pike or Muskie, may be attracted to bait such as Bluegill or crappie.
Don’t fly fish in windy conditions. If there is too much wind then casting will become lest accurate. You should aim to fly fish during the early morning or evening because it is not as windy outside. If the wind becomes too strong, try turning your back to the wind to reduce the impact.
Using lures is the best way to catch bass. Lures should be chosen based on several factors. Depending on the time period and area of water you are in, factors in what type of lure should be used. Different lures are suitable for different situations. Some do better in certain areas, while others do better with certain fish. Most of the time, it requires trial and error in order to discover the best lure.
Fishing is one of the most ancient hobbies in the world. Every culture, race and nationality enjoys fishing; it is as popular today as it was in Biblical times. Use the strategies here to be a good fisherman, that you could bring home fresh fish that you could enjoy.
Take care of your boat’s battery in the off-season. Every year, remove your boat battery and store it in your garage or basement in an area that will remain dry during the off-season. If you simply place the battery on the floor, cold temperatures may compromise the life of the battery.