Fishing is a hobby that can be easily taken up by anyone. It doesn’t matter if you fish from a pier, beach or boat; there is much you can enjoy and learn in each of these different methods. Read on to discover why so many people find real joy and relaxation in fishing.
When fishing with shad, slice the tail from your bait before setting it on the hook. That way, your bait will not spin around the line as it drops downward, and tangles can be avoided. As an additional bonus, the open wound from the tail will help attract fish to your hook.
Wearing camouflage might seem like something that should be done only for hunting, but it also works well with fishing. Although fish do not have good eyesight, they could be easily spooked when they see bright colors. For best results, stick with earthy colors, like muted greens and browns.
Sharp Hook
Having a sharp hook is one of the most important aspects of fishing. You need a sharp hook to keep your fish on the line while you reel it in. Dull hooks are useless. Sharpen or replace your hooks regularly.
Fishing with an experienced friend is a great way to learn how it’s done right. They will not only be able to tell you how to avoid danger, but can give you tips on how to catch various fish as well.
You may get better results if you cast near the shore of a river or lake. You can expect to get bites in that area because the insects, which are the fishes’ food source, are located there. Be wary of weeds, though!
Cast upstream so that your bait can be gently carried into the area you wish to fish. This gives a much more natural appearance and will greatly increase your chances of getting a bite. Make sure your line has enough tension to keep it out of the water.
Know which way the fish are migrating to determine in what direction you should cast. For instance, during the spring months, it is necessary to cast in an uphill direction if you want to stand a good chance of catching fish. Likewise, fish are more likely to move downstream in the fall when the weather is cooler. Casting below them will help you catch more.
Lighted Bobbers
Some fishermen use lighted bobbers if they’re doing to be fishing in the dark. Lighted bobbers have a small light bulb in them so you can see when the fish is about to bite. Whenever a fish nibbles the bait, the bobble will go up and down alerting the fisherman.
Before you pull a fish in for the final catch, you should be sure to get your hands nice and wet. This prevents the fish’s skin from drying. You don’t want to dry out a fish you plan to throw back.
Sunscreen should be on the list of items you bring with you when fishing, regardless of temperature. Sunlight can burn your skin no matter what the temperature is, and while you fish you will be exposed to bright reflections off the water’s surface.
Every good fisherman needs to make sure they have plenty of sharp hooks. A simple way to gauge the sharpness of a hook is to see if it leaves a scratch when you drag it along your fingernail. If your hook does not pass this scratch test, then sharpen or replace it in order to be successful at catching any fish.
Check the weather before you go out fishing. You never know what the weather will bring,if you do not check the weather first. This is the best way to avoid dangerous situations or being stuck somewhere because the weather is too bad to drive home. Check the weather before fishing to protect your safety.
A lot of bass fishermen like to fish using grubs that are light in color. Grubs in white, smoke-colored, chartreuse and yellow are very effective. Grubs which are translucent tend to have metal-colored flocks in them, which causes light to reflect, helping you to increase your chances in catching fish. If you have not had any luck catching fish, try grubs that are the same color as the water.
The best fisherman is a patient and optimistic one. As relaxing as fishing is, it can also become extremely frustrating, and a negative attitude can sour a good fishing trip. Don’t get down on yourself, if you haven’t gotten a bite in awhile.
If fly fishing, avoid wind. You’ll have a hard time maintaining accuracy if you are casting into the wind. There is less wind in the early morning and evening hours, making these times better for fly fishing. If you are having problems with the wind, try positioning yourself with the wind, rather than against it or at your side.
Clouds are a fisher’s friend. If it is a cloudy day, fish will have a harder time finding food due to less light reaching through the water. This translates to a greater likelihood that a fish will bite if it sees your bait. Make sure that the water temperature is not so cold that it keeps the fish from swimming around.
If your fishing trip includes deep-sea fishing, pack some anti-seasickness pills. The worst thing that can happen to you is being nauseous while on a boat. Remember that being sick can really wreck your trip, so always try to keep some medication around just in case you need it.
Some fish, such as walleye, prefer some types of live bait over others. Keep your arsenal diverse by packing a couple dozen leeches just in case. Leeches can survive overnight if you keep them in a plastic or Styrofoam container. Make sure it is well-ventilated and contains an inch or two of water.
Fishing is the one sport that challenges your patience while at the same time bringing a greater awareness of nature. Although you will not always be rewarded with a big catch, the times that you do get lucky will be memorable. Fish like a pro–or at least think like one–with the practical guidelines from this article.
