Fishing is one the best relaxing and leisurely hobbies one can pursue as it can be enjoyed both alone as well as in groups. But at the same time, it is competitive too, and requires a great deal of skills and techniques to be learned to become an expert. Mother nature is full of different varieties of fishes. Therefore, learning the best ways of casting and catching those fishes will help you to differentiate yourself as a pro from other anglers who are merely beginners.
There are even those people who tend to feel hesitant to start fishing, only because of lack of perfect knowledge. Learning fishing tips will always work wonders, no matter whether you have taken it up just as a hobby or wish to become a professional. These easy tips and tricks will make your experience simple and improve your technique.
One significant thing which is to be kept in mind is that just owning expensive, high- quality gear and other tools is not the key to make the most out of your fishing experience. You also need basic knowledge and little tricks to gain expertise.
Go Fishing
Go through the Legal formalities:
Before heading out to the water, you will need a legal fishing license, which you will get after being well aware of the legal limits in your area. Getting an official license is way too simple and quick as you can purchase it online, over the phone or from any retail outlets. The legislation which relates to the protection of endangered species and their habitats is known as Fisheries Law. By taking a license, you are directly contributing to the conservation efforts.
Take care of the environment:
Always respect your environment, it will add fun to your fishing experience. Don’t litter the place and leave your garbage and stuff there after you finish. Pay attention to the water body, the temperature as well as the particular environment of the fish you have chosen. Most of the fisher prefer cold water and during summers, they go swimming deeper into the water.
So, you will be required to adjust your depth to get a catch. Wind and wind speed are also the factors that influence your fishing habits. Wondering how? Well, you must be knowing that big fish always follow bait fish. So, when the wind is strong, baith fish will come to the shore and consequently, even the big fish can be found there.
Freshwater Fishing
Your surroundings play an important role in deciding your arsenal for fishing. Keep on reading for further details.
- The type of fish you have to catch will determine the best fishing reels for you. A spinner, heavy baitcaster is suitable for Catfish, Pan fish, Bass, Carp and Tilapia.
- Similarly, the choice of your fishing rod will depend upon the fish you want to catch. Use linger rods for fishes like Panfish, a 5-7 ft pole for Bass and Tilapia, and a short pole for capturing heavy Cats and Carp.
- The next gear which you need is the line, depending upon the fish again. For example, for carp, cats, tilapia and big bass fish present in big lakes a 30lb braided test line works great while on the other hand for most other bass fishes, 12lb test line is also perfect. Also, if you need to fish near the bottom of the water body, use the Fluorocarbon line because they are known to sink faster than other types of lines.
- Two kinds of games can be played- either a live fish game or a scavenger one. You will need different kinds of bait for them. Live bait or soft plastics should be used if you go for a live fish game and some dead creature with a very strong odour is to be used if you are after a scavenger.
- Varying lures are used for different kinds of fishes. A Catfish usually likes chicken, liver, corn, worms and wood grubs. Bass comes after soft plastics, live baits, lures, chicken and grubs. Pan fish feeds on bread balls, Berkley power baits and small gigs.
- Another significant item of utmost importance is the kind of fishing hook which is to be used. It is the size of the baith upon which your hook size depends. But a smaller hook has a lot of advantages. Fishes can’t detect them easily. They fit into the mouth of the fish very well. They cast further and remain unaffected by the current.
- Some other factors which are crucial include a map which can be used to take accurate note of shallow and deeper areas of water. Also, you will have to find out the temperature at which your favorite fish lives. Mostly, fresh water fishes gravitate towards lower temperatures and during hotter timer, you will have to swim to deeper sections of water.
Make sure that you keep all the unwanted scents at bay by keeping your hands clean. Due to lack of salt, fishes have a strong sense of smell and in case they detect any foreign smell around the bait, it may repel them.
Saltwater Fishing
Similarly as freshwater fishing, the arsenal required for your saltwater fishing trip depends upon the type of fish you hope to catch.
- The most important thing which is to be borne in mind is that whatever gears you use, they should be durable and corrosion- resistant. Spinning reel should preferably be of aluminum which should hold at least 100 yards. as it doesn’t move while hauling on big fish. Spinning reels are of great help as using them, you can cast a considerable distance remaining unaffected by the wind.
- To avoid corrosion, always rinse and wipe your rod after fishing. Use graphite or fiberglass rods. Graphite rods may be comparatively expensive but come with the benefits of being light in weight, easy to use and long lasting.
- If you are a beginner, use a monofilament line as they are thin, easy to stretch as well as durable. Don’t forget to replace your line after every six months as even the best ones tend to wear down after 6-7 months of time.
- As you very well know, different baits are to be used for different fishes. Menhaden, mullet, eels, sardines, ballyhoo, pilchards and herring can be used when fishing for Snapper, Grouper, Cobia and Tuna. Animals like fidder, blue crabs, shrimp and lobsters are best suited for fishes like Sheepshead and Drum. Sea bass, Croakers, dolphins and Bluefish are attracted by Squid and Octopus. Worms like sea worms, sand worms, ragworms or lugworms work great if you wish to catch Striped bass, Cod, Pollock, Flounder, Halibut and Mackerel.
- For saltwater fishing, the hooks which are constructed from high carbon steel and stainless steel prove to be the best. The most common hook sizes lie between the range of 8 to 14. Hook size and the size of the mouth of the fish are directly related. Smaller the mouth, smaller the hook and larger the mouth, bigger is the hook which should be used.
Conclusion
You need fishing tips and tricks for each aspect of fishing and casting, starting from setting hooks and choosing the best fishing lures for 2020 to cleaning. If you ever dreamt of taking a selfie holding carp, catfish or a trout, a thorough reading of the above article is more than sufficient.
While fishing, always take care of your safety and security. Try to take a companion along with you so that you can get help if caught in an emergency situation. While handling sharp hooks, you will have to be extra careful. Learning to cast is a tricky thing. Main thing is to look around before casting so that you don’t cast near other people. Remember to keep silent and avoid disturbing the water or you may scare the fish away. So, now all set, go fishing!