Fishing, as we anglers know, is not just a case of bunging a worm on the end of some string and dangling it in the water. Ok you might be lucky with the string and worm technique but its not one of the seven tips I have lined up for you in this article. Apart from having the patience of a saint and meticulous planning there are many things to consider that could spell success or failure when you embark on your fishing trips. Here is a bulleted list of some of the things you should take into consideration.
-Choosing the correct rod, reel and fishing tackle.
-Selecting your location.
-Selecting the time of year and day.
-Choosing the right bait and lure.
-Targeting certain fish
1. Rod, Reel, and Tackle:
It may sound obvious but it is very important that you purchase the right tools for the job, so to speak. I wont talk about any particular brand, however, it is very important that you select the right equipment for the type of fishing you care to take part in, which in this case is freshwater fishing. Lets take rods to start with, they are available in various action types which is based on the flexibility of the rod. This flexibility,or flex as it is sometimes termed, is related to the length or height of the rod.
Rod flex:
-Extra light.
-Light.
-Medium.
-Medium fast.
-Fast.
Your choice of flex and height of rod should reflect the weight and size of the fish you are aiming to catch, for example, for fish of between two and ten pounds you should choose a short rod, conversely, a longer rod for heavier fish over this weight.
Your choice of reel is also very important. Generally speaking there are three types of reel you should consider for fresh water fishing.
-Baitcaster.
-Spinning.
-Spin caster.
The most commonly used, of the three, is the spinning reel, these are both easy to use and spool, however, it must be said that the rod and reel combination must be compatible with each other.
2. Baits and Lures:
For freshwater fishing, success or failure of your fishing sorties can be down to the correct choice of bait or lure. Remember that all fish do not eat the same food, so it is very important to select the correct bait for the species you are aiming to catch. Some fish, for example, have a preference for grubs and worms others would rather eat smaller fish or frogs. Fish such as bass, for example, prefer to eat minnows, crawfish, night crawlers and frogs. By selecting the right bait for your target species your will increase your chances of catching fish many fold.
As a rule of thumb, bait comes as two types, that is soft and hard. Hard bait is generally fabricated from plastic and fashioned to look like a small fish. Soft baits are in the form of live bait, worms, maggots, crawfish and frogs to name but a few.
3. Fishing Line:
You need to select your line carefully too when it comes to fresh water fishing. There are a few to familiarize yourself with.
-Monofilament.
-Braided.
-Fluorocarbon.
The strongest of the bunch is the braided line and is next to impossible to break. The most popular line, however, is the monofilament, this one comes in a variety of breaking strains or tests and a selection of colors. Some anglers also swear by fluorocarbon line for its sensitively, variety of tests and colors.
4. Choice Of Location:
In order of importance this one comes close to the top of the list. Choosing your freshwater fishing location, whether it be, lake, pond or river ideally with over hanging vegetation and objects, man made or other wise, sticking out into the water. It is these areas where fish like to lay in wait for their next meal to come along and hopefully that will be on your hook. Try to avoid places where the masses congregate to fish and over fish, look for new areas where fish may be hiding out.
5. Time Of Day:
Fish are more actively feeding at certain times of the day this is normally early in the morning and late in the after noon, however, this is only a very general guide as there are other factors such as the lunar cycle. The moons phases have a marked effect on a fishes appetite. During a full moon, for example, is a good time to go fresh water fishing as they tend to be more actively feeding than say when only a half or quarter moon. Also another thing to add into the mix is the time of year. During the winter months, for example, it is better to fish late morning to mid-afternoon when the water is warmer and the fish not so lethargic.
6. Focus On The Fish You Want To Catch:
By focusing on your target fish you will increase your chances of a good catch. Knowing the techniques involved, what rod, reel and line to use, the bait to use and the habitat of your target fish will all help your quest. Focusing your efforts on a particular species of freshwater fish can save you time and frustration. If you were, for example, wanting to catch sunfish then you would be wasting time using worms, maggots and plastic frogs, however, should you want to catch bass then these baits will be ideal, so if choosing to focus on fishing for bass, selecting their favorite food can only increase your chances of catching this particular species.
7. Patience, Patience, and More Patience:
Unfortunately, patience is not available from a store near you, but it is something, as an angler, you'll need in abundance. If you are not a patient angler then my advice is take up knitting. A patient angler is a successful angler. When fresh water fishing, keep on casting that line and baiting that hook you will be rewarded. You may be lucky enough to get a bite as soon as your bait hits the water, however, you may sit there for some hours. Whatever you do, do not give up.
In summary, by taking all of these tips into consideration before you go freshwater fishing you will, almost certainly, increase your chances of catching fish
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