Many people long to fish but just don’t think they’d be any good at it. You might be surprised to know that fishing is not that difficult when you know what to do. Read this article for some good tips on fishing, so that you can enjoy this excellent sport.
Don’t blind the fish! While shiny lures are often very effective at attracting specific species, the reflection of the sun can blind a fish and send it swimming away. Matte lures can be equally as effective while they won’t scare off as many fish as a metallic lure would, so consider using both when you fish.
If you are just starting out with fishing, don’t overload your tackle box. You can find millions of different types of bait and pieces of equipment in the fishing supply store. Though they all serve a purpose, you don’t necessarily need every piece. Start with a handful of different types of bait and a few different sized hooks and weights. You can always add more later once you have fine tuned your list of necessary products.
If you are discovering that you’re losing many fish off your lure, then you probably need to thoroughly check the hooks. Often, fishermen forget that hooks can become blunt or twisted, which makes catching new fish a challenge. Change your hooks often so that your lures catch fish without hassle.
Before you buy your hooks and bait, think about what size of fish you’re planning on catching. The bigger the fish, the bigger hooks and bait you’ll need, but big bait will be wasted on smaller fish. You’ll also want the size of the weights and bobbers you purchase to be in line with what you’re hoping to catch.
Some people keep the fish that they catch for eating purposes. However, others prefer to fish using the catch and release method. If you are the latter, then firstly wet your hands, next you need to very gently remove the hook from the fish. Finally, the fish can be returned to the water and let go.
Be aware of your surroundings when fishing. There are a lot of people who smoke when they’re fishing. If you are one of those people, make sure that your embers or tossed cigar or cigarette don’t start a fire. While the bank might be damp, the leaves and debris nearby may be dry and easily able to catch fire.
When deciding on which type of fishing rod to purchase, several things should be taken into consideration. Will the fisherman need a lightweight, flexible fishing rod? A graphite fishing rod is lightweight and flexible. Graphite rods vary in length and flexibility to suit the type of fishing that the rod will be used for.
If you have to make use of a net when catching fish, make sure that it enters headfirst. When you do this, the fish aren’t able to move as much, so they aren’t as likely to escape. In a lot of cases, it is best to use your net only when needed.
The right weather can mean the difference between a miserable and a memorable fishing trip. Always find out what kind of weather to expect before you go fishing. Check the weather often in the days leading up to your outing. Never hesitate to reschedule the outing if the weather is unlikely to cooperate.
When you have hooked a big fish and it is trying to get away, do not panic. Do not reel in fish swimming away from you. Relax and let the drag of the rod and the flow of the water do the work. When you know the hook has been set, set the drag. Always make sure that your rod is aimed towards the fish at about a 45 degree angle.
When planning on where to go fishing, be sure that you pick an area that contains a lot of fish. If not, you could waste hours trying to catch a fish to no avail. If you are unsure if there are many fish in your area, ask an expert.
The best time to fish for most types of fresh water fish is at dawn and dusk. Get up early and start fishing the banks of a river, lake or pond, as the sun rises or sets. Also, depending on the time of year, observe the type of insect that is dominant, then try to match your lure to the insect.
If it is really windy while you are casting your fishing rod, put a little tension on the line right before your lure hits the water, and this will help keep your line straight and prevent it from getting caught on any obstacles as the wind is blowing. You might also have to keep putting a bit of tension on the line as you are fishing to avoid the wind causing too much slack in your line.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you are better prepared to hoist your rod and reel over your shoulder and make the trek to the fishing hole. Use the things you’ve learned in this article to embark on your new outdoor hobby or become a better fisherman.