Do you remember the excitement of your first camping trip? Getting up early in the morning, having a hot chocolate before the drive out of town, and all the fun of being in the great outdoors. You can recreate this feeling again, the next time you take a trip to go fishing. Continue reading for ways to enhance your next fishing trip and make it a great one.
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.
Live, natural bait will catch more fish. Most fish eat where there are an abundance of insects. You are more likely to catch more fish by just using the insects you can find on the water’s edge. Expensive lures may look nice and please you, but the fish probably won’t be interested in them.
It is a great practice to catch and release any fish if you are not going to eat them, but some people would like a souvenir of their catch. You do not have to kill the fish, you can take a photo. The fish gets to go on with its life, and you will be able to show your prize catch to everyone.
For successful fishing, search out deep waters. If you are fishing on a river, try fishing in the the deepest parts of the water. Fish often gather in the deepest water they can find, especially during warm weather. They may also be found near substantial rocks or ledge formations. If you chance upon a perfect fishing spot, take note of its location for future visits.
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.
Wind is the enemy when you are fly fishing. On extremely windy days, your casting won’t be accurate. The optimum time for doing some fly fishing is around dawn or dusk when there is usually less wind. If you’re finding it’s too breezy, try fishing with the wind facing your back.
Use only high quality reels from reputable manufacturers. The lower quality reels will end up having issues with their bearings or even might not be properly sealed, allowing moisture to damage their surface or interior gears. This will make the reel rust and over time, it will not work at all.
Smallmouth bass and walleye are particular to the type of bait used. Consider packing several different baits, such as leeches, in case the fish you are seeking are particular. Leeches can survive if they are placed in a container with a small amount of water.
Anyone fishing would be wise to look at the weather report before embarking on a fishing trip. The weather has a great impact on the behavior of fish so make sure you are prepared for any situation that may arise. This will also allow you to dress appropriately for the day.
Make sure that you research the laws in your state so that you know everything that needs to be done before a trip. Many states require you to have a fishing license before you are allowed to go onto the water. Most fishing areas have additional rules, so you need to make sure you are aware of those as well.
If you plan on fishing for hours, it is important that you bring some food. If this is your first time fishing, then it is likely it could take you a while before you get the first bite. During this time, you are probably going to get hungry. Don’t cut your fishing trip short because of your hunger, so pack some snacks.
Some fishermen do not know that the larger the number of the hook is, the smaller the hook size. This is helpful prior to your fishing expedition when buying your tackle. You have to consider the right size hook for the fish you intend to catch. If the hook is too big, you might miss out on a great catch, if it is too small, your fish might get off the hook easily.
If you are fishing for walleye or pike, be wary of their sharp teeth. The two species are known for their sharp teeth, and they won’t hesitate to bite you. Grab these fish by their bellies and remove your hook after you know the fish is certainly dead. Wearing gloves will make it easier to dislodge the hook and return the fish to the water.
If you are fishing for catfish it is advisable to use chicken livers wrapped in pantyhose or stockings. Catfish normally nibble on bait and can easily remove the bait from the hook. By placing pieces of chicken livers inside a piece of pantyhose prior to inserting the hook into the chicken liver, you can avoid your bait being stripped off the hook.
Choose barbless single hooks if you want to return the fish to the water after you catch them. These will cause the least amount of potential injury to the fish, since they are easily removed.
Talking with locals is a great way to learn about a new fishing area. Use local lures and ties as they’re built specifically for local conditions, and consider picking up a few other items to break the ice. Locals will love to share information with you if they feel you really care about their opinion. They are more likely to give great advice and they could even invite you to go fishing with them.
As you can probably see, fishing trips are a great way to relax and enjoy a fun hobby with your friends and family. From pier or shore fishing to deep ocean fishing, the sport has something for everyone. Plan your next fishing trip, keeping the above tips in mind, and you are sure to create a wonderful experience.