There are many reasons to love fishing. It connects you with nature, helps you de-stress, and gives you a much-needed break from every day’s busy life. It also teaches you to concentrate and to be patient while you wait for your fish to take the bait. The downside is that catching fish isn’t always easy, and sometimes a fishing trip won’t be as fruitful as you wished it to be. There are specific techniques that are a bit tricky to learn but will improve the outcome of your fishing trip. Fortunately for beginners, some easy tips can still make a big difference. Here are our top 6 tips to catch fish every time.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Finding the right spot can be a game-changer when you go fishing. All you have to do is research – easy, right? You can consult lake maps and fishing reports. In some places, you can find apps that will guide you on where to find the locations with the most fish. It’s also important to target the right fish at the right time. Some fish prefer to stay in shallow water in some seasons and deep water in others. Researching will give you a good idea of what to find.
2. Know the Fish Depth
It’s a good idea to use sonar to know how deep the fish are. If the fish lie deep down, you can resort to jigging, which means using a type of rubber lure called a jig, to catch them. You can learn more about some of these useful techniques and others that are suitable for beginners and advanced anglers with a quick online search. That way, you can further learn about the technicalities of fishing. Other fish prefer to stay higher and closer to the surface; in that case, the fish will catch bait on their level above them, so be sure to know how deep to cast your bait depending on where the fish are.
3. Know the Water Temperature
Some fish, like freshwater fish, are cold-blooded, which means they can’t regulate their body temperature like us, as we humans are warm-blooded. Their temperature is affected by their surrounding temperature. Warm-blooded fish, on the other hand, can handle higher temperatures.
It helps to know that warm-water species like largemouth bass and bluegill can be found in shallow water during extreme heat. On the other hand, cold-water species like lake trout can be found in deep cold waters only. So before you go on a fishing trip, find out the temperature of the water to know what type of fish to expect and how deep they will be.
4. Know the Different Types of Fish
Each species of fish can be caught with specific techniques and lures. Now that you know the season and water temperature, you can tell what fish you aim to catch on your next fishing trip. For instance, bass love wounded prey so you can use shredded worms as bait instead of getting rid of them. Trout can be found where fast current meets a slow current like behind boulders and fallen trees. Panfish are known to be found in shallow water, near shallow cover. There’s so much to learn about how to catch each type of fish, but it will assist you in getting the most out of your trip.
5. Find Suitable Lure Size
Lure size should depend on the size of the baitfish in the season. Baitfish are small fish that attract bigger game fish. In winter and spring, the baitfish are the smallest, so you should go for smaller lures. In summer and fall, the baitfish are the biggest, so you need to get bigger lures.
6. Get the Right Bait Color
Some fishermen get confused when it comes to picking the right colors for bait. Picking the right color will ensure that the fish pick up the bait. It all depends on the quality of the water. If the water is clear, you can go for subtle natural colors like white, silver, and gray. For muddy and murky water, the best choice is darker colors like blue and black. You can also ask the locals who go fishing about what colors work for them.
Although fishing has a learning curve, there is always a way to become good at it. You just have to do some research and get to know your environment and your tackle. Once you know more about the local fishing areas, you can choose a go-to fishing spot. Knowing more about the water, the fish, and the bait you use will let you know what to expect, and how to prepare for it. Ultimately, all that matters is that you have fun, enjoy your trip, and come back as refreshed as ever.
