Fish in Freshwater

Freshwater fishing is popular since it requires a simple tackle setup and you can fish from a variety of locations, like lakes, ponds, and rivers, as opposed to oceans.

Before you grab your gear, think about what kind of fish you want to catch.

Be sure to check the weather to help you decide on a fishing spot.

Selecting Your Gear

Go with a rod 5–8.5 feet long to catch fish. Longer rods are better suited to catch larger freshwater fish because the extended length will help balance the weight of the fish.

Select a rod made out of fiberglass or graphite to give your rod flexibility.

Use a bait-casting reel for casting larger lures over a long distance.

You may be casting a lure from the shore of a lake to the center, or down along the river.

Larger lures will also help you catch larger fish. These reels are also good to use with heavier lures.

Use an open or closed-bail spinning reel if you are using lighter lures.

These are easy to use because they have a mechanical pickup that retrieves the line and an anti-reverse lever that prevents the crank handle from rotating while a fish is pulling.

Size your hook based on the size of fish you hope to catch.

Fishing hook sizes range from 32 to 1, with the larger the number, the smaller the hook.

Use a smaller size hook (32-20) for smaller fish, and a larger sized hook (1-15) for larger fish

Choose either live or artificial bait to catch freshwater fish. You can purchase bait at a tackle shop.

Live bait includes worms, minnows, crickets, or leeches.

Artificial bait mimics fish’s natural food, and they are often in the form of spinners, jigs, poppers, flies, and spoons.

To determine what kind of bait, research online to see what bait different fish prefer.

Fishing line comes in many different weights based on strength.

Sinkers are the tackle that weighs down your bait to the bottom.

Floaters are small pieces of plastic that stay at the surface of the water, so you can keep track of your line.

“Pound test” means the strength of the line.

Try to match your pound test fishing line to the size of your rod and reel.

Getting the right weight of the line is important because if your line is too heavy, it may be visible underwater, and if your line is too light, a fish may snap it.

Buy a tackle box to put all your gear.

Take your line, hooks, lures, and tackle, and put them in your tackle box so you are ready to go. It is helpful to pack extra hooks and scissors as well.

Get a fishing license if you need one. Before you head out, look up the fishing laws in the area you are visiting.

You may need to get a resident, non-resident, or tourist license, depending on how long you plan on fishing.

You can get fishing licenses at hunting or sporting stores or online.

In the United States and Canada, most states require a fishing license, depending on your age, to catch freshwater fish, and you will be fined if you are caught fishing without a license.

Fish in between a new moon and a full moon for optimal catch times.

Freshwater fish are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon, much like all animals. Some fish have peak catching times based on the moon phases, particularly the full moon.

You can find out the moon phase by researching online. Visit sites like https://www.moongiant.com or refer to the Farmer’s Almanac.

Fish around sunrise or sunset to take advantage of feeding time.

Fish tend to be the most active around sunrise and sunset, and this is when they primarily feed. They also are less active during the hot, muggy parts of the day, particularly in the summer.

Cast your line in the shallow waters if you’re fishing in the spring. In the spring, the shallow waters warm up the fastest, and that warmth provides an attractive place for fish to swim and eat.

Aim for the middle of the lake during summertime.

Because the water temperatures in summertime tend to be warm all around, fish prefer the deeper water in the summer. For best results, cast your line deep into the lake or river if you’re fishing in summer.

Try different spots if you’re fishing in the fall.

Water temperatures fluctuate in the fall, so fish are often on the move at this time. Try a few different spots in the lake or river you’re fishing in until you start getting some bites.

Make a basic bobber rig to easily identify your line in the water.

Your rig is the way you assemble your hook, bait, lures, or other tackle.

Catching Your Fish

Bait your hook with your artificial or live bait. Select one piece of bait, artificial or live, and pierce your bait with your hook. Pierce the hook several times through your bait so it will be securely attached to the hook.

Try to hide the hook inside of your bait.

Bring your rod over your shoulder and flick it forward to make your cast.

Fish tend to hang out where shallow water becomes deeper in lakes and rivers. Aim to cast in these locations to catch the most fish.

Check behind you before you make your cast so you don’t hit anyone!

Wait patiently for a bite. Sometimes fish will bite right away if they are hungry, and other times you’ll be waiting for a nibble for quite some time. You can cast your line again if you aren’t getting any bites.

If you put your rod down, make sure you can grab it quickly if a fish does bite. You don’t want your big catch to run off with your gear!

Set your hook when you feel something tug your line.

When you feel a light tug or jerk, pull straight up on your rod. This is called “setting” your hook. You are piercing the fish’s lip with your hook, and now you can reel it in.

Reel in your fish quickly to bring in your catch.

Keep or release the fish, based on local laws. Identify the type of fish and review local laws regarding catching and releasing it.

Many areas have different laws for all species of freshwater fish, based on size and population.
You can unhook your fish and either bring it home for dinner or let it go.