Fishing Methods

Bait Casting

Bait Casting Reel

Bait casting is a style of fishing that relies on the weight of the lure to extend the line into the target area. Bait casting involves a revolving-spool reel (or “free spool”) mounted on the topside of the rod. Bait casting is definitely an acquired skill.

Once you get the hang of the technique, you will be casting your lures right on target into the structures where fish are feeding and hanging out. With bait casting, you can use larger lures (1/2 to 3/4) and cast them for longer distances. To get started, you’ll need a rod with good spring action, a good quality anti-backlash reel, 10–15 pound test line and a variety of specific bait casting lures.

Spin Casting

Spin Casting Reel

Spin casting is an ideal fishing method for beginning anglers. Spin-casting equipment is easier to use than bait casting. You can use it to cast both light and heavy lures without tangling or breaking your line. Basic equipment includes a 7-foot rod, a spinning reel and 6–10 pound test line for casting 1/16 to 3/4 ounce lures. You can use an open-face, closed-face or spin-cast reel for spin casting.

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Reel

With fly fishing, various materials are used to design a very lightweight lure called a fly. Fish think the fly is bait fish and they take the bait on, or just below, the surface of the water. It takes a little practice, but fly fishing is a pure and exciting way to fish.

Unlike other casting methods, fly fishing can be thought of as a method of casting line rather than lure. Non-fly fishing methods rely on a lure's weight to pull line from the reel during the forward motion of a cast. By design, a fly is too light to be cast, and thus simply follows the unfurling of a properly cast fly line, which is heavier and casts easier than lines used in other types of fishing. The angler normally holds the fly rod in the dominant hand and manipulates the line with the other close to the reel, pulling line out in small increments as the energy in the line, generated from backward and forward motions, increases.

Still Fishing

Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish the harbor for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. Your equipment and the size of the hooks and bait you use depends on what kind of fish you're after. But your best equipment for still fishing is patience. You have to wait for the fish to bite.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too.

Live Lining

Your line is “live” when your boat is anchored in a flowing body of water or on the drift. Use live or prepared baits and keep them on or just off the bottom. Live lining off the bottom allows your line to drift with the current through the bottom structure where the fish may be holding. Your equipment and the size of your hooks and lures depend on what type of fish you’re after.

Chumming

To attract fish or get them biting again, you can throw “chum” into the water where you’re fishing. Be sure not to over-chum. You want to get them interested in feeding, you do not want to stuff them before they get a chance to go after your hook.

Trolling

Most trolling is done using a small electric motor that moves the boat quietly through the water so fish aren’t spooked. But you can also troll by towing a lure while walking along the edge of a shoreline, bridge or pier. The speed of the boat determines the depth of your bait. And the depth of the bait is determined by the species of fish you’re trying to catch. Use a spinning reel or a bait caster for trolling.

Jigging

Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait.

WADE FISHING

One of the most effective ways to approach game fish, as well as one of the most enjoyable of all the ways to fish, is by getting into the fish's element and wading. The angler has a low profile and keeps the disturbance of the water to a minimum, allowing him to sneak up on feeding fish without spooking them.

For many species of fish, wading will actually be more effective than fishing from a boat. For example, local redfish are easily pursued by anglers in boats. They have learned that boats are trouble. Getting into casting range from a boat can be tough. A wading angler who keeps quiet can literally get right on top of the fish.

Fishing From Boats

On many days in the winter and spring, strong winds make even the most skilled boat handler want to scream in frustration. Fly fishing in particular is difficult when the boat is moving too fast because of strong winds. Many times it's hard to strip the line fast enough. A wading angler can fish in almost any kind of breeze.

Big or small, motorized or outfitted with paddles, a boat simply allows you to cover more water. But for most folks, a boat simply makes fishing a lot more fun. The boat you choose should be based on where you want to fish and what kind of fish you’re stalking. Some boats are better in hallow water, and some are best used on large bodies of water. Choose your boat wisely and follow the rules.

Know your boat and how to handle it.
The water you’re in contains hazards such as submerged trees and rocks.
Watch the weather conditions and follow emergency procedures.
Always carry safety devices and know how to use them.
The boat operator is legally responsible for the boat and the safety of those on board.
Understand the rules of navigation, the courtesies of safe boating and always complete a boater safety course prior to operating a boat for the first time.

Catch and Release

Catch and release was first introduced 1952, as a way to reduce the cost of stocking hatchery-raised trout. Since then, conservationists and sport fisherman alike have promoted catch and release to ensure sustainability and avoid over fishing. Proper catch and release fishing techniques also reduce fish fighting and handling times and help avoid damage to fish skin, scales and slime layers— damage that can leave fish vulnerable to fungal skin infections. Here are some simple rules.

Don't keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath.
Never tear a hook out of fish.Make or purchase an efficient hook remover.
If a fish loses consciousness, try to revive it by gently moving it forward and backward so water moves through its gills.
When the fish begins to struggle and can swim, let it go.