Whether you’re a professional fisherman, or just prefer to put a line out on the weekend when you have time, catching as many fish as you can, is one of the main enjoyments of the sport. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching the bobber disappear from the surface of the water repeatedly on a warm summer afternoon. When the fish are biting, the fishermen are happy!
Some days on the lake are better than others, however. It could be that a certain spot has been over-fished. Other times, bad weather could play a part. It’s great to be out on the lake, but sitting in the boat for hours and only catching a few fish, or not catching any at all, can be rather boring.
You can read up about various kinds of fishing gear, boats and other accessories. If you’re in the market for new gear, there are plenty of sites and stores that offer all of the latest equipment and insight into fishing technology.
Here are five effective ways to help you catch more fish:
- Do your homework. If you want to find out where the fish are, you have to prepare accordingly. You can get information from friends and family members about when the fish are biting in local lakes. Social media and apps can also provide some help. Read up on moon phases and water conditions before you head to your favorite lake. All of these things can make the difference between catching your limit and heading home empty-handed.
- Watch where the fish are feeding. When you’re on the lake, pay attention. If you’re trying to catch a particular type of fish, you have to know where they usually lie in the water. You’ll also need to know where they feed. If they usually feed or spawn in weeded areas, for example, then that’s where you’ll need to go.
- Be prepared. Before you go fishing, take a quick inventory. Make sure you have everything that you need. Organize your tackle box just the way you like it. The last thing you want to do is get out on the lake and have your tackle in a lumpy mess. Charge the battery for your fish finder if necessary, too. Inspect your favorite rod and reel, and make sure that you have a backup or two, in case your line gets tangled or the rod happens to bend or break while in use. Having everything prepared and working correctly when the fish are biting is essential to a good day on the lake.
- Reduce downtime as much as possible. No day on the lake is ever going to be 100% productive. You’ll need to take breaks, restring lines, get more bait, etc. Having your gear organized and strategically planning the day on the water will help reduce the downtime. Also, use your downtime wisely. If a reel tangles, move on to the next rod and reel. Don’t waste a lot of time trying to untangle a complicated mess. Less time spent doing other things means more chances to catch fish!
- Adapt to the situation. A good fisherman has to accept the fact that change is necessary. If fish aren’t biting in one spot, then it’s time to move on to the next location. If the fish are biting and you can see on your fish finder they are there, make sure you have the right bait on your line to attract them and keep trying. Don’t give up! Try different lures if one kind just isn’t working. Being flexible and adjusting your strategies to the conditions will often help you catch more fish. It just takes a little ingenuity and patience sometimes.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can apply yourself to catch more fish. Most methods don’t take a lot of time or money. Some days will be better than others. In fact, some may far exceed your expectations! Appreciate your surroundings, and don’t worry if others around you are or are not catching fish. Enjoy the day, and have fun!