Are you struggling to make a great catch? Even experienced anglers have trouble sometimes, whether it’s a bad day or a longer streak of unlucky fishing trips. You may have a decent amount of fishing knowledge, but something else is holding you back. Maybe it’s the weather, your location, or even just skittish fish.
Whatever it is that’s holding you back, there’s always something new to learn when it comes to fishing. Expert anglers know all the secret tips and tricks of the trade; learn from their secret fishing tips to improve your success on your next fishing trip!
Research the Waters First
You’ll have more luck catching fish if you do some prior research on the area you’re fishing in. Each body of water is different, and going in with as much knowledge as possible can only help.
One of the most crucial pieces of information you should look for is what fish are present in the lake, and what prey is present. Knowing what fish are around is an obvious piece of information, but knowing what they eat in that location and during that season will help you immensely. Once you know what they’ve been eating, you can choose bait or lures that mimic their typical prey.
It’s also no secret that you should check out weather conditions, water conditions, research best catch areas on the body of water, and survey the water and vegetation. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re returning to waters you visit frequently.
Invest in a Good Rod and Reel
It’s worthwhile to pay a little extra to invest in a high-quality fishing rod and reel. A quality rod really can make a huge difference, so this is the item to splurge on. It’s also vital that your rod and reel of choice match your style of fishing and the fish you plan to catch. Research what rods and reel combos work best for your favorite kind of fishing, and then purchase a set with great reviews, strong materials, and overall top-notch quality.
Glue Your Bait
Many anglers use this practice, and while it takes a little extra time, it makes all the difference. Invest in some super glue, and take a minute before each cast to glue your bait to your hook. Gluing your bait will keep it from sliding off the hook or getting stolen by a fish, which can improve hooksets and help you make your next great catch.
Use Smaller Bait
It’s a common misconception that larger baits or lures equal larger catches. While this can be the case sometimes, many large fish are more likely to bite a smaller bait. If you’re getting nibbles but not bites and you know fish are nearby, try downsizing your bait. A smaller piece of a bite can often trick fish more easily, resulting in more catches, both large and small.
Try Red Bait
Bait is often cast and retrieved to mimic the action of a wounded baitfish. This is because fish are more likely to bite at a wounded prey that is easy to catch. You can further replicate a wounded baitfish by using bait that is red, pink, or partially those colors. Fish will perceive the red or pink as blood and will be more likely to approach and bite at what they think is a wounded baitfish.
Use bait or lure that has these colors, or simply draw them on. A red sharpie can work wonders. Simply color in some red near the gills of your lure to attract bites.
Save Torn Up Worms
Plastic worms and other soft plastics can get pretty chewed up after being used a few times. Many anglers throw away their torn up worms, but they are actually still useful. Fish, especially bass, will target a wounded-looking worm, so they may actually help you make a great catch. Keep your chewed up worms and try fishing them in shallow water or to target bass.
Sharpen Your Hooks
Some professional anglers will re-sharpen their hooks before each day out on the water. While you probably don’t have to sharpen them after every single fishing trip, you should always check in on your hooks and make sure they are still sharp. Dull hooks will lose fish, resulting in lost bait and a missed catch. This simple trick can help you land more hooksets.
Replace Fishing Line
Fishing line can make or break your success. Anglers often fail to replace their fishing line as often as they should. The tattered line can break easily, resulting in a lost fish as well as lost tackle. Look for any areas of wear and tear in your line. The line that stretches easily, like monofilament, should also be checked. Some line has greater memory and will form in the curve of your spool. This can also be a detriment.
Take these tips from experts and apply them the next time you’re out on the water!