In a previous article, I spoke about some of the best lakes scattered around the United States. Lakes are great due to all of the activities available to you, but one of the most fun activities you can take part in at a lake is fishing. Fishing can be loads of fun, and it can also be extremely relaxing. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may walk away disappointed. In order to help out future fishing gurus, I’ve decided to share a few tips to help you catch a few. Let’s dive in!
Match Your Fishing Lure Color
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a lure is the color of the water. Although you may not know what the fish will be drawn to on a given day, it can be wise to switch up your lures when things aren’t going your way. A great rule of thumb is to try and pick a lure that matches the color of the water. For instance, if the water is green, choose a lure that features lime or chartreuse. In clear water, choose a pearl or white. Finally, if the water is tannic, try a root beer.
The Size Of Your Gear Matters
Don’t try to get a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing fishing equipment. Instead, get gear that’s sized for the specific species that you’re targeting. For instance, if you’re planning on using a 12-pound casting reel for bass fishing, it’s probably too heavy for the tiny jigs and spinners that black crappie are typically attracted to. On the other hand, if you’re planning on using a four-pound ultralight, it’s probably not ideal for casting micro-jigs to the largemouth bass that you’re trying to catch.
Choose Your Line
There are a lot of brands and types of fishing lines that are available on the market, so be careful when it comes to choosing the right one. First off, you’ll need to pick the appropriate line for the type of water you’re fishing in, saltwater or fresh. One of the most important factors that you should consider is the sensitivity of the line. Braid lines have a high sensitivity, and they’re ideal for use with lures. On the other hand, monofilament lines have less sensitivity and are ideal for when fish are nibbling on your bait.
The Right Time Of Day
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to catching some fish is the time of day that you head out. The early morning hours, as well as right before the sun falls, are two of the best times to toss a line, as the fish typically bite the most in that ambient sunlight. If you’re out during the midday hours, a cloudy sky can usually lend to better fishing and if it’s a hot and sunny day, look for a place with shade. Fish tend to seek shade on those hotter days, just like we would.
Set The Reel Drag Properly
If you want to become a true fishing pro, it’s important you set your reel drag properly. This is because it allows the fish to take the line without having to pull against it until it breaks. Unfortunately, most people tend to give a tug on the line until it feels right, which is not ideal. Setting the drag to one-third of the line’s rated breaking strength is generally considered to be the ideal way to go.