Fishing is one of the simplest outdoor sports that anyone can take part in. Wherever you might live, there are a lot of great fishing spots within your reach. Read on to find some simple strategies to help you enjoy the hobby as much as possible.
Find a good place for catching fish, and then go a little upstream to cast. That will take your bait and hook past the fish. The downstream drift is going to seem more natural and better attract fish to your lure. This works even better if you are trying to hook fish that are hiding under obstructions.
During wintertime fishing, use sinkers on your line. Sinkers will weigh down the line and allow bait to go deeper, hitting the warm waters where fish hide during the winter. Check the water depth to find out what size sinker to put on your line. You may also need several sinkers, depending on the depth of the water.
If you are using shad to bottom fish, then you should cut the bait's tail prior to placing it on the hook. While your bait travels to the bottom, this technique will prevent it from spinning on your line, and prevent tangles. A beneficial side effect of this procedure is that cutting the tail causes the bait to emit a scent that causes fish to make a beeline for your bait.
A scale is always recommended equipment for a fishing trip. You can never be sure when that lifetime trophy fish will bite, so having a scale handy can help you practice your catch and release technique.
Look at the water's current to find the deep-water areas. When river fishing, always look an area that has the deepest water. Fish like to gather in this type of area, especially in warm weather. You will also find them off of ledges and around large rocks. Once you've located your spot on the river, be sure to keep it in mind for next time.
Be certain you know about fishing laws for the area you're fishing in. Some areas may not permit you to fish in specific rivers or lakes, while others may have banned specific kinds of bait. Don't risk it–check with the local authorities for further guidance.
Consider which way the fish may be migrating in the stream you are fishing in to determine an upstream or downstream cast. In springtime, for example, cast uphill so the fish will move towards your bait. During the autumn season, you should focus on casting downstream because fish will be headed that way.
Accidentally setting something on fire while fishing is easily possible when fishing from the bank. If you smoke, make sure you do not flick embers on the dry material around you. Also be careful with your matches or lighter. The bank might be wet, but the foliage around it can set on fire quickly.
Fishing is a great hobby that is as rewarding as you make it, depending on your time and effort. Whether you are very serious about it or use it to relax, there's plenty of great advice available. Constantly enhance your knowledge, and keep fishing!