Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Towering Inferno, Maluniu, Teresa, Lorraine Simonis and 2 others

There are many ways to catch Large Mouth Bass, which include using topwater lures, which make disturbances on the surface of the water to attract fish. Topwaters can be fished almost anywhere at any time, which makes it difficult to chose a single lure in a certain situation. Please read on to find out how to fish top water lures for Large Mouth Bass.

Steps

1.  Look at your collection of lures to start. In general, topwater lures tend to work best in the late spring, summer and fall. In hot weather, topwaters will produce on schooling bass; in dense cover, fish a buzzbait right over the heads of bass. This means that different shapes work better than others. The same goes for color. Topwater color should match in a general way that of the dominant forage in your lake, but the color should more closely match that of baitfish than bottom-dwelling creatures.

• Therefore, a silver topwater would tend to be a better choice than a brown one.

2.  Determine the depth at which you are fishing. Topwaters are excellent baits for fishing big, open water as well as shallow shorelines. For example, if there is a drop-off from 15 to 25 feet, a topwater will often draw strikes from bass that are suspended there, especially in clear water.

3.  Consider the structure you are fishing over. Long, tapering points are great places to try topwaters. Move to the end of the point and cast the area where the point falls off into deep water with a big topwater such as a stick bait. In extremely clear water with little structure, a silver, white, or gold minnow lure twitching quietly on the surface will often produce explosive strikes.

4.  Chose the right bait for the body of water. Fish topwaters quickly in rivers and around extremely heavy cover. A buzzbait is ideal for these situations. The idea is to fish the lure fast over the heads of bass, provoking a reaction strike. In a river, bass may not enter the current to strike.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Harri, lisacmeier, Jakesoup, Lutherus

Although its roots go back to the 1870s, the modern spinning reel was introduced in 1948 by a French manufacturer. Its fixed spool allows lightweight baits and lures to be cast, while other similar models can handle heavy-duty freshwater and saltwater fishing. It's versatile and a solid piece of hardware, if you know how to cast it.

Steps

1. Grip the rod with your casting hand around the reel seat. Put your index and middle finger ahead of the reel and your other 2 fingers behind it.
• Unlike spincasting or baitcasting reels, spinning reels are designed to be reeled with the hand opposite the one used to cast with. As most fishermen cast right-handed, most spinning reels have the handle on the left.
• Spinning rods are also slightly longer on average than spincasting rods, without a recessed seat and with the guide nearest the reel seat somewhat larger than the other rod guides to permit the line to flow more freely when you cast.

2.  Reel in until your bait is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the rod tip. If you have a sinker or bobber attached to the line, it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip instead. 

3. Crook your index finger to pick up the line ahead of the reel and press it against the rod. 


4.  Open the reel bail. The bail is a loop of wire on the rotating rim outside and behind the reel spool. It gathers the line when you reel in and deposits it on the spool. Opening it moves it out of the way of the line so you can cast your lure. 


5.  Swing the rod back past your shoulder. 

6.  Sweep the rod forward, releasing the line as you extend your arm. To help you target your bait to the casting area, point your index finger at the place you want to release the line. You may find this technique difficult at first.

• If you are casting with a long-handled spinning rod of the kind used in saltwater fishing, you'll want to use your reeling hand as a fulcrum from which to pivot the rod as you cast.
• Some fishermen use closed-faced spinning reels (also called underspin or triggerspin reels), in which the reel spool is covered similar to a spincasting reel. On these reels, a trigger above the reel works similar to the button on a conventional spincasting reel. Grip the line in your index finger and hold it against the trigger as you pull the trigger back. The rest of the casting technique is otherwise the same as using an open-faced spinning reel.

Tips

• Many spinning reels experience problems with the line twisting as it is retrieved. These problems can be relieved somewhat by using a snap swivel at the end of your line to attach your bait or lure.
• Practice your casting techniques away from the water as well as on it. Away from the water, replace your bait or lure with a rubber practice plug or metal sinker. Practice in an open area, away from overhead trees.

Warnings

• When fishing, wear protective clothing to keep hooks from embedding themselves in your skin as the result of a bad cast or other accident.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Charliefolson, DifuWu, Lwhaley, Jacenbeers and 6 others

Arguably one of the most difficult of all fishing techniques, fly fishing can take a long time to master. But like all things difficult, the rewards can be equally satisfying. Here are some tips on how to perform the basic fly fishing forward cast. 

Steps

1.  Assemble your outfit. This includes a rod, reel, line, leader, and fly.

• Attach your reel to the fly rod at the bottom of the grip. Most reels will have a reel seat that will fit into the notch of the rod and can then be secured using a metal nut. Make sure that it is tightly secured.

3.  Load your fly rod. Your fly rod will not cast properly if you do not feel the rod bend and unbend in your hand. This is called “feeling the rod load” and can sometimes be a difficult concept for beginners to grasp.

4  Start your back cast.

• Keep your wrist stiff and your elbow close to your side.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by IngeborgK, Martfart 52, Maluniu, Teresa

This is how you cast either a Spinning or Bait casting rod and reel. Hope this helps at all.

1. Before casting a rod in general, you need some bait. And if you are using a worm then put on 1-3 splitshot lead sinker. 

2.  For the spinning rod, take your finger and place it on the line. Then put it on the rod. 

3.  Click the bail over (that metal semicircle protruding from the spool.) 

4.  Put the rod behind you (while holding it!) 

5.  Fling the rod forward. When the rod is perpendicular to the ground, take your finger off the line.

6.  When the lure hits the water, click the bail over.

7.  This is the bait caster.A bait-caster is to be held with the reel facing up instead of down, like you would with a spinning reel.

8. Push the button on the reel.

9.  You will see line come off the reel. Place your finger on the spool to stop it. 

10. Repeat.

11. When the lure hits the water put the thumb back on the reel and start reeling.


Tips

• If you get a birds nest( the line in the reel tangles)on a bait caster then leave the lure in the water and take line off the reel.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Harri, Ir1337, Anna

Baitcasting reels date back to the mid-17th century and first became popular in the 1870s. They are suited best to fishing for larger freshwater fishing species, such as largemouth bass, northern pike and muskellunge; larger sizes are used for trolling for large saltwater fish, such as marlin and tuna. Casting with baitcasting tackle can be difficult for first-time anglers to master but can be mastered with practice. Here are the steps for casting baitcasting tackle.

Steps

1.  Reel in the line until your bait or lure is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the rod tip. If you have a sinker or bobber attached to the line, it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip instead. 

2.  Grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb resting over the reel spool.Baitcasting rods are designed the same as spincasting rods, and as with spincasting rods, most fishermen cast with them same hand they retrieve with, so if you prefer to hold the rod behind the reel when you retrieve, you'll need to switch hands when you cast.

• You may want to rest your thumb at a slight angle on the spool instead of pressing the very flat of it on the line. This will give you more control over the flow of the line during the cast.

3.  Turn the rod so the reel handles point up. As with spincasting gear, this lets you use your wrist when you cast. If you cast with your opposite hand, the handles point down.

4.  Press the reel spool release button. Baitcasting reels made since the 1970s have a mechanism to disengage the reel spool from the handles so they don't turn during the cast, allowing for longer casts. The first such models had the button on the side of the reel; most models today feature a release bar behind the spool that you press with your thumb when you rest it on the reel spool.

5.  Bend your casting arm. As you do, raise your rod until its tip goes slightly past vertical.

6.  Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level. This is about 30 degrees above horizontal, or the "10 o'clock" position. As you do so, lift your thumb off the reel spool enough so that the weight of your bait or lure pulls line off the spool as it is propelled toward the target.

• If you are casting with a long-handled baitcasting rod of the kind used in saltwater fishing, you'll want to use your opposite hand as a fulcrum from which to pivot the rod as you cast.

7. Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. This is similar to pressing the button on a spincasting reel to brake the line; however, not applying your thumb soon enough leads to the spool continuing to turn after your bait hits the water, creating an overrun or "birds nest" that you'll have to straighten out before you can retrieve your lure.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Sondra C, Flickety, Maluniu, Chris Hadley and 2 others 

This article provides an overview of getting started in ice fishing in the United States by helping you understand the basics of ice fishing, the specifics for US ice fishing and the accompanying terminology. There are also some pointers on what to watch out for in terms of possible dangers. 

Steps

1.  Do your homework. Check with your local Ministry of Natural Resources Publications of wildlife agency to see which fish is in season and in what location. Most anywhere where the ice freezes for a while is a good place to fish. 

2.  Know when the fish will be tastiest. Ice fishing is best during cold winters when the flesh of the fish is warm and flaky. The fish tastes the best during this time because you stay away from muddy flavored fish that you may catch from fishing during the summer. 

3.  Prepare the right shelter. It is important when ice fishing that you have an ice hut. This will keep you warm when the weather is windy and the hut will allow you to stay out fishing longer. Additionally, the hut will also protect you from the sun when it becomes bright and blinding. You can purchase an ice hut at any fishing store or if you have the time and patience, you can build one on your own. 

4.  Prepare the fishing hole. Once you find the perfect fishing spot, drill a large hole completely through the ice until you can see open water. Then, get out the ice chisel to widen your hole. Unpack your ice hut or equipment and take out your rods to catch the fish.

5.  Obtain a comfortable seat. You will probably need to sit on a portable seat so that you can look directly through the hole to see what's happening. Make sure it is sturdy and comfortable.

6.  Use a skimmer to keep the hole clear of the ice and slush that forms during the day. Once your line is set, you'll need to keep a close eye on it or watch for the flag on the tip-up to see if you've caught a fish.

7.  Have a storage container. Keep a cooler to store the fish in once caught. The pleasure of ice fishing is being in the great outdoors, plus you have fresh fish to take home to eat. 



Tips


Ice Fishing Vocabulary:

• Toboggan or sled - This is a practical way to haul equipment onto the ice. Some anglers put their gear on top of their shanty, which is transported on runners.
• Ice auger - This tool is for drilling your fishing hole in the ice. The hole should be no more than 12 inches across.
• Skimmer - This handy tool is needed to scoop out slush or chips from your fishing hole. It looks like a long-handled soup ladle, with a shallow, sieved bowl.
• Ice chisel - Called "spuds," ice chisels are used for chopping holes early in the ice fishing season when the ice is thinner. Be sure to secure these thin, but hefty, poles with a line tied to your arm. Many spuds have slipped from angler's grasp and plummeted to the bottom of a lake.
• Bait bucket - Holds live bait such as minnows.
• Spud - an ice chisel. (See ice chisel for description)
• Gaff hook - A special-purpose, large and heavy hook to help hoist a slippery fish through a hole in the ice.
• Seat - Something to sit on such as a small stool or folding chair, sometimes even a 5-gallon bucket.
• Dip net - Used to dip into minnow buckets to retrieve bait and keep hands dry.
• Hook disgorge - A tool like a needle nose pliers to help you get the hook out of the fish's mouth.

Warnings

• Caution: Care must be taken when going out on the ice because swift currents may leave the frozen ice thinner in some areas then others. It is recommended before ice fishing that the ice is at least 4 inches thick. However, if you are using an ice hut or a snow mobile then the recommended amount of ice is 5 to 6 inches.
• In case the ice breaks and a person falls into the water, a self rescue device should be on hand in advance. This device is made of 2 spiked handles connected to a string that helps the victim to be pulled out of the water.
• Another danger you must be aware of is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from fish house heaters.
• Lastly, frostbite is a concern which occurs from long exposure to wind and low temperatures.

Things You'll Need

• Equipment: You should be well prepared when ice fishing and there are several items that are required and recommended:
  
  
  • Ice fishing rods
  • Fishing Reels
    
  • Ice fishing line (4-8 lb)
  • Ice fishing bucket
  • Ice scooper or Ice Fishing Auger
  • Good gloves
  • Bait or ice fishing jigs
  • Fishing License & ID
  
  
• All of these items except for the fishing license ID can be purchased at a discounted price at some auctions. Therefore, before you go out and purchase new equipment at a retail store, remember you can save money if you check out fishing equipment auctions online.
  

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Carolyn Barratt, Lulucat9, Leona, KommaH and 3 others 

Are you an avid fisherman who has extensive knowledge of the great fishing spots in your area or have dozens of fishing tips? Would you like to share that knowledge with others? Fishing guides spend a lot of time outdoors, accompany groups to fishing spots, and share those fishing tips. Though states have specific criteria for guides, there are a few simple steps you can follow to become a fishing guide. 

Steps

1.  Research specific guidelines. Each state has different qualifications for becoming a fishing guide. Pay close attention to the requirements for your state. 

2.  Get a business license. A career as a fishing guide is more of a lifestyle job, but it is still a business. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce and your state's Department of Revenue site for specifics.

3.  Obtain a Coast Guard License or Merchant Mariner License. One of these licenses is required if you plan to take passengers on a motorized boat. It's also a requirement for transporting paying customers on "federally navigable waterways."

5. Obtain business insurance. Carry a minimum of $1 million dollars. Insurance is a safeguard against those unforeseen accidents or incidents that might occur on a boat or in the outdoors.

6.  Plan training classes. Organize how you will convert your knowledge into a training experience for your customers.

7.   Advertise in local and online publications. You might consider creating a website for your business or an online blog for sharing tips as well as marketing your services.

• Other avid fisherman would love to learn proper techniques of fly fishing, best spots to look for certain fish or recommended lures, etc. Present these tips for both new and experienced fishermen.

8.  Contact local businesses. Ask to advertise at their location and to tell others about your service. Consider working for a fishing charter company to gain experience.

• Stick to hotels, resorts, or even dude ranches. Bait stores or retail outlets associated with fishing can also help refer clients.

9.  Hold free or low-cost clinics for children and youth. Teach them basic fishing skills and safety issues.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Cgabiyoyo, Michaela, BR, Kmc3692 and 7 others 

Asking most people about the sport of fishing will usually result in questions inquiring about how fishing is considered a sport and how to become a professional fisherman. Originating as a means of survival, fishing has transformed itself from a national pastime to one of the most popular participation sports in the country. Although luck allows the beginner to be successful, it takes considerable skill to locate and catch fish consistently. Given the right conditions, you will be able to become a professional fisherman with a lot of effort and a little luck. 

Steps

1.  Start small. If you are new to fishing, you will want to fish local ponds, rivers, lakes or streams with which you are familiar. You need to learn the basic elements of fishing such as how to tie a lure and bait a hook. You can only do this through practice. 

2.  Join a fishing club. Fishing clubs are a great way to meet others close to your skill level and above. The individuals in the clubs will have tips, techniques and will turn you on toward the bite. They often hold their own small tournaments.

3.  Learn to master a species. Different types of fish require different types of fishing techniques. It is difficult to be successful at them all without mastering a few.

• Certain species like certain baits. Don't fall into the trap of using catfish baits on bass, for example. There are thousands of manufacturers that make a wide variety of bass baits. Even the same bait in a slightly different color pattern can make all the difference.

4.  Sign up for a small tournament. Almost every area of the country, no matter how large or small, has a body of water that is inhabited by one or a few predominant species. Master the art of fishing for these species. Sooner or later, there will be a small tournament for these that are your specialty.

5.  Find a professional fisherman. Most professional fishing tournaments use a pro-am type of field. There are normally two men to a single boat. The boat owner is the professional and is fishing for the big bucks. The co-angler is the amateur, or the inexperienced professional, that is fishing for the smaller, alternate purse. Many times, the alternate purse includes a boat and possibly a truck to pull it.

6.  Get endorsements. You will need to get some endorsements in order to make your career as a professional fisherman lucrative. Tournament wins are nice, but you can easily spend as much on the quality equipment you need as you will win in any given tournament. Once you are endorsed, your name becomes viral and that is the true sign of a professional fisherman.

Tips

Don't skimp on the equipment. If you cannot afford high quality equipment, save your money until you can afford it. Cheap, low quality equipment will only get you frustrated. You cannot catch fish if your line, rod or reel breaks. You cannot catch fish if you are repairing equipment. 

Warnings

Professional fishermen aren't above the law. No matter where you are, you must know the local and state fishing regulations. You must have a license in most cases. Most tournament fish have a legal minimum size limit, maximum bag limit and method of catching. 

Global Fishing Tackle：www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Gummybear2014, Ritwik Singh 

Ever went fishing and came back with no fish? Was it the bait or the hook? Read this article to find out how to be a good fisherman! 

Steps


1.  Get your bait. Look up what fish take in your area. Some include

• Live Bait: worms, grub, etc
• Weedless Frogs
• Fake bait

2.  Buy the proper hook and bobber. Make sure it's not too big or too small. And keep it visable. 

3.  On your rod, put your bobber, hook and bait on. Make sure the bait covers the entire hook. Also make sure your line is not tangled. 

4.  Finally find or go to your fishing place and cast your rod! If your bobber goes under the water, then reel your line in! You caught a fish! 

5.  At last, study more knowledge about fishing skill from Global Fishing Tackle blog.

Global Fishing Tackle: www.gfishingtackle.com
Edited by Michael Stetz, Krystle, Eric, Nicole Willson and 20 others 

This article is for anyone who has taken a child fishing, thinking it would be fun, and it turned out to be a disaster. Kids need action to keep their attention. This will show you how to catch enough fish to make it enjoyable for all. 

1.  Buy high-quality fishing equipment.

• Forget the cute, cheap, fishing rods that are sold for kids. They are usually too difficult to cast, and the line is usually cheap. You will spend more time untangling knots than actually fishing. It will be tempting to buy the Donald Duck rod, but skip it.
• Buy a good, ultra-light rod and reel. They come in five to six feet. Try to buy the shortest one you can, but not less than five feet.
• Buy a spool of good line. There are a lot on the market. Stren is recommended for its ease of casting and fewer tangles. Go for a two - four pound test.
• Buy a few torpedo style floats. There are some that are specially made for flies. Ask a clerk at your local tackle shop.
• Buy some flies that are made for fly fishing. Make sure they are for dry fly fishing. This means they will float. They make some sponge spiders that do really well, and some called "Pan Pops," too.

2.  Spool the reel, or have them do it for you at the tackle shop. Attach the float so that it can slide along the line to the desired length. Tie on the fly, and you're ready to go.

3.  Choose the right pond. Try to find one that isn't very crowded. Kids can get enthusiastic with their casting, and we want to catch fish, not people. Also, look for a pond that has a lot of pan fish. We're not after a huge bass. Kids will be very happy with a bunch of bluegill.

5.  Pull the float down away from the fly, about four to five feet once your child is comfortable with casting.

6.  Have them cast out into the water. They don't have to cast far. In fact, they may have better luck casting closer to shore.

7.  Let the fly just sit for a few seconds. Sometimes the fish will strike it as soon as it hits the water. If there is no action right away, start them reeling in slowly. Use a start and stop action.

8.  Let them raise the rod up once they feel a tug or bite. Usually there is no need to set the hook.

9.  Reel 'em in, baby! If there are fish in the pond, they will hopefully catch more than enough to keep them happy. It will be fun for them.