Do you just feel like a crappie fisherman? Does the idea of fishing have you floundering? If you are trying to catch fish, but the fish are mocking you in the water, then you should learn ways to improve your skills as a fisherman. Continue reading for some great fishing techniques.
Casting on the shore of a river or lake often nets the best results. This is because fish will find insects in these locations. So to increase your opportunities for success, try fishing along the bank. The number of weeds along the shore make snagging your line more likely, so be careful.
Find deep waters. On the river, it is especially important to find very deep water. Fish tend to frequent pockets of deep water on hot, sunny days. They also like to hang out around very large rocks and ledges. If you locate a particularly good area, keep it in mind for future visits.
If you’re fishing at the bottom using a shad, be sure to cut your bait’s tail prior to placing it into your hook. While your bait travels to the bottom, this technique will prevent it from spinning on your line, and prevent tangles. In addition, you can use the cut tail as scent to attract the fish to the bait.
To make earthworms more desirable use the following technique to fatten them up. Place your bait worms in a newspaper lined container and leave them in the refrigerator until the next morning. Due to the cool temperature and the increased humidity, the worms will become much plumper.
Bass fishermen usually prefer grubs that are light-colored rather than dark-colored. Great success can be had with yellow, white, chartreuse and smoke-colored grubs. Grubs which have metallic speckles within their translucent bodies tend to reflect light, which in turn increases your likelihood of catching a fish. When you can’t catch anything, switch over to a grub which matches the color of the water.
Check for any signs of fish before you cast your line. Many times you will notice floating wood or debris. It is highly likely that game fish will be loitering in that location as well. If you see seagulls feasting on tiny fish, there may very well be larger fish lurking just beneath the surface of the water.
No matter what the weather is, always carry a good sunscreen along on your fishing trips. Sunburn can quickly occur due to the reflection of the sun’s harmful rays off of the surface of the water.
Do your best to not fight with any fish you plan on releasing after you catch it. Fighting the fish can cause injury. If the fish can’t be reeled in easily, just let it go rather than fighting it.
Be sure that you look at the weather forecast prior to fishing. The weather is not always suitable for fishing. You’re more likely to catch fish if the sky is cloudy and overcast. Although other weather conditions can be suitable as well, an overcast sky is the best general situation when it comes to catching the highest number of fish.
Consider getting a gaff or net to catch larger fish. Gaffs help you grab the fish and pull it into your boat from the water. Nets offer the same control but without the risk of mortally injuring the fish.

Look for the optimal fishing spot, and then find an area upstream to cast from. This causes your bait and hook to move past the fish. This will attract more fish. This strategy works quite well if the sought after fish dwell under an obstruction.
Do not leave any kind of garbage in the water or near it. Trash can damage the beauty of nature and can be harmful to plant and fish life as well. Be conscientious of what you are doing and do not let any trash make it into the water, even by accident. This will help preserve the quality of the waters where you fish.
Fly Fishing
Because fly fishing mainly involves casting your line until you snag a fish, it’s important that you perfect your cast before you go fly fishing. If you are not having a good fishing day and are getting frustrated, take a break and work on your casting technique. If you can hook something, you know your effort has paid off.
The decision to fish down or uphill depends on the fish you are catching and their migration patterns. During the spring, you should aim uphill in order to catch more fish. Conversely, in the fall, when fish are swimming downstream, you should cast downhill.
When you are fishing in an area you have not gone to before, it is a great idea to go to the local bait store and meed fishermen that live in the area. Extend a friendly attitude and buy a few locally made lures and a hat, whether you need one or not. Regulars in the area will find your interest appealing, and be more likely to open up to you. Who knows? They may even ask you on their next fishing trip!
Spend some time studying the different species of fish that live where you will be fishing. Understand what baits are best suited for what you are going after. If a fish is not around, even the best lures and perfect techniques won’t be of much use.
Now that you are armed with powerful fishing knowledge, get out on that lake and take charge. Use the tips in the article above to learn some great techniques and tips to catch plenty of fish for recreation or dinner.
Make sure you are taking time to watch the birds when you are fishing. If you see birds diving into a particular spot in the water, you will likely find a good amount of fish located there. People aren’t the only ones who enjoy fishing–birds are more than willing to dive for their dinner. Inspect their behavior closely as it might aide you in having a successful day on the water.