Freshwater Fishing

The Benefits of Using a Boat to Freshwater Fish

Fishing from the shoreline can be lots of fun, but for the ultimate freshwater fishing experience, most people prefer to be aboard a boat. Being able to cruise to distant hotspots, cast a line far from the shore, and employ boat-based tactics like trolling can all significantly affect your catch rate. Plus, the best freshwater fishing boats have all sorts of electronics that help you find the fish, and propulsion systems that help you stay close to them. The bottom line? If you have a freshwater fishing boat you’re almost certain to catch more fish, so check out Freshwater Fishing Boats and consider which options might be best for you and the way you enjoy freshwater fishing.

Freshwater Fishing Rod and Reel

Most freshwater fishing rods are sold together with a reel. Technically speaking you’d only call them “freshwater fishing poles” if they had a length of line tied to the tip, and no reel. Several different types of reels are available but they all serve the same purpose: to hold the fishing line, and allow you to cast it out or crank it back as needed.

The best freshwater fishing rods are specialized for different styles or species of fish, and are usually rated by “action” and “power.” Action describes how the rod bends. A very fast action rod bends mostly near the tip, while a very slow action rod is nearly parabolic in nature and bends evenly all the way back to the butt. Power, or the other hand, describes the lifting power of the rod and is usually ranked in terms of ultra-light to very heavy. Read Freshwater Fishing Gear: Rods and Reels to learn more.

Freshwater Fishing Tackle

Along with the rod and reel, there’s a lot of freshwater fishing tackle you’ll need. There’s “terminal tackle,” which are things like swivels, weights, and clips that you may want to tie onto the end of your line. Then there are items like landing nets and pliers that most anglers would consider must-haves for landing fish, and removing hooks from their mouths. You’ll also need a tackle box to keep all this gear stowed and well-organized.

Freshwater Fishing Bait

Freshwater fishing baits can be broken down into two main categories: natural bait, and artificial. Artificial baits include freshwater fishing lures like hard plastic plugs, metal spinners and spoons, and countless other variations. Choosing the best baits for any given species and situation is a matter of experience, and gathering intel. Most anglers have their favorite picks which have proven successful in the past, and they depend upon on a regular basis. But when word gets out about a hot bite on any particular bait, you can bet that anglers of all stripes will stock up on it.

Freshwater Fishing Spots

Once you have your gear and your license, you’ll have a big question to answer: what’s the best freshwater fishing near me? The answer to this question is a moving target. Weather, seasonality, and those unpredictable fish all have an impact on where and when the fishing will be the best. Still, as a general rule of thumb you’ll be choosing between small lakes and ponds, rivers, and large bodies of water including lakes and reservoirs.

• Small Lakes and Ponds: Many freshwater anglers choose to fish in small lakes and ponds simply because it’s so peaceful and relaxing. Plus, you can fish in them from the smallest dinghies.
• Rivers: Rivers tend to be sensitive to changes in the weather since they can grow swollen with rain or shrink with a heat-wave, but their constant currents also tend to keep oxygen levels high and support a diverse range of freshwater fishing species.
• Large Lakes: Large lakes can attract huge numbers of freshwater anglers, and fleets of freshwater fishing boats. Large lakes also tend to offer more diversity in the variety of species you’ll catch, so many of the bigger lakes in America are considered prime destinations by anglers. Watch any busy boat ramp on a large lake at daybreak and you’ll likely watch the very best freshwater fishing boats around being launched one after another.

Factors to Consider When Picking a Fishing Location

Once you’ve decided where and when to go freshwater fishing, you’ve chosen the best freshwater fishing rod for your target species, and you’ve gathered your freshwater fishing tackle, you’ll have to choose a specific spot to fish in. Naturally, you’ll want to pick a place where fish naturally congregate. All of the following variables should be considered:

• Hiding Areas
• Oxygen Content
• Temperature
• Amount of Food
• Current
• Water Depth