Reeling In A Fighting Fish

Once your prized fish feels that hook stuck it its mouth, it inevitably struggles to break free. This typically is demonstrated by the fish swimming against the line, making long runs, jumping and wiggling about. Interestingly, each different species of fish has a different style in their fight to get free. Some will swim around obstacles and some will thrash wildly about. So bass fishing can be very different from crappie fishing.

Fish that have been hooked in somewhat shallow water are far more likely to leap and act frantic than the fish that are caught in deeper water as deep water fish tend to head straight for the bottom of the lake or ocean.

However, it is possible to hook quite a few smaller fish by just reeling them right in. Sure, they will fight, but the fight that they are capable of is usually not strong enough to have any effect on the line or the rod. Using light tackle can get many fish to put up a fight no matter how small they are.

If you prefer to catch your fish and then release them back into the water, be sure that you are not fighting with the fish for very long as these creatures can die from wearing themselves out.

If you are fishing for bigger fish and it decides to run, do not try and reel in once your fish begins to swim away from the line. Once the hook has been set all you have to do is set your drag. If you are working with test of around 12 pounds, you will want to use 4 drag pounds. Keep your rod at a 45 degree angle in relation to the water, aiming right at your fish.

Once the fish begins to slow down and less line is being taken out, you will now want to pull the rod gently up and, as you lower it, the reel down with a pumping motion. Do this in smooth, small strokes instead of abrupt or large ones. Doing this will ensure that your line is tight and will also keep your fish more calm.

If the fish happens to run again, let him do so. This time you will notice his run is somewhat slower and shorter. However, you do not want to let your fish rest and then be able to take off again. If your drag is not being used you should be reeling in.

Fly Fishing for Crappie

One of the most exciting forms of fly fishing is fishing for crappie. In crappie fishing, it is best to use both wet and dry flies. On sunny, calm and still days where the sky is without clouds, you may find that dry flies are the most effective. Once smaller fish hatch, they tend to feed on surface insects. As long as you make sure that the color of your fly matches whatever your fish are used to feeding on, then you will great results with these flies. The best way to go about fly fishing is usually using streamers and nymphs. Both of these are fished beneath the water.

Although you may believe that since there are so many crappie out there, they are easy to catch. If that was the case, you wouldn’t see so many bored anglers waiting for a bite. Still, crappie fishing is and will remain a popular activity for quite some time and what keeps anglers on the hunt for these fish is simply how coveted the taste is. Many people consider crappie the best tasting fish and because of this, it is a good thing that with the proper knowledge they are relatively easy to catch. When crappie bite, they are difficult to detect at times with their light touch and especially when using underwater lures. When using dry or wet flies, it is usually easier to notice movement and motion at the end of the line.

Once the spring rolls around, crappie begin heading out for the more shallow areas of the water. They are also rather skittish, spooking easily at this time as well. When fishing for crappie during this time, using a fly is the best option due to its lighter form. These lures not only won’t cause any commotion, but they also exhibit an extremely lifelike look to them.

In the warmer summer months, consider either fly fishing in a small boat or fishing while wading. Make your way for any fallen trees, stumps beneath the water or any dense vegetation or fallen brush. Crappie love to hide from the sun within these structures.

Never be too anxious to hook your crappie. You never know when a fish has simply brushed on by and taken the hook. Be sure that you wait until the crappie has returned to the water before you decide to set your hook.

Home Made Lures for Bass Fishing

Creating your own bass fishing lures has many advantages. Not only is it easy on the wallet, but it also allows you a way to customize and tailor your very own lures any way you see fit. All you need in order to get started are pliers, lure making wire, rubber spinner skirts, inline spinner bodies, buzz bait blades, beads and rivet collars. Making custom fishing gear can also be an enjoyable experience.

Begin by holding an 8 inch piece of wire between the jaws of some needle nose pliers. The wire should be held no more than an inch from the end of the wire. Slide a hook onto the end of the wire.

Turn the wire around the hook and pliers with another pair of needle nose pliers, forming a loop. Pull the loose end of the wire up beside the main part of the wire and bend it around, closing the loop and securing the hook and remove your pliers.

Now you will slide a rubber skirt onto one of the inline spinner bodies onto the wire along with one or two of your colored beads right after. This will add some weight onto your bait when casting and help it sit in the water when you are retrieving.

Take the wire and bend it about three 3 inches above the loop in the end of the wire that you just made. Use your pliers to bend it down to form a half inch wide U-shape and measure a quarter of an inch down that shape from the bend. Now bend it out at a right angle.

Finally, measure around an inch and bend the wire once again with the pliers so that it now points downward. Put a buzz blade on the free wire end pointing down and follow it with a rivet collar. Be sure that the wide, flat rivet end is right next to the blade. Bend the wire just below the rivet at a right angle in order to finish the buzz bait. Trim the wire a quarter of an inch below the rivet and your lure is complete.

Making your own lures is rather simple in the steps that it takes but it can take a bit of practice and finesse in order to master it. Stay patient and keep practicing and before long you will have caught your own fish with your very own lure. This can make fishing even more fun.