How to Catch a Freshwater Fish

Lakes are a great place to catch freshwater fish.

Catching a freshwater fish requires skill and patience. The location where you are fishing is one of the most important factors. Also, the time of day, season, depth, lure type and equipment are all important. It takes more than throwing a line in the water; there is a method to success, and patience is the key.

Things You'll Need

• Lure
• Hook
• Fishing rod with reel
• Fishing net
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Choose a lure. The bait can be live, plastic, metal, or many other kinds. Choosing the right lure depends on the water temperature, fish type, fish size, and time of day. Live bait is always a safe choice for most freshwater fish. Live worms work well for small- to medium-sized fish. Some large fish may require another smaller fish, such as minnows for bait.

2. Attach the lure to the hook. If the bait is live or plastic, stick the point of the hook through the bait. You may have to hook it two or three times to secure it. Most metal lures (and some plastic) can be tied to the line.

3. Cast the line out into the water. Hold down the trigger-like button on the reel to unlock the line. Swing your arm forward to set the lure in motion. Release the button once the lure hits the water.

4. Begin reeling the line in by turning the handle on the reel clockwise. This will bring the lure back to you. You can make slight movements with the rod to give the lure character on its way back. This character will attract more fish.

5. Give the line a quick, but gentle pull when you feel something tugging at your line.

6. Reel the line back in slowly without giving any slack. Reel a couple of feet at a time, wait a few seconds and repeat until the fish is close enough to scoop in the net.

7. Scoop the fish with the net and lay the fishing rod down.

8. Hold the fish steady with one of your feet or hands while you remove the hook. You may need a pair of pliers to remove the hook without injuring the fish more than necessary.

9. Decide whether to keep the fish or to throw it back.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many methods for freshwater fishing. These methods differ in lure type, technique, time of day, season, water depth and type of fish that you are fishing for.

• Practice is the best way to master the skill of fishing. Different methods work for different people.

References

• Bass Fishing and Catching: So Many Bass Fishing Techniques, So Little Time
• Bass Resource: Bass Basics; Charles Stuart
• Take Me Fishing: Natural Bait