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| Tips N Tactics |
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| Cast Spinning Tackle |
1.
Hold rod with second and third fingers straddling reel leg, the fore finger holding line, be
 sure to have reel facing down.
2. Start with rod near 10 o'clock position, the lure hanging a few inches from the tip. Open bail.
3. Bring rod up sharply to between 12 and 1 o'clock position. Fore finger still holds line.
4. Momentum bends rod back to develop power to propel lure forward on the cast.
5. Snap rod forward, gaining more power. Do not apply power past 11 o'clock position.
6. Release line by straightening finger. Lure momentum pulls line from reel. |
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| Put on a Worm |
Worms
can be fished singly, several to a hook or cut into pieces. For lifelike wiggle,
insert hook under worm's yellowish collar. Run hook through worm twice to make
secure, let end dangle.
Three types used as baits are: small red worms (1-3 in.),
found in manure or other organic debris, medium-sized garden worms (3-6 in.),
abundant in moist, rich dirt and night crawlers (to 12 in.), caught on surface
in sodded areas. |
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| Use a Bobber |
Bobbers
or floats are used mainly as indicators to tell when a fish is biting. They also
hold baits at a desired level - out of the weeds and bottom debris or away to
attract fish. The simplest bobbers are made of unfinished cork or a light wood,
such as balsa. Many of the commercial bobbers are made of plastic and have patented
devices to make it easy to fasten them on the line or to change position. Brightly
covered bobbers are easiest to see, most common being red and white.
When
putting on a red and white bobber, hold the spring on the bottom with your thumb,
push down on top spring until wire hook is exposed, then wrap line twice around
before releasing. Repeat the same steps to secure line to bottom of bobber. |
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| Catch and Release |
When
releasing an unwanted fish alive, handle it gently and as little as possible.
If hook is too deep to be removed with damaging fish, cut it off between eye and
bend or cut the leader. Fish will absorb the hook in time.
To
revive a played out fish, hold the head forward in current or move it through
water. |
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| Fish a Lake |
Ponds
and shallow lakes are usually good fishing waters. Plants grow in abundance in
rich, shallow waters and in turn support a large population of fish and smaller
animals on which they feed. In warm to moderately cool ponds and lakes, the typical
fish are Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleyes, Perch, Bluegills,
and Crappies.
In
fishing a shallow lake, keep your boat well out from shore. First make short casts
(1 and 2) to weed beds or shoals. Then make longer casts to reach shore lines
and close-in cover (3 and 4). |
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| Landing a Fish |
Hooking
a fish is basically a matter of jerking the line at the right instant to set the
point of the hook in the fish's mouth. In fishing natural baits, it is generally
best to wait until the fish runs with the bait before attempting to set the hook.
Before
setting the hook, lower the rod to allow more leverage. If using large live baits,
first let the fish take several feet of line from the reel. Strike firmly, thumbing
reel spool or holding the handle as the rod is snapped to a vertical position.
You are now ready to play the fish. |
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| Troll in a Boat |
| Trolling
is a popular way to fish in a lake or river and is ideal for the small-boat fisherman.
Some kinds of fish range in and out of these areas, while others spend their life
in relatively calm quiet lakes. A fisherman trolls by running the boat against
the tide, or current, towing bait or lure behind. Speed of boat usually hooks
fish when it hits. When the fish is located, boat can be anchored for casting
or bottom fishing within that area. |
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Safe-Sink
