There are a lot to learn about fishing, especially if you are a complete beginner. With a diverse range of fishing techniques, which one should you choose? Different techniques are great for different conditions based on the type of fish, water conditions and depth, and much more. Besides, you need to match specific technique with suitable rods, reels and lures for the best performance.
In this post, we listed down everything you need to know about the 7 popular fishing techniques. While it’s important for an angler to master different fishing techniques to adapt to different conditions, I suggest that you focus on 1 – 2 techniques that interest you most. Once you see some success and gain more experience, then you can try out others.
#1 Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a super popular angling method among western anglers where they use artificial flies to catch fish. Fly fishing is popular because it can be done anywhere from freshwater to saltwater.
Don’t know how to begin? Well, fret not! Just follow the steps provided below and you’ll be fly fishing in no time.
Step 1: Know your fly fishing gears
To fly fish, you need a fly rod. A different technique uses a different type of fishing rod. There is no perfect fly reel or fly rod when it comes to fly fishing because everyone has different preferences. The choices are endless! Rods and reels are comparatively flexible. Basically, just get and choose your fly fishing equipments based on 2 main fish sizes, which are:
Small Sized
Logically, you will need lightweight flies with sizes around 12 to 20 which in turn uses light power and slow action rods.
You would want to use a rod that is easy to control and able to cast the fly (in this fly fishing technique however, it is more of a casting the line rather than the fly but I will explain this later) within let’s say, 20 to 30 feet?
You would also want a slow action rod which bends midway for you to get a “feel” of the fish you are trying to catch the moment it bites your fly.
Big Sized
Now in this case, you need flies which are heavier since the fish you’re catching are larger in size, true?
Thus, you will need medium to heavy weight rods with either medium or heavy power and medium or fast action depending on the fish size and also the distance you want to cast your line to will be greater than 30 feet.
You will know since larger sized fishes are much more aggressive and fast when compared to small fishes. That is where you get the thrills.
Step 2: The method to fly fish
Not sure which fish to fish? Worry not because I have summarized the method to fly fish into two types of fishes which are:
Type 1: Freshwater Fish
Which usually includes trout as it is commonly found in stillwaters such as lakes. You can also pinpoint their location in places where they can seek food, warmth and most important of all protection.
A beginner at this? Does locating fish intimidate you? Try checking out our review for the best fish finders to brighten your fishing experience up!
Fly Rod
- 4 to 7 weight rods ( but I personally prefer 6 to be the best).
- 9 ½ to 10 feet long but it also depends on your preferences and your height.
- Long rods work best with floating and slow sinking lines as it improves rod cast. It also provides greater distance between the indicator and fly. It helps to form loops necessary when casting.
- Your fly rod must be able to steer fish during fight. Out and away from boats or any obstacles.
Reel
You will need a solid smooth drag system with an interchangeable spools to change your fly lines with at least 50 yards.
Fly Lines
- Floating Lines: You will need long leaders which are 15 feet or greater with slow leading presentations with the speed of retrieve and depth you want.
- Sinking Lines: Sinking lines are either slow sinking or fast sinking. Sinking lines are measured in inches per second (Type 5,6 or 7). The numbers listed correspond to the sink rate of the line. For example, type 2 sinks at 2 inches per second. In this case, I personally find slow sinking lines works best when fly fishing.
Method
Presentation: The rod tip of your fly rod must always be in touch with surface of water to ensure a straight line connection. Fly fishing does not only depend on the fly you use but how you present and retrieve.
Retrieve: Unlike rivers with a moving current, lakes are still (hence, the label stillwater). That is why you have to sort of move your flies to resemble a live bait in order to sort of tempt the fish in to take a bite off your fly. Below is a video which I found incredibly useful and detailed which can help you execute the perfect fly fishing retrieve.
The bass fish is also considered one of the favourite choices when freshwater fly fishing. The bass fish is every angler’s’ favorite as it is readily available anywhere (even Central Park!). Basses are aggressive and even that makes it one of the most popular species to fish. Since we covered trout fishing, bass fishing equipment and skills is somewhat similar.
Flies
Basses are divided into two main species which are the:-
Smallmouth: In which the flies do not have to be wide or big. It can just simply resemble a small crayfish like fly that will sink to the bottom and consider its job done. Besides that, black wool is also a favourite of the bass since it is a dry surface fly as they will come up to feed. Popping bugs are best suited for aggressive ones which need a kick.
Largemouth: Anglers love using streamers – because they look like sunfish as they are predators. Again some popper bugs – for the aggressive ones and frogs or mouse since they eat anything as they are larger than the smallmouth.
Casting
It does not have to be long as long as it will do the work well. For example in windy situations, it might be daunting to anglers especially rookies. I will list down a few situations where the wind will come from every direction:
1) Towards you when you are fly fishing. It is not the worst but definitely not the best. The way to counter this is to just cast underneath where there is no wind
2) At your non-dominant shoulder or non-casting shoulder. Just cast your line at the opposite direction
3) Towards your dominant shoulder or casting shoulder. This is hard because accidents might happen, you get flustered and nervous especially if you are a beginner. First off, just cast high angle above your head then underneath, turn your back or just switch hands to make it easier for you.
4) At your back. Simple just cast your line underneath and you are good to go.
Retrieves
It is kind of like trout fly fishing because you need to animate your flies. Why? Well, you want to trick the bass into biting your fly so you can catch it. Always make sure your rod is tipped low and strip your line constantly so you will be in control and able to prevent the fish from escaping.
Below is a video of a simple basic tutorial in bass fly fishing.
Type 2: Saltwater Fish
Logically fly fishing in saltwater especially in deeper regions is considerably more harder and more complex compared to freshwater. It is often done on a boat or shallow drafting boat. Saltwater species includes the ever so famous snapper, the bonefish and of course, sea trouts.
Fly Rod
To saltwater fly fish, choose a rod that is thicker at the bottom to fight large fish with a heavy line around 7 to 8 weight for your rod and line for to average it up. If you are aiming for a larger species for example like small sharks, then increase your line to around 8 to 9 weight.
Reels and Lines
Reels play an important role in saltwater fly fishing compared to freshwater. You will most definitely need a bigger reel to store your lines. The slower the drag, the better it will be in order to stall bigger fish upon hooking them. You want to be able to get the fish that always swims away from you then back at you. Most importantly, make sure it is corrosion resistant since it is always exposed to water and air.
Flies
Flies for saltwater fly fishing should imitate a baitfish, a shellfish, crustaceans etc. It should also be considerably larger and heavier.
Method
Presentation: Again, like the freshwater method you should make it look as natural as possible. Another additional factor is to make sure it sinks longer.
Retrieve: Retrieves always vary because you can go either slow or fast and you never know.
Casting
Backcast: Again take notice of the wind, if you are ambidextrous then it will be better and easier for you to execute this move. Always keep an eye on your target. Cast your sidearm then fully extend your upper arm on the presentation cast to produce the power you need to turn over the leader to make it land straight.
Opening up your stance helps you keep an eye on the fish better and it can also ease your start in stripping your line right away. Since you have made a backcast presentation, your rod arm is not crossing your chest and is already extended toward your target. The faster you can come tight to the fly the better. This is especially important when permit fishing.
Double Haul: The double haul is especially useful for windy conditions, and for casting larger flies. It helps to cover a greater distance and takes off strain from our dominant which is our casting hand.
To sum it all up, fly fishing is super easy once you get the hang of it. Remember! Practice makes perfect. Tom Rosenbauer and The Orvis Guide has provided an amazingly detailed video about fly fishing which you can find below.
#2 Drop Shotting
Drop shotting can be done in all waters be it – clear and murky, deep and shallow, still and moving.
This allows us to catch more fish, more frequently and any type of fish is always welcomed.
Basically, drop shotting is just bouncing the lure slowly at the bottom, showing small jerking and flicking movements of the rod tip which shows like you are animating your artificial lure to make it seem more alive and natural.
So, how do we begin? Just follow the steps below and you will be drop shotting in no time!
Step 1: Know and choose your drop shotting equipment
Basically, the drop shot rig is as simple as it can be as it is nothing more than just a line with a weight attached at the end and a hook as always tied to the lure.
A trailing leader will be tied to the hook that then comes to an end with a weight so this makes the weight at the bottom and the rest of the parts above it.
Rod
Most anglers will use a spinning rod when it comes to drop shotting but for a beginner I would suggest a versatile all-around rod should be enough.
It is recommended to choose any light to medium or in between action spinning rod which is an average 7 foot rod long to get you started.
Add in a moderate raper built as light as possible in weight and you will have your classical ideal drop shot rod – get ‘em while it’s hot!
The logic is the lighter and more sensitive your rod is, the more fish you will be to feel and you will be able to hook using this technique.
Most anglers love using spinning rods as spinning is better than baitcasting when it comes to drop shotting due to reasons like
- The way the line you chose will spin easily off an open spinning reel as the dropshot weight drops to the bottom of the water
- Also your arm angle when you hold a spinning rod is comparatively better to load up the tip of your hook.
Pro tip: When you use a spinning rod, you definitely need a spinning reel!
Reel
When choosing, just go with something simple like a reel with a smooth drag should suffice
Lures
Depending on the size of fish you are catching but for a beginner I would suggest a 6 pound test fluorocarbon.
Step 2: The method to drop shotting
First, Drop Shot Rigging
1. Start off with a palomar knot then double line them before sticking them through the hook.
Note: Remember to always wet your knot for easier sliding.
2. We double them for strength (optional) and always make sure you leave a bit of slack at the line and hook so you will be able to braid it.
3. Next, slide your line through the hook again. Coil it one time through the loop. Take the outside line and open wrap around the hook to tighten it.
4. To make it exactly straight, take the end of the line that does not connect to the rod then put it through the top of your hook before sliding it through.
5. This ensures it to be strong so it will not shift when you are fishing and allows a better hook ratio on your drop shot hook.
6. As for the weight, I usually use an 8 inch leader and put it like 2 or 3 feet below the hook because I find it a good starting point.
7. I also prefer a longer tagline as it increase the length and distance of my weightless free fall. It helps to keep my open hook higher above unwanted snags and most important of all, it keeps the bait visible above unwanted obstacles.
Below is a video which I have used as reference by Rich Zaleski as he uses oversized props to clearly demonstrate the proper technique for tying the drop shot rig.
Second, How To Fish?
1. The key to drop shotting is to always maintain in contact with the bottom of the floor
2. Basically, if you have been fishing before, you’ll definitely know how to cast
3. So just cast your rig to your dfishing spot for example like along the side of your boat or an overhanging tree.
4. Just let the weight fall through the water so that it will rest on the bottom
5. Then slowly reel in while jigging the tip of your rod a couple of icnches. After completely reeling it, always try again by changing your speed and turning of your reel.
6. You are actually trying to make your lure to be as tempting as possible wheil the weight stays at the bottom.
7. The key to achieving the perfect drop shotting for you by many expert anglers is to keep trying at different areas and cover all water and different lures or baits in order to catch at least one fish and to get various kinds of results.
Aaron Martens video by Wired2Fish will walk you through the how and why to fish a drop shot and how to approach the fish and the tackle, options and so much more!
Shallow waters
Shallow waters even though it sounds easy, it actually isn’t because there are so many kinds of drop shotting techniques to choose from. I would suggest a 7-foot medium-fast casting rod paired with a fast-retrieve reel as you need the speed to catch up to them because pinning reels aren’t nearly fast enough. The lighter hook will give the bait more action as it also has a thinner wire that penetrates easier. This is a key factor because I have learned that the hook set is a pull-and-reel set.
How?
A different way is to just drop your bait to the bottom. After the initial touchdown, leave it there for a few seconds before lifting it slowly making sure not to take the weight off the bottom. Hold the bait in place for a while. After that, give it a few gentle jiggles before dropping it to the bottom again. Repeat this process repeatedly, each time slowly moving the bait a shorter distance closer to the boat until it is directly below.
Deep waters
Deep water dropshotting is many angler’s favourite due to its abundance of style of dropshotting. The rig I would suggest would be a light stick and I do not really like long sticks on the boat, and so this rod should be around 7 foot long. The deep water drop shot rig is made up differently as compared to your normal drop shot rig because the weight will be separated from the lure and this allows the lure to move freely with a lot of action and allows you to use a much heavier weight like 5ounce or 6 ounce sinkers.
How?
I always try to maintain it in one place and jiggle it to stimulate a bite from the fish that I can see and feel. I shake the lure a lot because I am trying and want to make a fish bite that wouldn’t bite otherwise. You must be careful though because you are using a spinning rod with light line. It is a high chance of a place for a fish to be, even though it is going to take a minute or so before the fish will bite.
#3 Trolling
In trolling, lines are lured and casted from a moving boat. It Is always exciting to troll because the boat is always constantly moving at or near the surface of the water. The boat will be motored in a straight line at a slow speed by the captain so that the lines will easily soak and drift along the current causing them appear like a more natural prey to the fish.
Some fish caught when trolling are
- Kingfish
- Wahoo
- Mackerel
- Sailfish
Follow the steps below that I have provided and trolling will be as clear as day!
Step 1: Know and choose your trolling gears
For majority of the anglers, trolling is and has always been one of the most successful and essential fishing techniques by lauching one or more lures at an accurate depth or just spread out over a huge area. There are two foundational keys when it comes to trolling, trolling at the right speed and an accurate depth when dropping your lures.
Rod
Majority anglers prefer to use trolling rods that are long around 8 to 9 feet long. The rods used usually have a special design as they have to be stiff enough at the bottom part yet at the tip section it needs to be light for a proper flexing. The rod has to be arched because when this happens, you will probably have to reel in a little bit to take out most if not all of the slack in your line.
Reels
You just need a reel with an extremely smooth drag so that you do not lose any fish especially good ones. Get rid of any reel that looks old and is not maintained properly properly with an erratic dragging system that lets the line be let out in spurts.
I would suggest a star drag, level win reel and you do not really need a large capacity reel as you are on a boat.
Lures
Skirted lures are generally popular in many saltwater trolling.
Of course, lures depends on the size of fih you are going for.
Pro Tip: Use crazy coloured lures for huge ocean fishes.
Lines
Braided line that is almost stretch-free and is super thing is generally popular among trolling anglers. So does the nylon monofilament line.
Note: Hey! Over here! Check out the best braided fishing lines reviewed by us!
Wire lines are also one of the top choices especially in deep waters when you need your fishing presentations to go very deep. One of the advantages when using wired lines is that the weight and super low diameter cuts through the water easily going deeper using less line and telegraphs fish strikes easily as they happen.
It is recommended to use a 7 stranded 6 braided around one made of coper as an alternate to lead core since it is double the weight and able to achieve the same depth as the lead core.
Leadcore Lines & Weight
The amount of your weighted trolling line is influenced by the species of you are aiming for by the depth needed, the basic rule is that on the pound test is that every 2 yards of weighted line it was sink around 1 foot.
The trolling weighted or lead core line is a technical presentation that requires a level of expertise and knowsledge. One of the mot popular line backing used is the super braid which is tied to the weighted line using an Albright knot after being spooked by a monofilament leader tied with a uni knot.
Planer Boards
Using these boards will definitely dramatically increase the width of your spread when you are trolling.
Even though it is super effective, it is super difficult to use. Planer boards can be used almost anyhere when trolling and is usually best for salmon, trout and especially walleyes. The most basic and general setup involves a 6 foot high mast mounted in the boat’s bow. Using this will also less frequently spook the fish you are aiming for.
Downrigger
It is important to keep a boat or lure at the desired depth. The model usually ranged from permanetns mounts with clamp on style and even portable ones.
Step 2: The method to trolling
Trolling can be conducted in many areas but the two main areas we are going to focus on are:-
Type 1: Shallow areas (Surface trolling)
So when do you surface troll and most importantly, where?
I would suggest you to troll in shallow waters or simply known by the name surface trolling where the lake temperature is at its optimum. Usually in fall and in spring because fish especially the bass will often come to the surface to feed since the water is at the right temperature for them. Places to surface troll include feeder streams, rocky shallows and any underwater structures.
In most shallow areas, tides play an important role because when tides fall, fish often usually begin congregating at the mouths of creeks and if it falls even lower than they might even feed at oyster beds, sand areas and points.
Type 2: Deep waters (Deep water trolling)
What about deep water trolling? How do we do this?
Usually around summertime is best or early spring especially for trout since they feed better when the surface of the water is super calm and the sky is clear.
Anglers usually put out anywhere between 2 and 9 lures. For example, you will need a downrigger to get your lure down deep as it acts as an outrigger under water. When you are using natural baits, they need to run through meaning – they must not spin under water as it prevents a fish from striking.
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips When Trolling
- What speed should I use?
Like with distance, speed will vary from boat to boat. You just need to have all your baits and lures working together as a unit. You will definitely want your lures to be trolled fast enough so that they have a bubbling or popping look to them with air bubbles in front of them so they will look real. Generally lure trolling speeds will vary from six knots to 12 knots.
As for baits, they are usually trolled at slower speeds. Adjusting the position of your outrigger pins, higher or lower will always help getting your baits to perform at their best.
- Where do I place my bait?
Generally, a good distance for most boats will be anywhere from 20 feet to 150 feet behind your boat. It is very vital to always record what results you get in a log book with baits at varying distances and to make adjustments according conditions, types of lures or baits being used and what type of wake your boat generates.
- How deep should I go for?
Unfortunately for you and me, the list of factors affecting the depth at which your lures should go is long listed and varies a lot like for example: current, lure weight, lure shape and size, line diameter, and several more.
It is especially rare that you will be going at like exactly 5 mph. But by using the Rule of Fives, anyone can do some simple math to estimate about how deep your lures are which is when trolling at 5 mph with 5 ounces of weight and 50 feet of line out, your lure will be about 5 feet below the surface.
Here we have Ben and Tim from HalcoTackle to offer us some basic trolling tips for Mackerel.
#4 Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is precisely what the name indicates. You simply just drop your lure near the bottom of the sea where a particular type of fish lives. a lot of captains have placed fake artificial coral reefs off coast so that fish will inhabit them.
Bottom fishing is a relatively simple method except for those who are just beginning. Those who are bounded for one of their first trips in search of a rare fish must always expect the unexpected as obtaining the right feel for the bite is extremely taxing. So, onto the procedures we go!
Step 1: Know and choose your bottom fishing equipment
Bottom fishing with the right equipment can make a huge difference because even though most anglers will definitely catch some, what about days when you can’t catch even a single one? That is why choosing the right equipment to go bottom fishing is important.
Lures
Your tackle or lure depends on the fish you aim for. You will only feel disappointment and frustration coursing through the blood in your veins when you lose your lure to a large fish you were suppose to catch because you were under equipped!
Line
Fluorocarbon line is one of the top choices and a key component for your bottom rigs. It is not only less visible to the fishes but it is also tougher and more corrosion resistant. If a fish suddenly chooses to take you on a ride within the rocks, the fluorocarbon line will be able to withstand the aggression and pressure. It IS expensive but it is damn well worth it when you bring in your goods (all hail huge bounty)!
Leaderline
Leader length depends on your current speed. Logically, the stronger the current is, the longer the leader. Of course, this will definitely change according to various factors like species and depth.
Step 2: The method to bottom fishing
The objective of bottom fishing is to take the bait or lure to the bottom floor of the sea and to present it in an enticing manner for the fish to lure them into your hook.
In bottom fishing, a heavy lead sinker will lead the lure followed by the lure than hook. You will feel the resistance where the fish takes a bit from the weight that Is hung and thus definitely causing them to hook themselves onto the hook.
To put it simply:-
1) You will most definitely need a weight on your line that is rigged below your hook so that it will be able to get your bait down to the bottom and maintain it there. Of course, the stronger the current the heavier the weight you will need.
2) if you have rig your weight above your bait in this case in strong currents, this causes the bait to drift back to the distance between the two. Once the lure is dropped just let it rest and float along the current until you get a bite.
3) last but not least check your lure constantly to make sure it is still hooked. You do not want your fish to escape now, do you?
Tips for bottom fishing
Tip #1 The less terminal tackle you use, the better. There are many knots you can use, eliminating the need for extra tackle.
Tip #2 When a fish brings you into the structure, do not pull as hard as you can tp get the fish out as this will always break your lure as you are scraping your line against the said structure even though we all know fluorocarbon is tough but everything has its limits.
Tip #3 Go into free spool and most of the times the fish you want will swim out from hiding within the structure thus allowing you another opportunity to catch them.
Tip #4 Always, always take care of the fishes you have caught. If you do not want to keep the fish, ensure the hook is removed and remember to revive it.
123Fishingrigs has provided some must knows fishing tip for all bottom fishing anglers!
#5 Pitching and Flipping
Flipping and pitching is one the most versatile fishing techniques there is.
To start off, they are kind of like underhand casting techniques in which you allow thr weight of the lure and the pendulum-like motion of the lure to be swung from the tip of the rod so that it will do all the work for you.
These techniques enables anglers from expert level to even beginner level to effectively and efficiently work shallow covers from short distances. It is also an extremely stealthy technique to be used on close areas.
Step 1: Know and choose your pitching and flipping equipment
As always, the vital part before going fishing by pitching and flipping is the assortment of your rod, reel and line. Most people will always think that pitching and flipping is like any other basic fishing techniques and does not require any special rods but I beg to differ. Below are the lists I have written that will explain which suits the best for you.
Rod
For flipping, choose a rod to suit the type of cover and the size of the fish you want to and most like face.
Try browsing around the 8 foot range, even if you are not used to it because to effectively and efficiently use this technique, longer rods aways work best. This also depends on the height of anglers. So, anglers that are shorter in ehight should use a 7 foot rod depending on your preferences while majority of the anglers, mainly taller ones, would feel more comfortable with an 8 foot rod.
Most of the flipping rods have this special butt section so when the long rods collapse it can easily fit into the rod locker of your boat if you have one. So when fishing, it will be locked in place firmly as it will not collapse and they are as strong as the famous one piece rods.
As for pitching, majority prefer to use shorted rods let’s say around 7 foot being the most popular choice. The short length helps the technique qhich needs undehand deliveries. The rod also needs a flexbile tip with a strong backbone to haul a large up to the surface from thick covers like grasses and trees while luring accurately on the target as stealthily as possible.
To summarise it all up, I personaly prefer an 8 foot rod for both techniques as it allows more power for grip when you are setting the hook on the fish. After setting it, having the extra grip eases hauling or the large fish out of heavy grasses and trees.
Reel
Reels used for these flipping and pitching techniques can be the normal kind of reels you use daily but I personally recommend a fast reel to decrease the amount of time wasted between each flip.
The logic here is the more casts I make, the more fish I will catch so speed and efficiency in conducting these techniques are the key.
The high speed ensures the large fish like for example, a large bass from turning around in the thick grasses and trees and wrap itself in it so you cannot release them.
Lines
Lines got to be strong and tough enough and you need to always check for scratches constantly through the entire day as you will be throwing your line into damaging areas.
I would suggest a 100% fluorocarbon on 20 to 25 pound test line
Lures
I like to use soft light plastic lures to help with my precision.
Step 2: The method to pitch and flip
To pitch, first look where and when to pitch to cover. Then you put a little additional momentum on your lure and just allow the line to just flow off the spool of your normal reel. This cause your fish to target farther from your boat. This is especially important so the lure can be pulled off the line freely.
After that, begin flipping by just putting out your line until your lure is even with your reel. Control by putting your thumb on the spool of your reel instead of gripping the line with your hand. Majority of the anglers who pitch and flip like to release the lure by hand for additional control. As the lure gets close to your target, ensure the lure lands softly by using your thumb to kind of feather your spool so it does not get away.
Down below we Denny Brauer from Wired2Fish who will talk about techniques of pitching and flipping for casting lures to big bass in shallow but heavy cover.
#6 Crankbaiting
Crankbaiting is undeniably one of the most popular technique in catching fish especially the bass, every angler’s favourite fish anywhere.
Anglers who want to be productive on water will undeniably crankbait as the result of the legacy left by the previous generations of anglers after countless trials and errors producing a result that is admirable.
You’ll know a crankbait when you see the lips or the bill on the front to glide through the water to get the lure down to the bottom of the water,
There are two noticeable and important factors you must know when it comes to crankbaiting which are the locations where you are fishing and the depth in order to maintain the depth you would want to achieve during most of your fishing an d it also helps you to produce a decent presentation even if you are a beginner.
Step 1: Know and choose your crankbaiting gears
Choosing what is right for you is important. There are tons of choices for you to choose from however, I prefer to keep it nice and simple for a successful bite.
Rod
As you all know the choices will always vary depending on every angler out there. In this case however it depends on the crankbait you are using and obviously lines needed for the conditions out there.
I would suggest a graphite composite rod due t its flexible tip and its ability to bend upon landing a fish let’s say for example, our favourite, the bass. Softer actions are also preferable and best for light lines and lighter, smaller lures. This will enable them to cast the baits our further and absorbs shock impact from aggressive fish.
Reels
I personally choose a lower speed reel within 3 to 1 which is really ideal for dragging a large and deep running crankbait through the water. The drag will be reduced due to the speed of the retrieve and also the power of the gear. This makes it easier for the angler as it presents the bait making it appear more alive and natural which is what every angler wants to achieve when crankbaiting.
Line
You will want a top quality line when choosing. Always keep in mind that the wider the diameter of the lines, the shallower the depth you achieve with your crankbait lure.
You will want one with a minimum stretch as you want to achive a decent hook set. Most fishing equipment manufacturers will always recommend the 10 pound test. I personally find either a 10 or 12 or in between the most suitable. Unless if I’m fishing a thicker cover, I will definitely go for a 15 pound monofilament.
Still not sure which monofilament to use? Worry not! Just click Best Monofilament Fishing Line and make your choice.
Lures
The most frequent used crankbaits by majority of the anglers is the rounded bait. The most important thing to always keep in mind when crankbaiting I s to always make sure the bait is always in contact with something like for example the rocks, stumps or any other structure.
In the case of colors, crankbaits come in an assortment of colors that are endless like other lures in other techniques. Yes colors are important but do remember that even with flashy colors it is not always enough to produce strikes with a crankbait but when you try animating your crankbait like for example the bait suddenly deflects something in the water and this will generate an instinctive strike response in response to the evasive movement created.
Depth categories are split into 5 basic categories which are:
- Ultra-shallow: Around 0 to 2 feet
- Shallow: around 2 to 4 feet
- Medium: around 4 to 6 feet
- Deep: around 6 to 10 feet
- Ultra-deep: around 10 to 20 feet
Hooks
I always, always use sharp hooks. Why? The reason is simple. Using sharp hooks always yield better results compared to others when crankbaiting as it catches more fish which is what everyone’s goals in the end are.
Step 2: The method to crankbaiting
First, Tuning Your Crankbait
Before crankbaiting there is something important you have to do which is to tune your crankbait. Fortunately with modern advanced technology available out there, most of the premium baits do not usually need to be tuned before using it.
However, if you notice that your lure starts to make off to one side, tune it by holding the lure in your hand facing the bill. If your lure runs to the right, bend the eye a bit to the left. If it makes off to the opposite direction then bend the eye to the right. Repeat all of these processed until the bait runs straight.
Usually it always takes a very slight adjustment to correct the problem you will often face. You just got to make several adjustments according to your need to get just what you want. Then once that is settled, you just throw your cranks at man-made structures like bridges and mangrove edges. You can also run in under docks.
Second, Retrieve Your Fish
Now to the retrieve we go. To work the bait back across the structures, use a sow roll method because the slower the better.
90% out of a hundred will definitely get you the fish to reach your lure. You just have to make sure your rod tip is sort of like shaking and flexes a bit which shows that your bait is actually swimming and moving like a real life bait. You will want your bait to be near or bumping along the bottom.
When a lure often bumps into rocks this always entices then to take a bit at your lure. At weedy areas do not be saddened if you are always getting weed instead of the fish you want as this shows that you are actually in the area of fishing which is better than nothing at all! By adding pauses into your retrieve method, it actually helps to let your bait kind of float a bit if you find it disturbing if it always moves at the bottom constantly scraping it and this produces a tiny effect as it causes strikes at times.
Third, Hook Up
Once the fish you want hooks themselves up, a strong wind to grab up the slack is all that you need as you do not have to strike as you would with other lures like for example soft plastics. Always be ready because the moment you stop focusing what is just in front of you is always when the bite comes.
Pro Tip: Often keep a small pair of pliers (pst! you might want to check out the best fishing pliers to use) handy when fishing so you can make little adjustments throughout your crankbaiting activity.
B’n’M ProStaff Kent Driscoll gives a talk in regards to pulling crankbaits in the summertime.
#7 Tenkara Fishing (Traditional Japanese Fly Fishing)
Tenkara fishing is not to be confused with western fly fishing. It is one of the most popular fishing techniques among anglers who want a hand in trying out this traditional Japanese style of angling in tranquil areas like in Japas. Tenkara is the Japanese method of fly fishing which only uses a rod, line and fly.
Step 1: Know and choose your Tenkara fishing equipment
Great news about Tenkara fishing is that you only require a few gears to get started!
Rod
In the early days, Tenkara fishing rods were mostly made of bamboos while lines were made of silk or horsehair and flies were just bent needles with some plucked chicken feather you can get in your nearby poultry farm and thread wrapped to them.
I would most definitely recommend the most versatile rod with an adaptable action and length. For example the rods chosen by most anglers usually range from 11 foot to around 16 foot and are commonly telescopic and very flexible. A 12 footer rod has this heavier action that is very suited with anglers who are used to faster actioned rods commonly used in western fly fishing. If you are a beginner in tenkara fishing or fishing in general, I would really suggest a rod with a softer action like the Tenkara USA Ayu that is extremely easy to cast.
Line
Same goes for western fly fishing, the line is the one that drives the lure forward. The classic Tenkara line has a coil of braided line at its thicker end. This braided line is to tie the classic Tenkara line right to the tip of the rod. Common knots used is the cow hitch knot followed by the stopper as it is a very firm method to attach the line.
The video below by GunsKnivesSurvival shows simple yet effective steps in tying a cow hitch knot.
Tippet
Classic tenkara tippet is used to connect the fly to the line which is always too think to tie right on the fly) so if you need to get some I would recommend the maximum size with tenkara rods which is usually 5X or 6X to prevent the tip to break over large fish or a strong snag on the tip of your tenkara rod.
Fly
Like all western fly fishing rods, artificial flies are used in the traditional way of tenkara fishing. Classically, a unique reverse hackle wet fly is commonly used as the hackle differs from the norm because the hackle faces forward instead of the norm which is backwards. If you are not sure, just carry a few normal patterned flies in a small simple plastic compartment box and that is all you will really need because it is that easy and simple.
Step 2: The method to tenkara fishing
Tenkara is comparatively easier to execute then other techniques. Start by holding on to the tip in a horizontal position then lift up the rod tip 45 degrees from your face level and pause to let your rod load the line. After that just simply cast out the line the way you would in a normal fishing way and point the grip towards your indicated target. Happy fishing!
Tenkara USA, founded in April 2009 in San Francisco, California has provided an explicit detail in regards to Tenkara fishing.
Tips for tenkara fishing
Tip #1 “Get in the zone”
Just feel the peaceful zen that is tenkara fishing rather than always aiming for a bunch of fish you probably would not even catch in your haste to find them all. Tenkara fishing is popular because it helps to find your inner self and inner peace and thus, being able to become one with your fly and nature at the same time.
Tip #2 Like what the Nike slogan says, “Just do it”.
Fishing is all about experience. You will learn the joy of patiently waiting for the fish to bite your fly to the utmost glee upon catching the fish you want. Just keep it simple, do not rush and just enjoy what Tenkara fishing will bring you.
Conclusion
And that’s all this post covers. Hopefully these 7 fishing techniques will guide you to your successful fishing story! There are many posts regarding fishing techniques out there but I do hope reading this will at least if not a little bit help you out when you want to try out fishing from any out of these 7 techniques. On the same note, do check out our review articles under the fishing category to find out which is your best choice.
Do comment on what you think and please don’t hesitate to shoot us any queries by commenting on this post below. We also welcome any angling experience because sharing is caring!