Fishing Techniques
In this section of my inquiry project we will go over various fishing techniques. These techniques include: casting and retrieving, bottom fishing, trolling, fly casting, ice fishing. These are skills which everyone should try, and once you have found what you enjoy you can pursue that fishing technique!
Casting & Retrieving: - To start off when casting you want to ensure you have plenty of space, making sure that your surrounding will not damage your rod is a great start. - Next you will set your lure down to about your 3rd to last guide on your rod. (If you are unsure of some terms make sure to check out the next image I will have displayed below) - Hold down the line firmly with your index finger - Release the bail on your reel - Next choose a spot in the water, where you desire to cast and point the rod in that direction while casting. - I will add a video to show you just how this works!
Bottom Fishing: This type of fishing can be hit or miss depending on which species you choose to fish for. Bottom fishing works well for species that are bottom feeders like Lingcod, Halibut, Flounder, Carp, and Sucker fish. I have most experience with Lingcod, these fish have a horrible sense of sight but navigate using their sense of smell as well as movement. By bouncing a heavier bait on lure on the bottom of a lake/ ocean the fish sense your bait and wait to eat. I find bottom fishing to be more enjoyable during the winter months. There is always a possibility that you can also catch h a sucker fish, these fish look like the algae eaters you put in your fish tank to eat and clean the bottom. Therefore, you always have the chance of catching other species when targeting others.
Here is a great example of what a decent Lingcod looks like!
Trolling: Trolling is a very relaxed version of fishing in my personal opinion, when trolling you are able to sit back drive the boat and enjoy a drink on the lake/ocean. Trolling can be very successful and very rewarding if you know where to go. Using a fish-finder can help and benefit you extremely while trying to find the perfect depth for the fish, and where they are in large schools. Down-riggers are often used to reach the optimal depth. Another way to find this fish is using a fish finder, they are able to tell you whether the fish is larger than the others relatively close.
Fly Casting: This technique is a truly difficult skill, you have to ensure that you are in an open space that you will not hit any tree’s around you. It is important to to maintain moving your rod to 10 and 2 like on a clock. Fish enjoy this type of fishing as the flies are able to sit on the top of the water just as hatching flies would. You are also able to use a sinking like to portray bugs about to hatch or as chironomid. Here is a video that can help you understand how to fly cast, as a new learner this can help your learning immensely!
Ice Fishing: This type of fishing is one of my personal favourites. Being all bundled up in the warmest clothes you own on the sunny snow covered ice is the best. Ice fishing can be a lot more laid back as there is not as much movement involved. Therefore, you are easily able to get cold if you're exposed to the weather, or if not wearing enough layers. During ice fishing you first determine where you will be fishing, usually finding fishing spots is trial and error. Once you find your honey hole, drill a whole and set up the ice fishing tent if your plan on sight fishing. Set the rod up and drop the line to a specific depth, by researching your desired species you are able to find what depth they are typically near. Some fishermen go all out and use fishing finders or depth finders while ice fishing. I personally know people who use cameras while bottom fishing, which sometimes can take the fun out of the surprise. Down below I have a video linked of sight fishing Kokanee while on a lake in the Kootenays! Enjoy!
Overall, trying each of these techniques can help you find which ones you enjoy the most you might even find that you love them all!