10 Tips For Fishing To Help You Fish Better

Are you searching for advice to catch more fish while fishing? Well, here are 10 simple tips that you can start using right away.

I’ve been fishing for about 21 years, and throughout my journey, I’ve learned many valuable lessons through trial and error. So, here are a few tips I’d like to share with you to help you avoid the mistakes I made.

These tips are designed to be straightforward and can be implemented easily. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your fishing skills.

Tip 1: Only Handle Fish With Wet Hands

It’s important to avoid touching fish with dry hands, whether you’re taking the hook out or preparing to cook it.

Fish have a slimy mucus layer that protects them from harm and illness. This layer is essential for their well-being. If you handle fish with dry hands, you may unintentionally remove this protective layer. This is especially concerning if you plan to release the fish, especially rare species, as you could expose them to diseases and injuries, potentially causing harm or even death.

Even if you intend to cook the fish, it’s crucial to keep it clean until then. To do so, make sure to wet your hands before handling the fish, regardless of your plans.

Tip 2: Bring Along Nail Clippers

When preparing for your fishing trip, remember to bring a pair of nail clippers with you. They may not occupy much space, but you’ll find them incredibly useful.

Nail clippers are excellent for cutting fishing lines effortlessly. They have advantages over scissors too. They are more compact, reducing the risk of accidental cuts, and are less likely to get lost. This makes nail clippers a superior choice for cutting lines compared to scissors.

Tip 3: Don’t Start With Boat Fishing

I advise beginners not to jump straight into boat fishing and instead focus on mastering stationary fishing first. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, starting with boat fishing is more challenging. Not only do you need to learn how to fish, but you also have to learn how to steer the boat.

Secondly, boat fishing is more difficult than it appears. It requires dividing your attention between steering the boat and fishing. If you’re not familiar with fishing techniques from fishing onshore, multitasking can be quite tough.

Lastly, boat fishing requires owning or renting a boat, which adds an extra cost. Starting with a boat right away might not be the best decision, especially if your interest in fishing turns out to be temporary. You wouldn’t want to be stuck with a boat you no longer use.

In summary, make sure your interest in fishing is long-lasting and gain experience fishing on land before considering boat fishing. However, if you’re simply looking to have some fun, renting a fishing boat for a day can be a reasonable option. Just avoid purchasing a boat immediately.

Tip 4: Don’t String Fish Through The Gills

One common mistake beginners make is stringing up their catch through the gills, but it’s better to string it through the mouth.

The reason for this is straightforward. When a fish is strung up through the gills, it tends to die more quickly. By the time you return home, the fish may no longer be fresh.

To maintain the freshness of the fish, it is advisable to string it through the mouth instead. This helps ensure that the fish stays fresh and of better quality for a longer period.

Tip 5: Use Smaller Bait

If you’re experiencing issues with your bait getting stripped too often, consider downsizing your bait.

To help illustrate this point, let’s use a simple anecdote. Imagine if I asked you to grab a coin from my hand compared to grabbing an apple. Which one do you think would be easier to grab? Similarly, if your bait is too big, fish can easily pull it off your hook. Therefore, it’s advisable to use smaller bait that fish will have a harder time stripping away.

Tip 6: Minimise Noise When Fishing

When you’re fishing, it’s important to minimize noise as much as possible. This means refraining from activities that generate noise, such as whistling or playing mobile games. It’s essential to exercise self-control in this regard.

Many fish have internal ears that are extremely sensitive to sound. Noise can not only alert fish to your presence but also startle them and potentially drive them away. As some experienced anglers would say, excessive noise can “scare” the fish. So, maintaining a quiet and peaceful environment while fishing increases your chances of success.

Tip 7: Make Your Baits And Lures Seasonal

Having the appropriate baits and lures for each season is vital. It’s essential to have a variety of lures to match the changing behavior of fish throughout the year.

Just like we adapt to wearing thicker clothing during winter, fish also adjust their behavior with the seasons. For instance, during summer, some fish prefer the warmer waters near the surface, while others seek cooler depths. In this case, using a versatile lure like a jig would be beneficial as it can target fish at any depth. On the other hand, during winter, fish tend to be more sluggish and selective in their feeding. This is when using enticing baits, such as finesse worms, becomes crucial.

In summary, different seasons require different baits and lures to effectively attract fish. It’s important to be prepared with a selection of baits suitable for each season.

Tip 8: Use Live Bait

If you’re looking to save money, using live bait is a budget-friendly option. Live bait can include worms, crickets, or even small fish.

Using live bait is cost-effective because you can gather it yourself, eliminating the need to spend money on purchasing bait. Crickets and worms, for example, can be found easily in areas with grass, making it a wallet-friendly choice.

By utilizing live bait, you can enjoy fishing without straining your budget. It’s a great way to save money while still attracting fish effectively.

Tip 9: Sharpen Your Hooks

Before embarking on your fishing trip, it’s essential to sharpen your hooks using a fishing hook file if you notice they have become dull.

Having sharp hooks is crucial as they enable better penetration into the fish’s mouth. Dull hooks, on the other hand, may fail to penetrate properly, potentially causing you to lose your catch.

By taking the time to sharpen your hooks with a fishing hook file, you ensure their effectiveness and increase your chances of successfully hooking and landing fish during your fishing expedition.

Tip 10: Make Your Lures Scentless

It’s important to ensure that your lures are scentless before casting your line. One effective method is to use lava soap to clean your hands before handling the lures.

Fish possess a highly developed sense of smell, and they can detect various scents in the water. Having a scent on your lure, such as sunscreen, might not be appealing to fish. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure your lures are devoid of any noticeable scent.

By using lava soap to clean your hands and eliminate any odors, you can increase your chances of attracting fish without any off-putting scents interfering with the effectiveness of your lures.

What You Should Do Now

If you’re looking to elevate your fishing game even further, I recommend checking out our fishing guide. It provides useful information on determining the optimal time for fishing. This resource can provide additional guidance to enhance your fishing experiences.