Do you have the memory of your first fish catch in your head? Maybe your dad or granddad took you up to the lake, or maybe you went with a group of friends. Anyone can take up the hobby of fishing, and by following the advice this article gives you, you can be successful at fishing.

Always be careful when you’re wading. Always be careful and slow when wading in a river. If you move too quickly, you’ll make enough noise to scare fish away from the area. Take your time and avoid disturbing components of the river bed.

If you are fishing in a stream or river, cast upstream and allow the natural current in the water carry your lure or bait into the fishing hole. This will seem much more natural, increasing your chances of catching a fish. Don’t leave your fishing line too slack.

Consider using a lighted bobber if you are fishing at night. This is a useful tool used by many fisherman. There is a small bulb within the bobber to help fish be more visible when they bite. Once the fish begins to nibble on the bait, the bobber will vibrate and go under the waters surface letting the fisherman know there is a fish biting.

If you want to catch a lot of fish, remember to use a sharp hook. If they aren’t sharp, most fish will not go near the bait, and you won’t catch anything. Have plenty of sharp hooks prepared before you begin fishing.

Look for a spot where fish are congregating, and then cast your hook in a place upstream from that area. This actually drags your baited hook right by the fish. The natural looking motion of the water going downstream will be more apt to fool the fish into taking a bite. This method is especially useful for fish that are hiding under some sort of cover.

You should almost always use a sinker whenever you are fishing in the winter. This will lower the bait into deeper waters, where the fish generally are during the cold season. You can use as few or as many sinkers on your line as needed to reach the appropriate depth for your water.

When you’re trying to decide whether you should fish downhill or uphill, utilize the fish’s seasonal migration patterns. During the spring, you should aim uphill in order to catch more fish. During the autumn months, fish go in the opposite direction, requiring you to direct your fishing downhill.

Look at the birds as you fish. Whenever you notice birds swooping into a certain area, it is likely that lots of fish will be in that location. Diving birds usually mean that they have found their favorite meal. By watching the birds’ behavior, you can glean the best fishing spots and have a successful fishing trip.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the day’s weather forecast and keep a “weather-eye” out for any unexpected changes. Heading out when there is a chance of storms is a good way to court disappointment. Know what the weather is going to be before going on your fishing venture.

If you’re fishing using artificial bait, change the bait’s color once in awhile. This is the best course of action to take if you haven’t gotten any bites in a while. If your bait is unusually bright or a unique color, it may pique the fishes’ curiosity enough for them to take it.

When planning a fishing trip, be certain to always include a knife that’s sharp inside your tackle box. This is a critical tool that you must not forget. Be sure to invest in a high quality knife with a sharp, rust-proof blade.

Take the information above and share what you’ve learned with your friends and family. They might just be impressed by your new-found fishing knowledge, and will appreciate that you can help them improve their fishing techniques, as well. This is sure to bring the everyone closer together, as you are creating fun and wonderful memories.