How often have you been asked to go fishing but said “no” because you weren’t sure what to do? Fishing is a great way for people to enjoy themselves, so use the following tips to make sure your day on the water is both profitable and enjoyable.

Staying patient is key to fishing success. You must be dedicated to fish and there will be times when you won’t get a bite for hours. Stay patient and try to appreciate all aspects of fishing, not just the end result.

If you are bottom fishing with shad, cut the tail of your bait off before placing it on your hook. When you do this, the shad won’t spin as you lower it to the bottom. This will keep your line from getting tangled. In addition to this, the scent from the cut tail releases a scent that will draw fish to the bait.

The most important fishing tip anyone can learn is to always have a sharp hook on their line. The fishing hook ensures that whatever you catch will stay on while you attempt to reel it in. Make sure that your hooks are sharpened regularly, and sharpen or replace them prior to your next fishing adventure if necessary.

When choosing fishing gear, if you are a novice, then do not choose the high priced equipment. Equipment that costs a lot doesn’t have to be necessary and doesn’t make fishing easier. It also doesn’t guarantee more catches. Choose affordable gear and you won’t feel bad about it when you’re in the water.

Sharp Hook

If you want to catch a lot of fish, remember to use a sharp hook. If you do not use a sharp hook, it will be very difficult to catch a fish. Before you set out to go fishing, ensure that all of your hooks are sharpened or replaced; this will save you a great deal of time.

Be careful you don’t catch anything on fire when fishing near the bank. Many people smoke and fish at the same time; make sure your cigarette or the lighter doesn’t catch anything on fire. The bank itself may be wet, but the surrounding foliage is often quick to catch on fire.

Smallmouth bass and walleye are often picky about live bait. Keep a good amount of leeches in your fishing inventory. Leeches can be kept alive overnight in ventilated Styrofoam containers that have an inch or two of water in them.

Focus on the bait’s color instead of the water’s color. You must choose a lure that your targeted fish will be able to see. Brighter colors will get noticed in murky waters. When the water is clear, use darker colors that are deep which will not blend into their surroundings.

A wise fisherman will recognize that the moon has an effect on fish in various ways. Full moons tend to prove the best night times to fish, since fish will be most active then. Be aware, though, that even though you can see better in a full moon, so can the fish, so take that into account.

Equipment, knowledge of catching different kinds of fish, and skill in using your knowledge are all part of the great sport of fishing. Fishing is unique because it is both very simple yet very complex, this makes it appealing to many different people. Take the tips found in this article and use them on your next fishing adventure and you will probably come home in a great mood with a great catch to show off.