Fishing involves a great deal of planning and patience.

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Choosing the right rod and reel and tackle can make all the difference when fishing. Along with choosing your location, time of day and targeting your catch can also be the difference maker. Hands down the biggest factor when it comes to fishing is patience. If you have enough patience and time, you will eventually catch a fish when using the right equipment and tackle.

  • The first step in fishing is choosing your rod and reel. There are different brands out there and it is all about preference. But choosing your rod to fit freshwater is very important. Rods come in a variety of actions, which is how much flex the rod has. There is extra light, light, medium, medium-fast, and fast. Usually the action has to do with the height of the rod. The height of the rod usually caters to the size of fish you are looking to catch. A shorter rod is better for catching fish anywhere from two to ten pounds, while taller rods are good for anything more than twelve pounds. Another important factor is the reel selection. There are three types of reels for freshwater fishing: baitcaster, spinning, and spincaster. Rods are specialized to the type of reel you choose to use. The most popular reel out there is a spinning reel, which is easily spooled and used.
  • Picking your bait can make all the difference when catching fish. Bait selection is different for the species of fish you are targeting. Not every fish enjoys worms or grubs, but other baits that resemble fish, frogs, or turtles. For example, bass like to eat nightcrawlers, minnows, crawfish, and frogs. Any bait resembling these will increase your chances in catching a bass. In essence, there are two types of bait, hard and soft. They are exactly what they sound like too. Hard bait is usually made from plastic and carved in the shape of a small fish. The soft baits tend to be in the shape of worms, frogs, grubs, crawfish, or different creatures.
  • The line you choose to fish with is important too. There are several different types of fishing line which are monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon. Braided line is the strongest line available. The line is literally braided which makes it so strong and almost impossible to snap. Monofilament line is the most popular. It comes in a variety of strengths, known as tests, and colors. Fluorocarbon line is another popular choice. Its sensitivity, colors, and array of tests make it a good pick for many angles.
  • Location may be one of the most important factors when it comes to fishing. A lake, pond, or river with objects sticking out of the ground, docks, or vegetation is prime for fishing. These areas tend to be where fish hide to ambush their meals. These are also the areas that are most heavily fished so finding new areas is important too. The location in which you choose to fish is different from any other. Sometimes the fish are grouped together in certain areas and sometimes they are spread out. It all depends on where you go.
  • The time of day in which you choose to go fishing is one of the underlying factors. Most people believe fishing early in the morning and at dusk are the best times, although this is true, the moon plays a big role as well. Since the moons position changes every night, this changes fish’s appetites as well. Many people follow a lunar calendar, which shows the moons position and the best days and times to fish at. For example, during a full moon fish are more likely to feed than on a day where there is a half moon.
  • Target the fish you want to catch. Targeting fish can make a big difference in the amount of fish you catch. By knowing what baits to use, where to fish, and different reeling techniques to use can help you catch the fish you are looking for. For example, if you were to use grubs, worms, or plastic frogs to catch bass, you have a good chance to do so. If you were to use grubs, worms, or plastic frogs to catch a sunfish, you will not have the best of luck. By targeting fish too, it will save you time and frustration.
  • Finally, the most important part of fishing is to be patient. If you are patient and keep casting your line you will eventually get a bite. Fish do not always go after your bait on the first cast. They wait for the bait to be in a different spot whether it is in front, behind, or on the side. You may go a few minutes without a fish to a few hours without one, but the point is not to give up.

Fishing can be one of the most frustrating and difficult activities to master, but the reward is always great. It involves a great deal of patience and planning that can make all the difference. Choosing your rod and reel, tackle, and location can determine whether or not you catch fish. The most important aspect of fish is patience. If you have enough patience and time, you will eventually catch a fish when using the right equipment and tackle.

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