10 Weird Types of Fishing Baits Most People Use

    There are all kinds of fancy lures and baits available on the market today that “guarantee” you to catch fish! But you know, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to hook a fish – chances are, you can round up some bait from what you already have in your home! Check out these 10 odd, yet effective things to use as bait the next time you head out!

• Worms. An obvious, I know! But it had to be included because they are so easy to find! Just dig down in the dirt around your house and boom. An endless supply! It is best to just grab living worms, as their movement is what entices fish in! 

• Bread and cheese balls. You can make these separately or together! So simple, just grab a loaf of bread and some slices of cheese and smush them together in little balls that you can slide onto your hook. The bread falls apart fast, so be sure to mold together tightly with the cheese. A strong squish is key here. 

• Corn. A tried and true classic. This was my Pappap’s bait of choice back in the day, and let me tell you – a can of corn goes a long way! 

• Hot dogs. Ok now we start to pick up on the weird factor. But think about half of the baits out now – they are about the smell! Hot dogs have a good, strong twang to them, so it isn’t the most surprising that this would work well. Use small bits and chunks. The three-prong hook mentioned above also does a STELLAR job with hot dogs, too!

• Shrimp. I assume if you are grabbing these from what you have on-hand, you will be using frozen or dead shrimp. If that is the case, break off the tail (and the head if you have whole shrimp) for a bigger scent to attract fish.

• Bologna. Similar concept to the hot dogs. Be sure to compact it together so that it sticks on the hook better! The smell will attract fish.

• Cat or dog food.  You can use both wet and dry food for this – both have a good odor

• Soap (I KNOW RIGHT?!) – unscented and no added chemicals. I don’t even know what to say about this one. I discovered this when I started really looking into it (with obvious disbelief), I couldn’t believe how many people swear by it to catch catfish in particular. You can use chunks of ivory soap as-is (a little tough to get on the hook without breaking, but doable with some patience) OR you can melt it down and add some bacon grease to create the perfect bait that is moldable.

• Canned meat. Just crack open the can and squish it onto your waiting hook! If the meat you have on hand is especially soft, you could also form it into a ball with some bread to help give it a little more shape. Once again, a cheese hook (listed in #2) comes in clutch here!

• Golden raisins. The golden color does well to catch the light in the evenings (a prime time to fish!) and they also swell in the water a bit. Like the corn, slide a few onto your hook – no need to be stingy!

Fishing in Canada

Fishing in Canada

If you would like to experience real adventure in fishing, then Canada is the perfect location for you. Canada has a wide area of rivers, ponds, freshwater lakes, saltwater and streams. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are the favorite pastimes of Canadians and tourists. Fish in Canada including wildlife are very abundant. Canada offers a lot of first-class fishing trips that will make the most out of your time and money. There would not be any reason that you might be disappointed.

Canada has the ideal water where the fish are abundant. There are also plenty of shops and establishments that sell fishing gear and tools for fishing. Fishing in Canada is divided in two groups. That is the Lake Water Fishing and the Salt Water Fishing. The two groups are totally different especially in Canada.

The most famous fishing in Canada is the Salmon Fishing, which is enjoying and rewarding.  Salmon varieties that are abundant in Canada are the Coho, Sockeye Salmon, Chinook and the chum. Salmon are known for their size and beauty. Many fishing guides in Canada specialize in the adventure of Salmon Fishing.

Saltwater fishing is popular in the 3 coasts of Canada. They are the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. This is a chance for shark and tuna fishing. A lot of big saltwater fish are caught only on deep seas and that is what the 3 coasts offer.

Canada is also known for fly fishing. Fly fishing, which is an older type of sport fishing, is about catching a fish using an artificial lure called a "fly.”  Many resorts and establishments in Canada offer great packages on fly fishing.

Ice Fishing is also an option for you if you would like to experience fishing in Canada. There are also ice fishing guides that could assist you in your trip. They will ensure your safety and enjoyable experience in Canada. Ice fishing requires special gear, outfits and techniques that require the help of a skilled ice fishing guide. Many tourists who come to Canada for ice fishing can rent ice huts to keep them warm and away from wind.

For tourists who would like to experience ice fishing in Canada, it is always recommended that you come along with fishing guides that are specialized on each fishing type. It is also advised to bring a compass, cell phones and flashlights as safety device and for emergency purposes.

Catfishing the Right But Simple Way

 Catfishing the Right But Simple Way

There are a few basic methods that are effective in catching catfish.  Bear in mind that specific methods are applicable to specific kinds of waters.  That is because techniques and baiting mixtures are formulated for specific targets.

The following methods are simple, yet proven successful when used:

1) Rigging method - Depending on the bait used, loop the bait holder or the treble hook from a line to a preferred distance to the end.  Bait movement is not suggested; therefore, a weight must be used to allow the rig to be still.  A good distance shall be about 18" to 24."  

Same as the first method, using the Slipweight to make the bait stable is also effective.  The weight does not matter as long as it can slide in the line.  The fish will not feel any weight and it will be late until they realize that the bait is fake.

Multibait technique allows multiple catches at once.  Simply place three-way swivel along the line.  As it draws more strikes it makes a great choice for catching more catfish at the same time.

2) Bait - Experts opt for chicken livers or medium sized shrimp from groceries.  The shrimp's tail and skin must be removed and body should be big enough to slide up in a number 6 hook.  This is simpler than the chicken which necessitates the use of pantyhose.  A diameter of a quarter is wrapped in a piece of pantyhose leaving a tag end then attach it through the treble hook.  Blood worms, minnows, catfish paste, night crawlers, snails, living or dead small fish, and dough baits are also good choices of baits.  Remember that the best baits are always those that nature produced. 

3) Chumming - Fishermen catch more catfish with this method.  This is simply throwing balls of mixtures of natural recipes in the fishing area.  This attracts more catfish; the trick is that the mixture should be right enough for the catfish to feed heavily.  The hook that will be used to fish normally must have the same recipe for the bait.  Adding a good smelling flavor into the pasty mixture attracts catfish more.  

4) Tackling - Although the technique involved in this method is by far effective, it's still the bait that attracts and brings the catfish in.  As simple as it is, the tackle should be about 6 feet long with a spinning real.  Choose heavier lines to allow more battle between the fisherman and the catfish.  It doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.  The experience you get from a cheaper tackle is no different from an expensive one.

Make sure the grip is secure hooks are removed by pliers after catching the fish.  Avoid being stuck with the fins as some are poisonous.  Just simply sliding the hand up to its belly from tail, placing the fingers behind one side and thumb behind the other can remove the catfish from the hook without any harm.  Happy catfishing and good luck!

Basic Carp Fishing Pointers

Basic Carp Fishing Pointers

Frustrating as it is, carp fishing is awesome. Carp are really good at sucking in and blowing out suspicious baits.  It’s such an excitement to see the whole action in a fraction of a second as you hang on for dear life while the reel is trembling with a loud noise.

Carp happily devour on the surface as long as you keep the pellets, biscuits, chic peas, bread, and re-hydrated corn coming in, and these are inexpensive baits as well.  Just attach them to the hooks, most preferably the bread.  Have the biscuits softened by dipping it in the water for about 2 minutes, then, place them in a sealed sandwich bag for about an hour.  Since different brands have different textures, just experiment to know which is firm enough to cast.  Another way to hook baits is super gluing the pellet into the shank.

Once they get into feeding, let them feel comfortable around the bait.  This gives more opportunity for the fisherman since they begin to not feel picky.  This tactic can be useful for zig rigs.

As soon as they’re feeding, cast the bait but make sure not to drop the bait directly onto the feeding carp.  Cast away from the feeding area then slowly draw it in position.  While the bait is till hanging, keep the food coming in so as to keep the carp from going away.  

How to Set-Up?

• Use a hair rig to increase your chance of catching.  As carp taste food first, if they don’t like the taste, they won’t come near it.

• You may also use a Spider Line, 50 lbs test, then use a leader material that fits the situation.

• Thread the bait on the baiting needle and hook the hair loop.  You may also use foam dipped in a flavor as this enhances the attractiveness of the bait.

• Also make a baiting needle by just straightening a long shank hook.  Slide the bait on the shank, then slide the bait from the needle onto the hair.

• Using a float is also an advantage because it adds weight for further distancing and the location is easily identified.

• Don’t forget the controller float rig.  A leader can be used which is attached to the swivel to its mainline of at least 3 feet length with a 10lbs Drennan double strength.  A low diameter mono will do just as long as it floats well enough for visibility.  

As experts say, it is not the bait that catches the carp but the method in which the bait is introduced.  Pre-bait everyday, in one spot for a few days.  This makes the carp think that there is a regular source of food for them and by “word of mouth” there’ll soon be a school of fish around.  Just be patient and it will all work.

BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE

 BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE

Bass fishing has a fascinating history. It started in the late 18th century and continues to progress until today. 

It probably was originally practiced in search for food among the people in the south of the United States. Since then, it has started gaining numerous audiences of all ages and nations. Today, countries such as Australia, Cuba, South Africa, United States and most of Europe participate in this kind of event. 

Timelines

• The year 1768 or 1770 represents the birth of bass fishing sports. Onesimus Ustonson introduced his first multiplying reels to the fishing gurus and lovers. It was later developed into bait caster. 

• William Shakespeare Jr. materializes the production of a level wind device and secured its patent on 1897. 

• The William J. Jamison Co introduced the overly ornamented Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915 and was improved to create today’s spinner baits.

• In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority and encouraged the creation and building of numerous dams. These dams were later used for culturing different varieties of bass fishes.

• Five years later, DuPont Company filed patent for nylon fishing net, this was later developed into nylon monofilament fishing line.

• The year 1992 is one of the most glorious events in the history of bass fishing. Larry Nixon, the famous fisherman in the history of bass fishing won $1 M total earnings for this sport on this year. 

Bass Fish

Several fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events are the following: 

• Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede) - Largemouth Bass

• Micropterus dolomieui - Smallmouth bass

• Micropterus punctatus - Kentucky Bass

Other species of Micropterus are also caught but one that remains popular is the Largemouth bass. However, it should be emphasized that Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features. 

Perhaps, the most robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s. The popularity of the game during this period is the springboard to the development of modern fishing equipments from bass boats, rods, lines, lures and various fishing gears. 

Electronic gears were also incorporated among the host of equipments bass fishers used at that time. Reels of different types, which function in hauling and hoisting, were also created. 

The contribution of bass fishing industry to the US economy records $50 to $70 Billion and the number continues to grow. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more and more people are getting interested in it compared to tennis and golf. 

Easy Way to Learn Fishing

 Learning how to Fish 

    You have decided that you want to learn to fish. There are several ways of learning, the hardest being trial and error. It would be best to find an instructor for one-on-one lessons.

1. Buy seasickness medication

    Nothing is worse than ruining your fishing because of seasickness. Most seasickness medication e.g. Bonine would be fine. Even seasoned fishermen are known to take some on rough days. Take one before you go to sleep, another when you wake up and a third one before you board. 

2. Buy a reference book

    A lot of good books are available at your bookstores and online. The book should give you instructions as well as terms and definitions. Some things you may not immediately understand but you should know anyway. Learn how to tie different kinds of knots.  This knowledge will be invaluable for other purposes throughout your life.

3. Go to a party

    There are party boats that carry from fifteen to as many as sixty anglers. The boat provides everything like bait, rod, reel, sinkers and hooks. They assist you in fishing and take the fish off the hook for you. Mates will spot you and will generally stay close to assist you. Party boats generally will cost you $25 - $70 a day, and the fish are yours to keep. The party boat is a bargain for beginners.

4. Pick your pier

    Assuming you have already acquired skills to operate a rod and reel, you need to look for a fishing pier.

    Majority of coastal cities have one public pier or pay-to-fish pier. You can rent tackle and buy bait at the piers. If you're having trouble, there are many pier anglers willing to help and give you tips. 

5. Party or pier

    You may want to do either step three or four or both at this point. The best thing to do is to do both several times to really learn. 

6. The reel deal

    The conventional reel is probably what you're using up to this point. The conventional reel is designed for a lot of wear and tear. You may now want to consider other types and makes of reels. Ideally you have met people and perhaps made a friend or two who can assist you in selecting a reel. You can even ask a tackle shop owner for tips.

    You need to understand the mechanics of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait are not that complicated. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish. Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and knowledgeable anglers understand these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are located.

What Is Fishing Bait and What Are Its Types ?

 

There is such an assortment of bait that it is difficult to recommend any particular color, size, or type as the best. There are more than a thousand good baits on the market. All will catch fish at some time or another.

Fishing baits usually weigh from ¼ to an ounce to three ounces. The most popular weight preferred by the majority of bait casters is the 5/8-ounce bait, while the average is between ½ and 3 quarters of an ounce. Baits can either be used as a whole or cut into chunks. Anglers can also use dead or live baits. 

The Different Types of Bait

There is a wide array of organisms being used as fishing baits. Among the different types used in fishing, the commonly used are the small fishes. These consist of widely used fishing baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, and some others that are inborn to certain local waters. Larger fishes are usually used as chunk baits. 

Fishing baits can be used whole, chunk, and strips, based on the activities of the type of fishes being chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually well matched with the size of the fish being hunted.  Other common organisms used for bait fishing are crabs, worms, shrimps, crabs, clams, sand fleas, eels, and squid. Among all of the organisms mentioned, the crabs and the shrimps are the well-liked organisms to be used as fishing baits.

Shrimp are favorably used as fishing bait and are considered to be very valuable bait for a huge number of saltwater fish, especially those that are considered “inshore fish” like redfish, speckled trout, shook, and a lot more. 

Whereas, various crab species, especially the fiddler crab, sand flea, and the blue crab, are perfect fishing baits for many varieties of “inshore fishes” and “bottom fish.” These crabs are usually clasped through their shell, usually on either the right or left of the head.

How to Acquire Fishing Bait?

Fishermen can acquire fishing bait either buying them in bait shops or simply by capturing it themselves. 

The advantage of buying fishing bait is convenience, while catching live fishing bait is less expensive and can be more effective in luring fish.  Digging for earthworms is another activity.  Earthworms make an excellent bait.

Indeed, when it comes to bait fishing, using the proper fishing bait are important and imperative to the success of fishing. Hence, anglers should know the basics of choosing fishing baits in order to save time and money.

Fishing Bait Type

Plugs Lure

Plugs or crankbaits are hard plastic fishing lures shaped and colored to resemble bait fish or other prey. They’re made out of a solid or hollow piece of plastic, with a thin sheet of metal or plastic attached to the front. This sheet is called a lip.

The lip is sometimes adjustable to make the lure wobble. Plugs feature two or three treble hooks. Depending on the design, plugs can float, sink, dive, or hover.

a plug lure

Fishing with a Plug Lure

Most plugs float on the water’s surface or suspend in the water, but dive sharply when retrieved. You can take advantage of this with a series of reel-and-stop moves that will resemble the behavior of live bait fish. Change your twitching intervals and reeling speed for variety.

Jigs

Jigs have a weighted head on one side and a hook on the other. Featuring either a feather skirt or plastic grub, jigs are generally considered to be one of the most popular types of fishing lures. Thanks to their weight, jigs sink easily. This makes them great for bottom feeders.

a jig lure

Fishing with a Jigging Lure

To take advantage of the jig weight, cast it out and let it sink to the bottom. You’ll know that your jig has sunk the moment you see the line go slack. When this happens, start jigging: lift your rod up (slightly), and then retrieve the line as you lower it again.

Experiment with different speeds as well as big and small movements to see what works best. Keep your eyes on the line – a strike can make the faintest pull on it.

Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait lures are a little different because they move horizontally through the water. They come in many shapes and colors depending on the targeted depth and species.

Spinnerbaits come with a skirted hook on one side, and one or more metal blades which spin like a propeller, on the other. The spinning of the blades creates vibration and color reflection, which pretty accurately mimics minnows and other bait fish. These lures are perfect for catching species like Bass, Perch, and Pike.

a spinnerbait lure

Fishing with a Spinnerbait Lure

If the water you’re fishing in is murky, pulling your spinnerbait just beneath the surface is a great way of attracting game fish. The spinning blades make a sudden flash that attracts a lot of fish. Just keep your rod high and make sure the blades are beneath the surface.

If the fish are hiding in deeper waters where visibility is even worse, this won’t work. In this case, add a sinker and rely on the vibrations of your spinnerbait lure.

Spoons

Spoons are curved, concave metal lures. Spoon lures got their name because they were originally just that – spoons with the handles cut off. Their concave shape makes them shine and wobble as they move through the water. The bigger the curve, the wider the wobble. A wobbling lure resembles injured bait fish, and this is something game fish can’t say no to.

spoon lure

Fishing with a Spoon Lure

You can cast a spoon lure or troll it. For casting, anglers usually go for 10–20 feet below the target zone, and then retrieve the lure right through it. Make sure to take a good look at the moving spoon to determine the adequate speed of retrieval.

If the spoon moves too fast or too slow, it won’t wobble properly. Same goes for trolling. Trolling with spoons usually requires downriggers for setting a desired depth.

Soft Lure Plastics

Soft plastic lures are flexible rubbery baits that imitate a variety of aquatic critters. These can be anything from minnows, worms, and crawfish to lizards and frogs. Soft plastics are frequently used for Bass fishing.

a variety of bright colored soft plastic lures laid out on a table

Fishing with Soft Plastic Lures

Be sure to select the right size and color of your soft plastic. The color of the lure should fit in naturally with the surroundings. Go with brighter plastics on a clear day, but stay away from them when the sky is overcast.

Wounded creatures tend to swim in spurts and soft plastics will allow you to mimic this movement very accurately. Let the lure sink to the bottom, and twitch your rod a few times. If you get no hook-up, pull the lure up in a few jerky moves.

Flies

Flies are a type of fishing lure traditionally used in fly fishing. Thanks to the development of new materials, they can be sometimes be used in spin fishing, as well. Fly fishing lures consist of just a single hook and a skirt. Using furs, feathers, or thread, these lures are tied to resemble insects, crustaceans, or other prey.

This resemblance can be mind boggling, mind you. That’s because fly tying is not easy – many even consider it to be an art form. But that’s one of the reasons why fly fishing is so immersive and addictive for those who try it.

a fly fishing lure

Fishing with Fly Lures

Flies work great in areas where fish approach the water’s surface. Some fly lures are designed to float (surface flies), while others are designed to sink (subsurface flies).

Depending on what type of prey your targeted fish is more likely to eat, you’ll be using dry flies (waterproof lures that float on the surface to imitate insects), wet flies (lures designed to sink below the surface and imitate minnows and sunken insects), nymphs (imitating crustaceans), emerging flies (hatching insects), and streamer flies (bait fish).