Have you, or one of your friends just gotten into lake fishing?
You may feel ready to hit the lakes and go for your first fishing trip, but have you been filled in on all the top tips and tricks to make it all more productive?
If not, read on for our five best lake fishing tips to help you get catches to be proud of in no time!
1. Ensure You Have Good Bait
It may seem obvious, but to catch any kind of fish, big or small – you need good bait.
We sell a range of hard baits you can choose from, but from there you need to choose which lures will be the most effective for the species you are targeting, time of year and time of day you will be fishing.
Natural bait is relatively inexpensive, and comes in different shapes and sizes too. Here are just some of the natural freshwater bait options at your disposal.
- Leeches
- Worms
- Maggots
- Grasshoppers or crickets
- Crayfish
- Minnows
Of course, like us humans, each type of fish has its own personal tastes. Be sure to consider this when fishing in different spots.
In fact, some fish have rather particular tastes, for example, carp tend to favor worms and crayfish tails. Whereas catfish will eat anything – they are even partial to hot dogs and bits of bread. Meanwhile, perch enjoy minnows, flies, maggots and other insect larvae.
Cater to the fish you want to catch, and they may just come to you!
2. Find the Fishy Hideouts
While we can’t understate the importance of good bait, sometimes it isn’t enough to just dangle it and expect all the fish to come to you. Different fish have their favored hiding spots.
Fallen trees and large branches, as well as other sunken structures often attract fish, as these sorts of areas make them feel safe and sheltered. They also make discrete hideouts for large fish to prey on smaller fish.
Similarly, be sure to look out for weed beds in deeper water.
Spots filled with underwater greenery might just be where you’ll find your big catch, as bigger fish like Pike, Walleye, and Bass like to hunt for prey in these dark and cozy plant-beds.
3. Get an Early Start
Many fish choose to come out of hiding and hunt for food at dawn, so the old saying is true – the early bird catches the worm!
If you’re not a morning person, don’t despair! Some fish come out to feed at dusk, so there are plenty of reasons to go fishing at sunset, too!
4. Go In With Low Expectations
When you start fishing, it’s easy to go in with unrealistic expectations about catching the ‘big one’. The thing is, a large part of lake fishing is patience.
You may find it takes some time to find your groove. However, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Fishing is a great time to think, talk if you’re out with friends, and appreciate your surroundings.
5. Keep an Eye on the Weather and Temperature
When you go fishing, you have to think like a fish. Before planning a fishing trip, check temperatures in the region you plan to fish in.
A string of hot days can mean fish have been feeding too much and won’t bite for you, no matter how good your bait. Equally, on days with a stronger wind, some fish may drift closer to shore to feed.
Be prepared for any eventuality by doing your research up front and having an organized rucksack with all the gear you’ll need.
Ready To Start Lake Fishing?
Fishing is a rewarding, and relaxing pastime that’s scientifically proven to make you feel better.
Investing in it as a new hobby will make you healthier and happier, and will allow you the chance to see some of the most beautiful lakes and natural landscapes around the country as you do so.
With a wide range of all the products you’ll need for your first lake fishing trip and beyond, at Yellow Bird, we’ve got all your fishing gear needs covered.
