Learn Various Ways to Fish

Learning about fishing techniques makes catching fish more successful. There are various methods to use, which include, drift fishing, jigging, still fishing, and trolling just to mention a few.

The type of fishing technique you use, in terms of how your bait or lure acts in water, depends on the type of fish you plan on catching. 

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing allows you to fish in various fish habitats based on where your boat drift into. The wind and water current controls the direction your boat will drift in. You can use lures, natural baits, and jigs while drift fishing. Using bobbers to fish in this type of environment will not be successful because fishing with bobbers will make your fishing more successful if you still fish. 

Jigging

Jigging is an active way to fish because you must create action with your jig to attract a specific type of fish. If you are jigging you can use a jig for this type of fishing. After you cast, your jig will sink to the bottom of the lake. As you retrieve your jig, pull your fishing rod up so the jig moves to the top of the lake then drop your rod down and let the jig move down to the bottom. Continue the up and down motion. You can also move your jig side to side. There are also lures designed especially for this type of fishing technique. 

Still Fishing

Still Fishing is probably one of the most multi-purpose way to fish. You can fish from shore, a pier, or from your anchored boat. Still fishing means that your boat is not in motion while fishing. Your boat can be still and you can fish for almost any type of fish. Larger fish will move towards shallow area where smaller fish are located making catching a variety of fish successful. We use this type of fishing when we are fishing for small pan fish or when we have found an area where fish are biting. 

Trolling

Trolling is a technique that allows you to use a small trolling motor, which is located at the front or back of the boat. Trolling motors are designed so that it moves your boat forward or to turn you boat. Your lures or bait trail your boat when trolling. These small motors do not create wake and are generally quite so fish do not hear you coming. Usually trolling fishing is done when you are fishing shorelines or around large beds of weeds.

Trolling fishing is not designed to be a fast method of fishing. You will however be able to cover a large area over time when you are trolling. It is not recommended that you use this type of fishing technique if you are fishing for pan fish. Pan fish tend to attack objects that do not create much movement.

Some states do not allow the use of small trolling motors on specific lakes; therefore, it’s recommend that you review your state’s fishing regulations. Our Fishing Regulations section can connect you to each states fishing information site.