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to catch a fish? Rods and reels There are a huge assortment of rods and reels from which to choose. This is a god place to enlist the help of a friend or relative who fishes. Tell them what you would like to catch, and they can probably steer you in the right direction. Don't be fooled into spending too much money at first; a good basic set of fishing tackle can be acquired for around $50. Line Fishing line is that almost-invisible link between you and the fish. It is measured by breaking strength, usually a value of from four to twenty pounds. Most fishing in Montana is done with six to 10 pound test line. Buy the best line you can afford-spending a few cents more may help you land that fish of a lifetime. Most sporting goods stores will wind the line onto your fishing reels for you. Sinkers Sinkers are important to get your bait down to where the fish are, and also to help you cast. There are lots of different kinds of sinkers to choose from, but one of the most common and easiest to use types is called the "split-shot" sinker. You can get these in lots of sizes, and attach or remove them from your line as you need more or less weight. It is important to use enough weight to get your baits to sink quickly, but not so much weight that it hampers the action of your bait. Hooks What could be more important in catching a fish than your hook? Hooks are available a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They are given a number to identify their size; this number increases as the hook size decreases. For example, a size 10 hook is much smaller than a size 2. You will need to match your hook to the fish you are trying to catch and the bait you are using. A common mistake here is to use a hook size that is too large. Other equipment There are a few other items that will make your fishing easier and more productive. A knife or nail clippers makes cutting the line easier. A small pliers or forceps is helpful in a number of ways, especially to remove the hooks from the fish's mouth. You may want to carry a small net to help land your catch, and a stringer or cooler to store your fish if you decide to keep some for dinner. Sunscreen and insect repellant are things you should not forget either. Live bait For many beginning anglers, live bait is one of the easiest ways to get started fishing. Of course the most common fishing bait has got to be worms. It seems like there are very few out there who can turn down a lively worm. Maggots and mealworms are popular baits for ice fishing. Leeches and minnows are popular for certain species, but check your regulations carefully, since live minnows cannot be used in certain areas of the state. Even grasshoppers are popular to use as bait in the summer, and sometimes catching them is almost as much fin as catching the fish! Artificial lures An artificial lure is designed to imitate something the fish might normally feed on, or just to look like something they want to try and eat. There are so many types, colors and sizes of different lures that it is sometimes hard to imagine. Spinners are popular lures for trout; jigs are popular with walleye and sauger fishermen, and bass anglers like to use plugs which imitate small minnows and baitfish. This is another good place to ask for help-ask around to find out which lures work best where you will be fishing. |
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