Lets Catch And Reel Big Fish

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 5 May 2026 20:04:32 -0400

🎣 Ultimate Fishing Tools Dashboard

Use these free tools to improve your fishing success!

🎯 Fish Weight Calculator

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:19:00 -0500

Trout Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

For many Ontario anglers, trout fishing on the Grand River isn’t just a pastime — it’s a tradition. From the cold, clear tailwaters below the Shand Dam to the quiet bends downstream near West Montrose, this section of river offers some of the finest brown trout fishing in southern Ontario. It’s a place where clean water, steady flows, and healthy insect hatches combine to create a trout fishery that rivals anything in Canada.

The Grand River tailwater is unique. Thanks to controlled releases from the Shand Dam, water temperatures stay cool and stable, creating perfect conditions for trout year-round. Stocked browns have flourished here for decades, developing into a self-sustaining population that includes some truly impressive fish. It’s not uncommon to catch 18- to 20-inch trout, and the occasional 24-inch “Grand brown” keeps fly anglers coming back again and again.

Fishing the Grand is all about reading the water. Classic trout lies — seams, eddies, and gravel bars — are abundant. In spring, trout feed aggressively on early mayflies and caddis. Summer brings clear water and technical dry-fly fishing that challenges even experienced anglers. Fall sees the fish bulk up again before winter, chasing streamers and nymphs with renewed aggression.

The variety of water here makes it accessible for everyone. Wading anglers can cover miles of riffles and runs around Fergus and Elora, while fly fishers drift long pools near West Montrose. Light spinning tackle also works beautifully with small spinners, jigs, and soft plastics that imitate natural forage. Conservation efforts and careful management by the GRCA and local clubs have turned this into one of the most respected trout fisheries in the province.

What really defines the Grand, though, is the atmosphere. Early mornings bring mist rising from the water and the delicate sound of rising trout sipping mayflies. Evenings glow gold as the river quiets, with only the ripple of your line breaking the surface. Whether you fish with a handcrafted bamboo rod or a simple ultralight, there’s a sense of peace and timelessness here that keeps people returning season after season.

For those new to trout fishing, the Grand River offers the perfect classroom. You can practice reading current, perfecting casts, and matching the hatch — all within a few hours’ drive of major cities. And for experienced anglers, it offers the kind of consistent, high-quality trout water that’s hard to find without heading north.

The Grand River is more than just a place to catch trout — it’s a place to reconnect with nature, hone your skills, and experience one of Ontario’s most iconic fisheries at its best.

Top Grand River Trout Hotspots

🎯 Fergus to Elora (Tailwater Stretch)

Cold, regulated flows below Shand Dam — the most famous trout water on the Grand.

Species: Brown and rainbow trout
Best Baits: Nymphs (pheasant tail, hare’s ear), small spinners, worm imitations
Tips: Fish early mornings or overcast days; stealth and light tippets matter.

🎯 Elora Gorge Conservation Area

Deep pools, shaded cliffs, and tricky currents — beautiful and productive.

Baits: Dry flies during hatches, small streamers, or floating worms
Tips: Stay mobile and fish pocket water. Be cautious of slippery rocks and steep terrain.

🎯 West Montrose to Paris

Mixed species stretch with brown trout in cooler months and rainbows in spring.

Baits: Inline spinners, small jerkbaits, egg patterns (spring)
Tips: Focus on deeper runs and undercut banks. Best fished with light fluorocarbon leaders.

🎯 Conestogo River (Tributary)

Tailwater section below the dam supports both browns and rainbows.

Baits: Nymph rigs, micro-jigs, small crankbaits
Tips: Fish slow and deep; excellent winter and early-spring option.

Best Times to Fish for Trout

March–May: Rainbows run and hatches start — nymphing and small streamers work well.
June–August: Brown trout feed early and late; dry flies and terrestrials excel.
September–November: Browns spawn; use streamers and egg patterns responsibly.

Where to Buy Bait & Tackle

Natural Sports (Kitchener) — top fly selection and trout gear.
Riverside Bait & Tackle (Brantford) — general bait and terminal tackle.
Tight Lines Fly Fishing (Waterloo) — specialized trout fly shop with local expertise.

Trout Fishing Tips for the Grand River

Approach quietly — trout spook easily in clear water.
Match the hatch — small, natural patterns are key.
Use fluorocarbon leaders (4–6 lb) for stealth and sensitivity.
Drift your presentation naturally; avoid drag on your line.
Always check flow rates below Shand Dam before fishing.

Final Word

The Grand River offers some of Ontario’s finest trout fishing — especially for brown trout. With clear tailwaters, incredible insect life, and well-managed conservation efforts, this river is a must-fish for any angler. Whether you’re swinging streamers in the Elora Gorge or drifting nymphs below Shand Dam, the Grand rewards patience and precision.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:32:00 -0400

Largemouth Bass Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

When most anglers think of the Grand River, they picture its fast riffles, rocky pools, and hard-fighting smallmouth bass — but venture into the slower, weedier stretches downstream, and you’ll find another predator waiting: the largemouth bass. Often overlooked on this famous Ontario waterway, the Grand’s largemouth population thrives in quiet backwaters, side channels, and reservoirs that offer thick cover and warm, shallow habitat. For anglers who love the visual strike of a topwater hit or the solid thump of a jig under a dock, this river holds some real surprises.

The Grand’s lower reaches, especially around Brantford, Caledonia, and Dunnville, are tailor-made for largemouth bass. Here, the river widens and slows, resembling a chain of small lakes more than a flowing stream. Cattails, lily pads, fallen timber, and submerged weeds create endless ambush spots for big bucketmouths. These sections produce largemouths in the 2- to 4-pound range on a regular basis, and trophy-size fish are not uncommon for anglers who know where to look.

Timing is everything. In late spring, largemouths move into the shallows to spawn. During this period, sight-fishing along warm, protected bays can be exciting — soft plastics, creature baits, and floating worms are deadly. As summer heats up, bass slide under cover to escape the sun. Flipping jigs into thick weeds, skipping soft stickbaits beneath overhanging branches, or working a frog over pads can draw explosive strikes. In autumn, they feed heavily to bulk up for winter, hitting spinnerbaits and shallow cranks along weed edges.

Fishing for largemouths on the Grand is a slower, more methodical game compared to chasing smallmouths in the rapids. It’s about precision and patience — placing your lure right in their strike zone, then waiting for that unmistakable thump. A light breeze on the surface, a patch of shade under a log, or a pocket of current can make all the difference.

What makes this fishery truly special is its accessibility. The same parks and access points that serve smallmouth anglers also connect you to largemouth territory. Launch a kayak near Wilkes Dam, drift toward Caledonia, or explore the quiet back channels near Dunnville, and you’ll discover miles of water loaded with structure.

There’s something satisfying about hooking a largemouth in the current — the fight is deliberate, powerful, and unpredictable. They’ll bulldog into weeds, turn for cover, and test every knot in your line. And when you finally bring one to hand, that wide-jawed grin and green-gold sheen make it all worthwhile.

The Grand River might not be the first place that comes to mind for largemouth bass, but that’s part of its magic. It rewards anglers who slow down, explore, and pay attention to the details. Whether you’re a weekend fisherman or a seasoned pro, this river has plenty of hidden largemouth gems waiting to be found.

Top Grand River Hotspots for Largemouth Bass

🎯 Cambridge to Brantford

Weedy backwaters and eddies along slower stretches.

Baits: Wacky worms, 1/4 oz jigs, spinnerbaits
Tips: Cast tight to cover — fallen trees, weedlines, or shoreline brush.
Access: Riverside Park in Cambridge, and stretches near Glen Morris.

🎯 Brantford to Caledonia

Slower river with docks and calm bays — perfect largemouth territory.

Baits: Texas-rigged plastics, topwater frogs, chatterbaits
Tips: Fish mornings or cloudy days near vegetation edges.

🎯 Caledonia to Dunnville

Wide, warm water feeding into Lake Erie — big bass zone.

Baits: Lipless crankbaits, jigs with trailers, jerkbaits
Tips: Focus on submerged timber and shallow reeds. Summer topwater can be electric.

Best Times to Fish

Late May–June: Spawn and post-spawn — use slow plastics and sight-fishing techniques.
July–August: Fish early or late with topwater frogs or buzzbaits.
September–October: Bass feed heavily before cooling temps; crankbaits and jerkbaits shine.

Where to Buy Bait & Tackle

Catch’em Bait & Tackle (Kitchener) — large selection of bass plastics.
H & H Tackle (Brantford) — live bait and topwater gear.
Riverside Bait & Tackle (Brantford) — near Caledonia and lower Grand spots.

Pro Tips for Largemouth Bass on the Grand River

Target structure — bass love cover like laydowns, docks, and thick weeds.
Use weedless rigs to fish heavy vegetation.
Match lure color to the water — darker colors in muddy water, natural tones in clear water.
Try topwater lures at sunrise and sunset for explosive strikes.

Final Word

Largemouth bass are the heavy hitters of the Grand River. From flipping jigs in weed mats to working topwater frogs in calm bays, you’ll find countless ways to catch these aggressive fish. The lower Grand especially produces trophy-sized largemouths every summer — it’s time to chase yours.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:09:00 -0400

Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

Chasing Bronzebacks on Ontario’s Grand River

If you ask any seasoned angler in southern Ontario where to find the hardest-fighting fish in moving water, you’ll hear the same name again and again — the Grand River. Stretching from the highlands near Fergus all the way to Lake Erie, the Grand is one of the province’s most diverse and rewarding fisheries. Among its many species, none capture the hearts of anglers quite like the smallmouth bass. Known for their power, acrobatics, and sheer attitude, these “bronzebacks” are the true athletes of the river.

What makes the Grand River so special for smallmouth bass is the perfect blend of habitat. Its flow varies from fast, rocky riffles in the upper reaches to deep, slow runs and wide pools as it winds south. Each stretch offers something different — whether you’re wading knee-deep in a shaded gorge, casting from a canoe through glassy current, or working a bridge eddy with a topwater lure at sunrise. The combination of structure, current, and water clarity creates an environment where smallmouth thrive year after year.

For anglers, this means opportunity. In spring, when the water warms and bass move shallow, you’ll find them tight to rocks and gravel bars, feeding aggressively on crayfish and minnows. Summer brings steady action in deeper pools and current seams, where they wait to ambush prey. By fall, they’re heavier, stronger, and feeding up before winter — a prime time for those trophy-class fish every angler dreams about. The Grand’s healthy food supply and consistent flows support impressive populations of smallmouth that can reach the 3- to 5-pound range, with the occasional six-pounder turning up to surprise even the most experienced anglers.

Part of the charm of fishing the Grand is how accessible it is. There are countless access points, public parks, and conservation areas that make it easy to explore new sections of river. From the scenic stretches of Elora and West Montrose to the “Exceptional Waters” near Paris and Brantford, there’s something here for every style of fishing — whether you prefer fly rods, light spinning tackle, or even ultralight setups for extra fun. The river’s proximity to major towns also means bait and tackle are never far away, making it a perfect day-trip or weekend adventure.

Beyond the fishing itself, there’s a rhythm to the Grand that draws people back. Mornings are calm and quiet, with mist hanging over the water and the sound of bass breaking surface for mayflies. By afternoon, the sun filters through willows, and the water glows bronze — much like the fish that call it home. It’s more than just a place to catch bass; it’s a place to recharge, to challenge your skills, and to feel that connection between angler and river that never really fades.

If you’re chasing the thrill of wild, hard-fighting smallmouth in a truly beautiful setting, the Grand River is as good as it gets. Here are a few good places to get you started.

Top Grand River Hotspots

🎯 Fergus to West Montrose

Classic rocky riffles and deep runs — ideal for wading anglers.

Baits: Tube jigs (green pumpkin), 3" grubs, small craw crankbaits
Tips: Fish slow in early spring; target rocks and current seams in summer.
Access: Elora Gorge Park and covered bridge area.

🎯 West Montrose to Paris

Long, slow runs with deep holes near bridges.

Baits: Ned rigs, spinnerbaits, crayfish plastics
Tips: Early morning and evening topwater bites can be explosive.

🎯 Paris to Brantford (“Exceptional Waters”)

GRCA-designated section with great access and healthy bass populations.

Baits: Wacky-rigged worms, poppers, crankbaits
Tips: Drift fish from canoe or kayak — use current breaks and eddies.

Seasonal Guide

Spring: Work shallow rocky areas as the water warms. Jigs and craw imitations excel.
Summer: Focus on current seams, bridge pilings, and shaded undercuts. Topwater at dawn or dusk.
Fall: Bass move deeper — use jerkbaits and swimbaits along deeper ledges.

Where to Buy Bait Nearby

Natural Sports (Kitchener) – excellent smallmouth tackle & live bait.
Kingsway Sports (Guelph) – convenient for upper-river anglers.
H & H Tackle (Brantford) – near the Exceptional Waters section.

Quick Tips for River Smallmouth

Use 6–10 lb fluorocarbon for clearer water.
Cast upstream and retrieve with the current.
Match lure color to natural crayfish or baitfish hues.
Keep moving — cover lots of water to find active fish.

Final Word

Few freshwater fish fight harder than a river smallmouth. With patience and the right presentation, you’ll find yourself hooked on the Grand River’s bronzebacks all season long.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 16:30:00 -0400

Walleye Fishing on the Grand River: In-Depth Guide & Expert Tips

The Grand River, flowing through the heart of Southern Ontario, is a classic walleye fishery. Whether you're after a fresh dinner or a trophy catch, this guide covers top spots, gear setups, seasonal strategies, local advice, and where to grab bait locally.

Why Walleye Thrive in the Grand River

The river’s varied stretches—from fast-flowing upper reaches to broad, deep lower channels—offer both cover and feeding zones ideal for walleye at all life stages. Ongoing habitat improvements and fisheries management keep populations robust.

Prime Fishing Zones

Dunnville to Cayuga

The dam zone generates current seams and deeper troughs—perfect for holding walleye, especially during early morning and late evening drifts.

Brantford Area

Look for pools and rocky points in this stretch—great for shore and boat anglers alike. Evening presentations here are often rewarded.

Kitchener–Waterloo Stretch

Bridge abutments, current breaks, and deeper runs make this area productive in spring and fall. On breezy fall mornings, crankbaits and live-bait rigs can be lethal.

Mouth of the River (Lake Erie)

In fall, migrating walleye push inland here—ideal for early-season anglers after trophies as they stack before heading upstream.

Season-by-Season Strategy

Season	Strategy
Spring (May–June)	Target post-spawn staging zones; slower, shallow presentations win.
Summer (July–August)	Fish deeper holes midday and shallows at dawn/dusk with jigs or bottom rigs.
Fall (Sept–Nov)	Look near structure; aggressive crankbaits and spinners work well.

Gear & Tackle That Work

Rod & Reel: 6'6"–7′ medium-light spinning combo with smooth drag.
Line: 8–12 lb fluorocarbon or braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
Rigs: Slip-sinker with live minnow, soft plastic-tipped jigs, small crankbaits, spinner rigs, and harnesses for drifting.

Walleye can be subtle on the bite—sensitive gear and slower retrieves often yield better hooksets.

Local Insider Tips

Chatting with the staff at local bait shops can uncover real-time tips—from hot fly colors to favorite spots. One top resource is:

Grand River Outdoors in Dunnville offers live bait, gear, and localized advice—great pit stop before heading out.

Tributary Option

The Conestogo River (a tributary of the Grand) often surprises fall anglers with strong walleye numbers and less pressure. Worth a stop if you're exploring tributary access points.

Conservation & Angler Courtesy

Follow local regulations, respect access points, practice catch-and-release when possible, and pack out all garbage. A healthy river means great fishing for all.

Final Thoughts

The Grand River remains one of Ontario’s most accessible and rewarding walleye fisheries. With the right gear, timing, and a willingness to explore different sections, you’re set for a season full of opportunity and memorable catches. Tight lines!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 12:32:00 -0400

Northern Pike Fishing on the Grand River

Northern Pike Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River (Hotspots + Bait Guide 2025)

If you’ve ever had a northern pike slam your lure, you know the rush. They’re long, mean-looking, and fight like crazy. For me, they’re one of the most exciting fish you can hook in the Grand River.

The Grand River is Ontario’s largest inland watershed, covering close to 7,000 square kilometers and home to more than 80 fish species. Pike are definitely out there if you focus on the right spots.

Belwood Lake (Shand Dam Reservoir)

Belwood is pike central. Every spring, anglers gather here for the annual Pike Derby. This reservoir produces fish in the 30–40 inch range and covers about 12 square kilometers.

Below Shand Dam (to West Montrose)

The tailwater below the dam has current breaks, deeper pools, and ambush spots. Pike aren’t as common here, but they show up.

West Montrose to Paris

This section has fast runs, lazy pools, and weedy banks. Great for multiple species including pike.

Paris to Brantford (Exceptional Waters)

Pike here often run in the mid-20 to high-30 inch range. Easy access via Paris and riverside parks.

Brantford to Caledonia

The Grand slows and widens here. Wilkes Dam is a prime hotspot with deep pools and steady current.

Caledonia to Dunnville

By Dunnville, the Grand feels like a lake. Pike thrive here, alongside walleye and drum.

Conestogo River (Tributary)

Below the dam, the Conestogo holds solid pike and makes a great backup when the Grand runs too high.

Get Your Free Pike Calendar

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Grand River Pike Hotspots (Quick Guide)

Belwood Lake

Live: Shiners, suckers
Lures: Red/white spoons

Paris → Brantford

Live: Jumbo shiners
Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits

Caledonia → Dunnville

Live: Large minnows
Lures: Trolled crankbaits

Pike Fishing Tips

Look for ambush spots like bridge pilings and weeds
Fish mornings and evenings
Use flashy lures like spinnerbaits
Always use a steel leader

Where To Catch Fish Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:05:00 -0400

Where to Find Your Target Fish

Fish Trap (Fish caught on Camera)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 8 Aug 2022 07:29:00 -0400

Native American Indian Fish Trap

Building a fish trap starts with a body of water that holds fish. Gather a bunch of sticks that are long and thick, like in the video. Tie them up or put in a bin to carry them. You will need some bait like bread worms or corn niblets to put in trap. You're going to place sticks in bottom of water side by side like a wall for a circle. You need an open side where the fish will come in the sticks forming a V shape to allow the fish to go into the trap. The tip of the V will be left open to allow the fish to go in but very hard to get out. Place more sticks in any openings that might allow fish to get out. Now place bait inside the trap. Make sure trap is in shallow water so sticks are sticking out of the water.

Fishing / rare footage: pike attacks a dead bait / strike underwater. Ры...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 7 Aug 2022 13:54:00 -0400

Rare Underwater Footage: Why a Pike Will Hit Dead Bait

I get a small electric thrill with watching a Northern Pike explode from the deep water — and I get even more when the video footage shows it attacking what looks like a, dead bait. At first glance, a dead fish shouldn’t be interesting. But underwater behavior is different and more nuanced than that: scent, silhouette, and timing all combine to turn something still into tasty prey.

Using underwater cameras brings in the excitement on how pike hunt. They don’t simply crash in blindly; more often they stalk, circle, and test the bait. A pike may approach from an angle it hides in the shadow, pause to checkout the bait, then commit. That brief hesitation — a predator risking it all for the reward — is exactly what anglers see in slow-motion footage. It’s a reminder that predation is equal in parts patience and power.

For anglers, the takeaways are practical. First, don’t dismiss dead bait. Even when it isn’t thrashing, it gives off scent and offers a convincing profile in the water. A fresh, well-prepared deadbait still smells alive and can draw attention from a hungry pike, especially in low visibility or colder water when fish rely more on smell than sight.Best dead minnows I use are suckers and creek chub.

Second, presentation matters. Let the bait sit naturally where pike like to ambush — along weed edges, beside submerged logs, or on drop-offs. A small amount of current or a tiny twitch from the current can be enough to mimic a weakened prey item. Resist the urge to overwork the bait; sometimes stillness is the most realistic and effective action. I sometimes like to put the dead bait under a bobber. I get good results with that as I do with the bait sitting on the bottom.

Third, read the bite. Deadbait strikes can feel softer than the explosive lunges associated with live offerings. That means your hookup timing needs a little finesse: be ready, but don’t yank the rod the instant you sense movement. Hold for a heartbeat, feel for the weight, then set the hook decisively. Too many anglers lift too early and miss those gentle engulfing strikes.

I remember one chilly morning when a friend and I watched a huge shadow glide in and then slowly close on a suspended deadbait. We both froze, thinking it wouldn’t commit — and then it did, as if finally accepting the offer. The heart-pounding grab that followed came with no theatrics, just a long, thorough engulf. It was a quiet lesson in why patience wins more often than aggression. I love watching a big bobber disappear under the water before a hook set.

Footage like this nudges us to rethink assumptions. Nature favors efficiency: if a motionless prey item is easy to eat and smells right, a pike will take advantage. So next time you rig a deadbait, try letting it do the talking. Give it time, set it in likely ambush spots, and watch the water more than your rod tip. Those split seconds of hesitation and the eventual strike — subtle, precise, and primal — are what make pike fishing unforgettable. I can't wait until my next pike fishing adventure.

Tight lines — and keep your camera rolling. You never know when you’ll catch something rare.

Tips on Crappie fishing from the bank!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 6 Aug 2022 13:16:00 -0400

Why Fish Behavior Changes Everything: Tips for Crappie & Pike Enthusiasts

There’s a moment in every fishing day—whether casting for crappies off the bank or watching underwater footage of a pike lunging at a dead bait—when you realize: it’s not always the gear, but the behavior. Understanding how fish think, move, and respond turns lucky days into consistent ones.

For crappie anglers fishing from the bank, patience isn’t optional—it’s essential. Crappies often hug structure: submerged limbs, brush, docks, or shallow weed edges. They hold there because it offers shelter and ambush opportunities. When casting, try to imagine the hiding places rather than blank water. A small, subtle movement—like dropping a light jig or providing a gentle twitch—can trigger a bite from fish that are wary of anything too flashy.

Now, flip to pike. Those predators are not just muscle and speed—they're calculated. Underwater video reveals it: a “dead” bait still beckons with scent, silhouette, and slight motion from currents or decomposition. A pike doesn’t always rush in. It circles, tests angles, sometimes backs off, then strikes. That hesitation? That’s your chance as an angler to adjust—present slowly, let bait sit, allow scent to do part of the work.

Here’s what connects crappie and pike behavior—and what you can use, right away, whether you’re by the bank or peering into underwater video:

Read the structure and light: Early morning or late afternoon, light is low, shadows are long. Crappies move to shade, pike use silhouettes. Using darker jigs or natural tones can help in bright light; brighter colors or glow tips help in low light.
Scent & profile matter: A baitfish, dead or alive, still emits odor. Crappies might be drawn in by scent‐infused baits or marinated live bait; pike rely heavily on scent when water clarity drops or light fades.
Pacing: With crappie, a slow retrieve, small hops, slight pauses often beat aggressive ripping. For dead bait pike fishing, letting the bait rest or drift without constant motion often triggers strikes.
Strike sensitivity: Crappie bites can be subtle—fleeting taps or light weights. Pike strikes on dead bait might feel slower or more enveloping rather than the quick lunge of live bait. Stay alert.

Here’s a real scene: One early spring morning I sat by the bank, casting a tiny minnow for crappie. The light was waxing—soft gold—but the water still murky. I could see shadows near submerged branches. I dropped my bait quietly, let it drift. After a long pause, a crappie sipped it from the side. No splash. Barely a ripple. My heart leapt more than with bigger fish because the catch was earned. Caught many more that day for dinner the next day.

Later that week, I reviewed video of a pike investigating a dead bait. It hovered, drifted, paused. I thought it might leave. But the shape, dim silhouette, and scent trail convinced it. It lunged. All raw power and sudden violence—but only after that long buildup. Fishing teaches you respect for waiting and watching. I find children don't want to be patient. Want a fish to bite as soon as the bait hits the water.

So whether you’re casting from a muddy bank under a dock for crappies or rigging dead bait under water hoping for pike, let behavior guide you. Fish seldom do what you expect. They follow opportunity. And when you expect surprises—when you watch, adjust, respect stillness—you see them take what you offer. That’s more satisfying than any haul.

Tight lines and clear water—and may your next tip, twitch, or pause bring something unforgettable.

Minnow Trap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 5 Aug 2022 08:25:00 -0400

Unexpected Thrills: Fishing from Inside the Minnow Trap

I’ve always thought of the minnow trap as a humble tool—a small boxful of promise, dangling quietly in the water. But sometimes, fishing from inside the trap itself becomes the real surprise. It’s not just about what you catch; it’s about what you learn when your hopes are confined to a little cage in the stream or lake.

Most folks use minnow traps strictly to gather bait. You drop it in, wait, pull it out, and perhaps refill your live bait supply for the day. But there’s something mesmerizing about leaning over the edge, watching fish dart in and out, circling the opening, tempted by the smell, by the motion—or by nothing at all but your presence above the water.

A while back I placed a trap near a weed edge, where current brushed by submerged branches. I expected minnows, maybe small sunfish. When I dipped my hand in, I could feel the water’s pulse, smell the earthy decay of lake leaves and algae. Then, as I lifted the trap, something pushed back—a small bass, a curious creature drawn by the bait’s scent and perhaps by the promise of safety in the darkness.

Here’s what fishing inside the trap teaches you, especially if you let yourself slow down:

Patience reveals behavior: You notice who’s first to investigate. Is it those bold minnows that dart in right away, or cautious fins that hover outside, watching? Those small momentary decisions tell you about water temperature, visibility, and competition.
Scent and bait placement matter: A chunk of worm tossed just behind the trap opening can draw fish into the trap better than stuffing the bait at its back. Smell travels upstream; bait that drifts into the opening acts like an invitation.
Trap size and design matter: Bigger traps with wider entry funnels let larger fish slip in. Smaller ones filter mostly minnows and tiny species. Matching trap design to your target changes your catch dramatically.
Time of day changes behavior: Dawn and dusk are golden. Light is low, shadows are long. Fish are more willing to wander. Midday bright light makes them skittish—so traps left out then may sat unused or full of timid fish that seldom venture fully inside.

One evening, the sky dimming, I dipped my flashlight below the surface beside my trap. Its beam illuminated tiny fins pressing against the mesh—minnows, yes—but also a couple of sunfish, even a baby pike. Light can become a magnet too, drawing curious fish toward it. After dark, I gently lifted bait from inside the trap, and the water around it boiled with interest.

Fishing this way—watching, waiting, understanding—pulls you deep into the rhythm of the water. It reminds you that every fish has its own signature behavior: some are fearless, some cautious; some driven by hunger, others by safety. And many more are sitting just outside the trap, watching the opening, deciding if now is the moment.

If you’re heading out with a minnow trap, try this: place it where current brings water into the opening; use bait that smells strong but is fresh; check often so fish don’t expire and spoil the scent; wait quietly, observe; allow surprises. Because sometimes, what you pull up isn’t just fish—it’s understanding.

May your traps bring more than bait—may they offer lessons from beneath the surface and moments you won’t forget.

Minnow Trap

Ice Fishing For Beginners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:49:00 -0500

Ice Fishing For Beginners

Hand Ice Fishing Augers Versus Gas Powered Ice Augers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:12:00 -0500

By Jeff Matura

Hand Power Ice Augers
Hand powered ice augers are the least expensive, and do a great job at cutting through the ice, especially the Strike Master Lazer. For occasional fishermen that don't log a lot of days on the hard stuff, this is probably the best choice. When selecting a hand auger you can save a lot of work and time by using the smallest diameter auger you can. The larger the diameter of the blade, the tougher a task it is to drill as you are moving more ice. So in my opinion it's very important when buying a hand auger to purchase a size of auger no bigger than it has to be.

Gas Powered Ice Augers
For those that spend a great deal of time on the ice, or fish lakes that are prone to thick ice, a gas-powered auger is the way to go. These augers can cut through the hard surface in seconds, allowing you more time to fish, and less time to rest your weary body. Being to quickly drill many holes also lets you lower your ice transducer into that many more holes in a given amount of time when you're trying to find the fish. The gas powered auger may be pricey, but they're worth it in my opinion. These augers also have good re-sale value.

Electric Ice Augers
Another powered auger is the electric auger which rely on a smaller lead acid deep cycle battery. The biggest disadvantage of an electric auger is the time required to recharge the battery, versus filling a small gas tank on a gas auger. The next issue is that a deep cycle battery looses power the colder it gets. If your looking to drill a lot of holes every time you hit the ice I would recommend a gas powered auger.

Ice Fishing Auger Size
When fishing for bluegills, crappie, and perch a 5" diameter ice auger will work for you just fine. Some ice fisherman will even use a 4" diameter auger for these smaller fish.

For ice fishing bigger walleye and northern I would go with a 7" to 8" ice auger diameter. I personally used a 7" ice auger for years when tipup fishing for northern and pulled many eight to thirteen pound northern through the 7" diameter hole without any problems.

Bottom line here is that the bigger diameter of the ice fishing auger you purchase the more work it will be for your arms or the engine to power the auger through the ice. Good luck ice fishing this winter and fish safe!

Jeff Matura has been fishing during the open water season and through the ice for over twenty years. The majority of his time fishing has been spent in the Midwest on lakes and rivers including the Mississippi River for crappie, walleye, and bass.

Be sure to visit his latest website for great deals and info on gas camping stoves along with Coleman Propane Stoves.

How To Ice Fish For Whitefish

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Ice Fishing Lake Trout

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Hunting The Giants 4, Surf Fishing Southern California

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Trout Fishing News

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Colorado weekly fishing report

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fly fishing new zealand Ashland Fly Shop Fishing Report for the Second Week of June, 2014

How To Catch Walleye

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 08:49:00 -0500

I love to go walleye river fishing. It just depends on where
you fish. River fishing sometimes takes a bit more skill.
The rewards are definitely out there just waiting for you.
That being a big lunker of a walleye. Now the secret to catching
big river walleye.

I hear a lot of river fishermen like to fish close to dams or
by river mouths during the spring fishing season. I guess you
can catch them there alright. I don't like to fish shoulder to
shoulder or crammed into a small area.

What a lot of the pros do is head further upstream about 10 miles
from the main log jam of anglers. That's where all the walleye
that haven't made it to the spawning beds are holding.

You should realize that the walleye don't all spawn at the same
time. Finding them is as easy as finding rock structure, springs
or rubble flats. Also you will find them in a deep transition
shoreline. These will be your hot spots for big walleye.

Finding the best place on a river for fishing walleye.
Look for something that is characteristic of the walleye.
Objects like sandbars, a ledge or current break are the
habitats of the spring walleye. Try not to fish big sections
all at once. Break it up into small sections. This will allow
you to more easily find those big walleye.

While fishing the deeper rivers remember that the walleye
are fighting the current as they travel upstream. They will
rest in these holes as they go.

This is a good time to use a heavier weight and a three-way
swivel with a crank bait. Just drop these down into the deep
holes.

Like I said before this is where you will find the walleye
heading upstream to the spawning beds if you don't find them
in other spots of the river.

When using baits its always a good to remember that each river
is different and so will the baits you will be using. One river
may catch them on crank baits while another will catch them on
soft baits. Still another you may need to use a jig and small
minnow. Also colors will have to be tested.

It'll help to bring along different baits for different
fishing conditions as well as the many different fishing
locations and differences.

Walleye Fishing Tips is what your looking for? With lots of great info for catching more and bigger fish. Check out Walleye Night Fishing

GoArticles - Jun 17/09

NEW ARTICLE

The size of the minnow is going to depend on the
time of year you fish the walleye. Before spawning,
a tiny minnow is best, but after spawning when
they are replenishing their food intake, you can
start using bigger minnows.

Right before winter, a larger minnow works because
the walleye are gorging for the winter months and
are going for the bigger baits.

If you find that the weather is slightly colder
on a given day, you might want to give up the
lake fishing and head to the river. Walleye will
stay on the river side if the temperature cools
down.

The river water temperatures are slightly higher
at this time and the walleye move around more
in the river water than they do in the colder
water. If you find some weed beds, you want to
try using a tub bait, which will allow you to fish
the weeds for the walleye. Using a three-sixteenths
to a half ounce jigs work s the best for this in
the river.

Some of the big river walleye fishing areas are
great for catching walleye if you know the area.
If you fish the Ohio or Mississippi Rivers, you
can fish the lock and dam. If you fish the
Minnesota or Missouri Rivers, you want to fish
off the tip of the sand bar.

Now if you decide the Des Monies River is your
spot, you would want to fish of the logjam. Now
the Red River will have a bridge hole for you to
do some great walleye fishing. Depending on the
river depends on where you will fish.

The nice thing about walleye river fishing
compared to lake fishing is that the walleye in
the rivers have fought the currents as long as
they have been there and hide out in area that
give some relief from the currents.

You will even find a walleye hovering around a
downed tree that blocks the river current as
well as some bridge abutments. Because of the
fast current you need a heavier jig, which will
give some slow down of movement. You just have
to find a spot and try for the big walleye.

Some anglers do not feel you can catch a big
walleye in the rivers, but they are wrong. Some
very nice sized fish have come out of the river.

The reason seems to be that most anglers do not
know the habitat of the river walleye and they
tend to live year after year without being
caught.

Therefore, if you want to catch the big one,
try a river walleye and you will find that you
can catch your limit everyday if you want too.

Just remember to have along different baits
for different water conditions as well as
location differences.

Removing man made scents on your hands while fishing - fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 02:26:00 -0500

How To Get Rid Of The Human Hand Scents While Fishing

It's not enough to have a scented lure. So many human smells and odors are negative associations to fish. And these smells are constantly coming in contact with your bait/lures and equipment. Here are some tips for to use on anglers hands to mask unnatural, negative scents to fish while providing proven attractants to their hands.

1. You can rub bait fish on your hands before touch fishing equipment.

2. If fishing from shore rub your hands in the sand and water in the body of water your fishing in.

3. In a boat you can use the floating grass or weeds to rub on your hands.

Try to use things of nature that are in the area you're going to fish. Doing this should help get rid of any human scent left on your hands.

Do Fish Eat Newts Bass Love Salamanders!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 04:28:00 -0500

Do Fish Eat Newts

All newts are salamanders but not all salamanders are newts

Newts as they come out of water after they are breeding they will travel up to 1km to look for food. Some of these yummy eats are worms and beetles. They like to live in damp areas on land. Its main predators of the young newts and the eggs (and a lot of other pond life) are fish. The larger predators such as foxes, grass snakes and herons will eat the adults.

Newts are used as bait for catching fish.

Newts can be trapped and used for bait or pets.

Newts are amphibious the same as frogs which big fish devour also.

You can also buy soft plastic baits that imitate a newt in different sizes and colors.

So for more information on fishing with newts click here

Fishing With Newt

Survival Fishing- The Ultimate Primitive Basket Fish Trap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 05:17:00 -0400

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_weir

The Science of Fishing Traps

Fishing is a commercial activity done at an exporting level in some countries. In other countries, fishing seems to be a leisure activity for most people. In the U.S mainly, both adults and kids love catching these creatures. In order to catch fish for export or domestic use, fishermen have to use fishing traps. These are just snares without which the activity would be possible. There are different types of traps and their major disparity is the way they are set.

Some are huge structures attached to the shores of the water body. Others are just simple, tinier structures held by hand or set from a vessel. Often, the smaller snares' other name is pots. In order to purchase the most suitable trap, you need to know what is available. A common design available includes the type that forms a barrier or a wall. In short, immediately after the fish enters, the fisherman creates a barrier that makes it impossible for it to exit.

Hence, the logic behind them is blocking the movement of any species you want to aim at. Good examples in this case include building fences, buying fyke nets and so on. The habitat fishing traps are also very common as they provide a quick hiding ground. Other popularly bought items include box, gravity, torsion, and bent rod traps. These will automatically lock when a fish enters in them. Fishing baskets are a widespread method and they are in a way that the animal would find it challenging to escape.

They are actually pot models, made of strong wires, plastic or wood. They mainly are conical in shape, but you can also find some in drum shape. These drum-like models are made of special netting that has frames and hoops. Additionally, it is possible to find box shape basket snares made of sturdy frames. Other amazing styles for catching ocean animals that often migrate on land include pitfall traps, scoop nets, rafts, boxy traps and others.

There are even styles made from tubes, such as hollow, narrow funnels. As soon as the fish enters it cannot exit backwards. Other floating styles normally held on anchors are perfect open snares. When going for shopping, few considerations are imperative. First, think about the type of fish or marine creatures you would like to catch. This would help you know the most suitable trap to buy. Further, consider how you would prefer to perform the activity.

Would you like to do it from a vessel that has haulers and winches? In such a case, you may want to consider buying simpler pot designs. If you want to try expert methods that commercial fishermen use, you might have to spend lots of money initially. Fish tackle for advanced fishing can be expensive and it is not worthwhile for a beginner. Would you like to find more information on this topic? The Internet is your best source of information and guidelines. In addition, you can buy fishing traps from an online vendor today.

G. Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from ice fishing traps [http://www.fishingtraps.net/ice-fishing-traps/] to professional basketball. Thanks for reading!

Which fish is more difficult to catch: barracuda or sword fish?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:08:00 -0400

BARRACUDA FISH CATCHING AT DEEP SEA

California Ocean Fishing - All About Barracuda

Pacific Barracuda (Sphyraena argentea), now the most common big predatory fish in Southern California, is a success story in conservation efforts. Aside from the banning of gill nets, the only efforts made to return the Barracuda to previous common numbers was the imposition of a 28" minimum size limit on these toothy game fish. This allowed almost all barracuda to breed. They get up to 4 feet long but are commonly less than 3 feet. A 4 footer will only weigh about 20 lbs since the fish is so long and thin. Most keepers are in the 6 to 10 lb class.

Barracuda occur throughout Southern California and range from the surface to deep water. Though their main haunt is the fringes of the kelp beds where they stalk unsuspecting bait fish and ambush them as they wander away from cover, they often sweep through inshore flats areas chasing schools of bait. The fertile flats areas where Sand Bass breed attract many small bait fish and of course, where there's prey, predators won't be hard to find.

Though the Atlantic (Great) Barracuda can sometimes be dangerous, the Pacific Barracuda is completely harmless in the water. They're not a threat because of their small size and habit of only striking what they can eat whole. However, some caution when handling a landed fish is in order, though. These fish are strong and have long rows of sharp teeth. Many an angler has needed some bandaging when carelessly grabbing a flopping fish on the deck. The best way to pick up a Barracuda is by grabbing just behind its head, slipping your fingers under the gill plates and holding its neck. They can be pretty slimy and hard to hold. Some fishermen use a short hand gaff made up of a barbless double trolling hook attached to a 12" piece of 1" diameter hardwood dowel. This is especially effective for those of us with "office hands."

Catching Barracuda

Successful Barracuda fishermen Barracuda are primarily a fish of the summer, but of late, they have been nearly a year-round proposition. In the early spring, they move up from their deep water haunts into the near shore areas. The fishing is spotty in February, March and April. By May, becomes consistent and carries usually at least until September or October.

Barracuda are easily caught on bone jigs or bait. They will also hit flies and top water plugs but only when they are busting the surface in mid-summer near kelp beds or when you catch a school, out in the open, chasing a bait ball. The preferred jigs are blue and white, purple and white and an old favorite of mine green and black - especially for those overcast days. You can also catch them at night when they seem to prefer shiny chrome type jigs. If there are short fish about, later in the season, single hook jigs are preferred. Often, chomping on a treble hook will do real damage to the fish's mouth. It's a shame to throw a fish back after you've mutilated it's mouth and marked it for sure death. I personally use only single hooks on all my Barracuda jigs.

Streamer flies in blue and white to simulate anchovies or in green and white to simulate sardines will be the best bet for the fly fishermen. You'll probably go through lots of flies because when these fish hit, they hit HARD and are used to killing their prey instantly with their crushing jaws. Their fight is vigorous and strong, making hard turns, shaking their heads, and in general, giving the light tackle fisherman all he can handle. An eight weight rod is the minimum and a ten is preferred with a shooting head and sinking line.

Barracuda also will take bait. Live anchovies or sardines fly lined near the kelp or sent down with a Carolina rig with a sliding sinker, is the hot ticket. Beware, though, their teeth are sharp and will saw through a mono leader with ease. Some fishermen use short wire leaders. This will result in less strikes but far fewer losses.

Preparing Barracuda

Barracuda are almost always filleted by fishermen on party boats. There's more to eat on the fish though, so I usually get them gutted and gilled on the boat then take my time at home preparing them. I often scale them and slab at home then cut the long, skinny slabs into serving sized chunks with the skin on one side - perfect for barbecuing or smoking. The kama (collar) part is also an excellent piece of meat so I save these as well. If you get the chance to get Barracuda roe from females early in the season, go for it. It's excellent!

Eating Barracuda

Barracuda are excellent table fare, too. They do have a strong fish taste like salmon or tuna so they may not be for everyone's palette, but if you like fish, you'll love barracuda. Because of their high oil content, they also are great eating smoked. Barracuda are best broiled, baked, poached, sauteed, or grilled. Deep frying is not recommended because of the oil. The roe are delicious when roasted and eaten with rice, or when simmered in soy sauce and sake (nitsuke.) The collars are best just salted and broiled.

Jeff Spira is a fishermen and writer of fishing and seamanship books. His web site California Ocean Fishing offers further insights into this fun sport and has links to online sources for his books on the subject.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jeff_Spira/129867

Swordfishing in South Florida

Southeast Florida Swordfishing - "Purple Fever"

Once you have your tackle ready to go, let us describe a typical drift out in South Florida's Gulf Stream. We are basing this drift using 4 lines. Some of your center console fisherman may be able to fish 5 or even 6 rods, but we believe 4 rods is sufficient and will cover the fathoms needed to catch that broadbill you have dreamed of. Swordfishing off the southeast coast of Florida has really taken a turn for the better. We are experiencing a fish size of 75-100lb on average. Although we are deemed to be the breeding grounds and anglers routinely catch "Pups", we have our share of three-hundred pound plus fish move through. November through January is usually some of our best months, as the water temperature is cooler. But with all good comes some bad. The seas are usually much rougher this time of year. In the summer time, we don't see as much action, but we still get our share. This is a year-round fishery and will be around for a long time as long as we don't abuse it. We ask that you please report you fish! Please report your catches and releases. We know you are not required to report a release, but by reporting that we are routinely catching the numbers, lessens the chances of commercial fisherman entering our waters. We cannot stress enough how important it is to report our catch.

We also want to practice safety especially while night fishing. We suggest that each angler on your boat carries a glowstick and whistle in his/her pocket. This way if they were to accidentally fall over, you would have a means of finding them. Another strong point is no sleeping! Cargo ships constantly are running through the swordfish grounds and if you are sleeping and they are on autopilot, trouble could be approaching. We have had some close calls to where we actually had to pick up and move to avoid a collision course with some freighters. Bottom line, if you want to sleep stay home.

Now lets fish!

Locating The Swordfish Grounds:

As you may know swordfishing takes place at night, as they are primarily nocturnal feeders. Leaving the dock in the late evening hours and coming back to the dock after midnight is the standard, depending on the time of the sunset. Calm seas have much to do with the decision of when to go out. Swordfish can be caught when it is rough or calm, but we must think safety first. The combination of a gps and good fishfinder is essential when finding good solid structure to start your drift. Off the South Florida coast, our sword grounds are generally between longitude 79-51W and 79-49W. This is roughly 15-18 miles off our coastline. A fishfinder that goes to at least 1500 feet is very beneficial; as you will see the canyons and structures that hold the bait, hence attract swordfish. *Tip - If you want to find the fish, set your fish finder range to just 100ft and you will find bait such as Tinker Mackeral or Sardines. Where there is bait, there is Sword! Swordfish are known to roam these deep depths around ridges and valleys. With the two combined units you are already ahead of the game. Radar is also an important piece of equipment, but not absolutely necessary. Once you are satisfied with your location, you want to spend the next 5-20 minutes figuring out your drift. The drift is a very important aspect. If you have heard that the bite is strong along the 79-50W line, you want to make sure you are drifting on this line. A top-notch sea anchor can work to keep you in this zone. Deploy your sea anchor off the boats center cleat for the best drift. But maybe, the bite is fluctuating from the west 48 lines to the 51 lines. In this case you would want to drift over and over these grounds. Turn on your vhf or check out our reports to see where the most action is for the night you are going out. With the proper drift you can stay in the zone all night and have baits soaking for the majority of the night. Don't be in a rush to put the baits out. Take your time and factor the wind and current and decide, "Am I going to push in shallow or out deep". Which side of the boats are the lines going to be on? How much wait should I be using to get my baits to the desired depth? How fast will my drift be? All these factors are worth considering before you turn off the engines and decide where you are going to ride out a drift.

Tackling Broadbills:Although a live bait seems ideal when setting out to catch any gamefish, don't rule out your dead baits! Bobby Boyle of RJ Boyle Studios came out with a shirt that says, "Live Bait Sux". Bobby definitely has a point when it comes to swordfish. As a beginner in swordfishing, we suggest sticking to just one live bait and the rest dead baits such as squid. You ensure a much better hookset when using a dead-bait, and your strikes will definitely not suffer from not using live-bait! Your sole livebait can be fished just under the boat around 85 feet down. It will blend in with the other baits that have congregated around your boat.

Lets discuss rigging your rods. We use mostly 50 wides, but have a few 80's that are ready for that big wintertime swordfish. A 50w is plenty sufficient for swordfish. With the invention of hollow-core braid, guys can load their 30's with the over 700 yards and be able to fish their light tackle rods for broadbills. When spooling the reels we suggest marking the last 400 feet of your line. Mark the line using waxline half stitches. This will enable you to easily drop your baits to the desired depth without having to count every time you setup. A counter can be used to count off the desired feet. If you can leave a loop in the waxline marker on your line, this would be ideal. Later on we will teach you how to tie the balloon or jug to that loop in the waxline. It is very important to make sure the waxline does not slip! Your first knot that will be used on your mainline is the popular bimini twist (about 5 ft). The knot acts as a shock absorber and is very beneficial to the rig. Take your bimini twist right to the ball bearing snap swivel and tie an offshore knot. Have this combination on all four of your rods.

Lets discuss your rigs. We first start out by measuring 15 feet of 200lb - 400lb mono leader. On the top end we crimp a loop using a nylon thimble so that we can attach it to our ball bearing snap swivel with ease. On the other end, crimp a 8/0 - 11/0 hook. Make sure the hook is very sharp, if not sharpen it. You should be able to press it against your finger nail and make a nice dent. On the hook you want to place a bridle that is used to bridle your live bait. It is a loop that is about 6 inches in diameter made out of rigging floss. Attach that bridle to the hook and you are set. Attach your live bait rig to your rods ball bearing swivel. At the swivel top circle you want to also attach 1 electralume and a flasher at your discretion. This helps to make your bait visible to the swords.

Lets rig your other 3 rods for a dead bait. A swordfish favorite is the squid. There are a number of ways to rig a dead squid, but the best method is to have the hook exposed half way down the mantle. We find this much more effective that placing the hook down by the eyes of the squid. . Once you have all four rods ready to be deployed, get out your jugs and weights, along with copper/telephone wire. Have the gaff ready to be deployed as some days you may drop the baits right into swordfish territory. We don't know how many times we seem to drop a bait right on a swordfish. Tip* If you like to take your time in setting up, that's fine. Go ahead and put out a flatline while getting your other rods ready. This way if you have a curious sword come to the boat, you atleast have a bait in the water. We have seen them come into the light on numerous occasions. If you don't have a bait in the water, most likely they will just leave.

Setting up your first Drift

Drifting for swordfish is very very effective. Providing that you have your baits staggered, your chances of catching a South Florida Sword are very good! Now that you have 4 rods that are ready to be deployed, lets get some lines in the water. Once you find your desired area to fish, shut off all engines. Here you will analyze your drift. You can deploy a sea anchor if you think you are going to need it. Once you are satisfied with the direction and speed of your drift, get the first line out. As a general rule of thumb, get your longest lines out first, meaning jug/balloon baits. Check out our forums and communicate with fellow swordfish anglers regarding everything mentioned here. You may even find out what depth the fish were biting out the night before. But a general rule of thumb is on a New Moon, you fish the baits shallower. And on a full bright moon, you fish them deeper. Tip* Be sure to have a bait at 100 feet and 300 feet. These 2 depths are critical. Once you get a bite on one, you can adjust your other rods accordingly.

With the first rod, attach the live bait rig, along with your electralume and flasher. Then take about 12 inches of telephone wire or a #64 rubber band and attach a 32-ounce weight to the swivels top circle. Wrap the telephone wire about 6 times and pull to ensure it breaks away. Put it back on and let your bait down to desired depth. For this exercise, we will go 300 feet on the first line. Once the 300-foot marker on the line comes up, attach your jug or balloon to the loop you left in the waxline using telephone wire. You can attach the balloon or jug using telephone wire or a small rubber band. Again, test to make sure it breaks away when pressure is applied by fish. Let the float out about 50-80 yards from the boat. Don't forget to put a glowstick into your jug for visibility.

Do the same to the second rod, but this time go to 200ft and let it out on the jug/balloon about 30 yards. It is very important to test different depths by the 100's. Don't forget to attach a lightstick to the jug/balloon for visibility. Once you have the 2 lines out on the jugs, lets move to your tip rods. The tip rods are called tip rods because that is exactly what they are. You will see the tip of the rod bounce heavily when a fish is slashing the bait. These rods are being fished right at the boat at varying depths. Apply the same rigs as mentioned above and set these rods at 150 feet and 100 feet. These will be your most active rods, as they are in the direct light of the boat.

Now that you have 4 lines in the water, lets get your 4ft light out and put it on the opposite side of the boat, to avoid direct light into your eyes. Turn off all boat lights and sit back and listen to your rods. Check all lines as needed. If you don't have any action within 30 minutes to an hour, start by checking your tip rods. If the baits have been slashed than bring in your balloon/jug rods and re-bait. The 4ft green light can be a very important piece of the puzzle when swordfishing. We have had bait by the dozens including bar jacks, flying fish, and dolphin come to the light. With the bait we have seen swordfish follow right behind them. When swordfishing you want to have your best game turned on. Without the light at the boat you might as well stay home. We deem this light very effective. Think about when you see a boats navigation lights about 10 miles away. Imagine a swordfish. Their eyes are enormous and we bet can see much better than we think. This could be the difference between a fun-filled night and a very frustrating night. Check out the forums for more information on the secrets and tips.
Fish On? Now What?

Once you hear the drag being taken out or you see a fish surfacing, you want to jump on that rod fast. Each rod should have a different color light that distinguishes it from your other rods. The enables you to determine which rod the fish is on. You should of had your drag set at practically nothing, just enough to keep the bait from taking off line. Get on the rod and start cranking until you get tight on the fish. Once tight, start increasing the drag until you hit about 8-16 pounds of drag. Too much drag may cause the hook to rip from the soft mouths of these fish. The hook will automatically set and you are in for a fight of a lifetime. Have a buddy put the belt on you, so you can stand up and fight the fish properly. Do not arch forward or your back will begin to hurt very quickly. Do not rush the fish. These fish get in excess of 400lbs and have been known to keep anglers on the wind for over 8 hours! Once the fish is at the boat, it is ideal to have one guy handline the leader and another guy with the gaff. We also suggest using wind-on leaders. This will help avoid the dangers of hand-lining a big fish. A swordfish has to be at least 47 inches to keep. So before hitting it with the gaff, you want to decide if you are keeping the fish or not. We recommend not keeping a fish under 60 inches. This will help the bounce back of the swordfish industry. If you do decide to keep the fish, you want to gaff the fish right in the gill plate to avoid ruining the meat. Always wear tough leather gloves, as the bill is very sharp. *Tip - Keep your hands together when leadering the fish. This will help avoid the dangers of hand lining the fish.Tight Lines,Swordfishing Central

Michael Grimm
http://www.swordfishingcentral.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael_Grimm

Bait Casting Rod And Reel

Lets Catch And Reel Big Fish

🎣 Ultimate Fishing Tools Dashboard

🎯 Fish Weight Calculator

🎯 Best Lure Selector

🔥 Will Fish Bite?

Trout Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

Top Grand River Trout Hotspots

🎯 Fergus to Elora (Tailwater Stretch)

🎯 Elora Gorge Conservation Area

🎯 West Montrose to Paris

🎯 Conestogo River (Tributary)

Best Times to Fish for Trout

Where to Buy Bait & Tackle

Trout Fishing Tips for the Grand River

Final Word

Largemouth Bass Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

Top Grand River Hotspots for Largemouth Bass

🎯 Cambridge to Brantford

🎯 Brantford to Caledonia

🎯 Caledonia to Dunnville

Best Times to Fish

Where to Buy Bait & Tackle

Pro Tips for Largemouth Bass on the Grand River

Final Word

Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River

Top Grand River Hotspots

🎯 Fergus to West Montrose

🎯 West Montrose to Paris

🎯 Paris to Brantford (“Exceptional Waters”)

Seasonal Guide

Where to Buy Bait Nearby

Quick Tips for River Smallmouth

Final Word

Walleye Fishing on the Grand River: In-Depth Guide & Expert Tips

Why Walleye Thrive in the Grand River

Prime Fishing Zones

Dunnville to Cayuga

Brantford Area

Kitchener–Waterloo Stretch

Mouth of the River (Lake Erie)

Season-by-Season Strategy

Gear & Tackle That Work

Local Insider Tips

Tributary Option

Conservation & Angler Courtesy

Final Thoughts

Northern Pike Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River (Hotspots + Bait Guide 2025)

Belwood Lake (Shand Dam Reservoir)

Below Shand Dam (to West Montrose)

West Montrose to Paris

Paris to Brantford (Exceptional Waters)

Brantford to Caledonia

Caledonia to Dunnville

Conestogo River (Tributary)

Get Your Free Pike Calendar

Grand River Pike Hotspots (Quick Guide)

Pike Fishing Tips

Where To Catch Fish Quiz

Where to Find Your Target Fish

Fish Trap (Fish caught on Camera)

Fishing / rare footage: pike attacks a dead bait / strike underwater. Ры...

Rare Underwater Footage: Why a Pike Will Hit Dead Bait

Tips on Crappie fishing from the bank!

Why Fish Behavior Changes Everything: Tips for Crappie & Pike Enthusiasts

Minnow Trap

Unexpected Thrills: Fishing from Inside the Minnow Trap

Ice Fishing For Beginners

Hand Ice Fishing Augers Versus Gas Powered Ice Augers

How To Ice Fish For Whitefish

Brown Trout Ice Fishing

Early Spring Walleye Fishing Tips

How To Catch Panfish Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing Lake Trout

Hunting The Giants 4, Surf Fishing Southern California

Trout Fishing News

How To Catch Walleye

Removing man made scents on your hands while fishing - fishing

Do Fish Eat Newts Bass Love Salamanders!!

Survival Fishing- The Ultimate Primitive Basket Fish Trap

Which fish is more difficult to catch: barracuda or sword fish?