The Keys to a Good Catch And Release Experience

  

Catch and release fishing is popular as ever. It is fishing for those who just want to enjoy the experience. The great thing about it is that it doesn't deplete the most important resource you need when fishing. Fish. While many enjoy bringing home their catch to show off for their family and friends, there are many others for whom fishing just isn't about that. For them, the experience is the important thing. However, there are certain things you have to keep in mind when you're doing catch and release fishing. First of all, you have to consider the safety of the fish. That means you have to use a rig that's as safe as possible for the fish. You also have to think about the time you spend bringing in the fish. And you have to be quick about bringing it back into the water. At the end of this article, I hope you will be better equipped to enjoy the catch and release experience.

  

The first thing you need to consider when doing catch and release is the equipment you bring. Hooks can be really harmful to the fish. That's not a big problem when you're not concerned about the safety of the fish, but with catch and release fishing that is paramount. The safety of the fish should very much be one of your primary concerns. Consider hooks that are safe for the fish. That means a hook you can easily remove from the fish once you're ready to release it.

 One of the fun things about fishing is bringing it in. It's you against the fish and the environment it lives in. You will hear many (often tall) tales about people who have to spend hours playing their prize capture. This is a game of stamina. Plying the fish is very stressful for the fish and when you're doing catch and release you should minimize the time you spend playing it. The stress you cause it can actually be lethal if you don't cut it short. 

 A lot about catch and release fishing is about time. When you finally land the fish, hopefully in a speedy fashion, you need to release it again as fast as possible. Like you, there's a limit to how long a fish can hold its breath. In fact, how long you can hold your breath is a good way to measure how fast you need to release the fish again. So, get your snapshots done, get the hook out and release the fish as soon as possible. The less time it spends on land the better the chance it has of making a safe return to its home.

  

Catch and release fishing is different from many other types of fishing. That doesn't mean it isn't a great experience. In fact, it can be a very fun experience. There's something to releasing a fish and contemplating the fact that you may hook up (pun intended) with the very same fish the next time you're out.  

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Size (of the Water) Does Matter

Fishing in a small steam is not the same as fishing in a large stream. Fishing in shallow water is not the same as fishing in deep water. This seems obvious to most experienced anglers. However, it is still surprising to see how many don't take the size and depth of the water they're fishing in into account. Things like the type of line to use, the size of your rig and how you should approach bringing in the fish. These are things you actually need to give quite a bit of thought and all of it depends on the type of water you're fishing in. At the end of this article, I really hope you find yourself better equipped to take decisions like that.

The first thing you should think about is the type of rig you're going to use. Not all rigs are equal. That goes double when you consider the water you're fishing in. In small streams, you don't want a very heavy rig. It's just not going to be as agile and flexible as you're going to want it to be. However, if you're in big streams or in very deep water, you want a rig that is tough and strong. That means you need to go with a heavy-duty rig. Some people will ask; they do it all the time, in fact, can't I just get an all-purpose rig? 

No. You can't.

Ok. Let me rephrase that. If you're happy to get average (mediocre) results in all settings, then yes. If you want to get the best possible results, you need to get a rig that fits the occasion. For deep waters and big streams that's a heavy rig. Even that is a bit of a generalization, and I would recommend you research what's been proven to work best in the waters you intend to go fishing in.

You also need to think about the line you're using. Some fish are more line-shy than others. In deep waters and large streams, you may have no choice, but to go for a heavy-duty line, but if you know you're after line-shy fish you should go as light as you feasibly can, depending on the waters off course. Again, this is something you need to do a bit of research on. It depends on the waters you're fishing in.

When you catch that fish do think about how you're going to bring it in. The water can work against you. Especially if you're in tumultuous waters, which are deep. In that case, you will need assistance to bring in the fish. Not necessarily another person, although that can be beneficial, but you might need additional support for your rig to ensure you don't lose it, and the fish. 

The water you're fishing in is something you should always consider before you go fishing. It's not going to be the same conditions in all types of waters. Your equipment needs to match the waters you're fishing in. You can't go with an all-purpose rig and expect good results.  

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Small Stream Fishing

  

Small stream fishing doesn't get as many plaudits as large stream and deep-sea fishing does. A lot of people don't think it is as challenging and often the fish aren't as big. Those who say it isn't challenging couldn't be more wrong. It is just that small stream fishing requires a different skill set than other types of fishing. Another thing you could say is that it's probably a bit more relaxed than other types of fishing. This is the type of fishing you will often see grandparents do with their grandchildren in the movies. It is a good thing to do with your grandchildren or children. However, if you want to actually catch something that's probably not a good idea. In this article, we will take a look at some of the things you need to consider when you go small stream fishing.

 First of all, you have to pick the right rig. For small stream fishing, you're looking for something that is ultra light and flexible. You need agility more than you need power. That means you have to carry less weight with you when you go fishing, and that's not a bad thing. Furthermore, if the fish are line shy you need to pick a line that is strong, but ultra light. 

 Small stream fishing may be a bit more relaxed than other types of fishing, but that doesn't mean it is any less fun. It's my go-to type of fishing when I just need to spend a couple of hours in nature thinking things over. It's a truly meditative experience that can really cleanse your mind and let you forget about all the worries of daily life. The bonus is that it often allows me to bring dinner home with me. Make no mistake, you can catch edible fish in small streams. Sure you're not going to catch one of those really big prize fish, but you can still get quite a good catch.

  

It is also an ideal type of fishing if you want to bring children. One of the big advantages is that there is less risk. Kids who might get overly enthusiastic when you go fishing with them won't be as much at risk as they will if you go fishing in larger streams. You would however, be aware that when you bring kids along you're not as likely to get a catch. Kids tend to be noisy, and that can scare the fish away. That doesn't mean you're not going to have an pleasant time out. It just means it will be enjoyable for different reasons.

 Small stream fishing gets a bad name in angling circles. That's simply not fair. It can be just as challenging and rewarding as any other type of fishing. It can also be a more sial experience that allows you to bond with your younger relatives. The key to small stream fishing is an ultra-light rig. You need something that is agile and flexible. The added advantage of that is that you don't have to carry as much weight around.  

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Maintaining Your Fishing Equipment

So, you've spent thousands of dollars on the best equipment on the market. Even so, when you go fishing you find it's turned into a bundle of knots, or that it breaks. Why is that? Is it because it wasn't worth the money, you paid for it? That's one possibility. However, there is another very likely possibility. That is that you didn't maintain it probably. Let me put it this way, would you get a Ferrari and let it rust? I don't think so. Your fishing equipment needs to be maintained just as any other piece of equipment you have. Some of the things you need to do is ensure that you clean it up once you get home. You also need to look at the line and the spin rig. And finally you need to make sure it is stored in the optimum possible conditions. After this article, I hope you know more about keeping your equipment in the best possibly condition.

Nobody likes cleaning. However, that doesn't chance the importance of doing so. A clean rig is a healthy rig. As boring as it sounds you need to clean your rig as soon as you get home. The conditions you are using it in can be very harmful. Obviously good rigs are created to withstand the conditions they are used in as best they can. However, if you think about those conditions, you will find they are very harmful to just about anything. If you're doing salt water fishing, you're exposing your equipment to one of the most corrosive substances on the planet. If you're fishing in streams, there is a good chance your rig can get in contact with branches and other things that can be harmful. The dirt and salt you see on the rig when you get home need to be removed to keep it healthy.

If you've gone fishing only to find your line a bundle of knots, you haven't maintained it probably. There are many reasons the line does that. One important reason is that you're using the wrong type of spindle for your line, or rather, the incorrect line for your spindle. That doesn't have much to do about maintenance as it does about making the right decision when setting up the rig. However, sometimes knots occur even if you're using the correct line for your spindle. Why is that? Well, dirt and damage to the line itself will cause it to turn to knots. The importance of looking through your line when you get home from your fishing trip should not be underestimated.

When you're done cleaning your rig, you need to store it in the optimal condition. The manufacturer will probably be able to tell you about the perfect condition for your specific rig. However, as a rule of thumb, keeping it in a dark and dry place is a good bet.

Why waste thousands of dollars on a rig if you're not going to maintain it? A bit of maintenance will, in fact, save you a lot of money over the long term.  

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Large Stream Fishing

Large stream fishing can be a great challenge. One of the types of fishing you can do in large streams is fly fishing, but it doesn't have to be. It really depends on what you're trying to catch. One of the most coveted fish you go for in large streams is the salmon. It is not an easy fish to catch, but it can be extremely rewarding none the less. What I want to focus on in this article is the equipment you're going to need for large streams. It is very different from the equipment you would need in smaller streams. You need the right type of rod, spindle and line, and you also need the correct bait for the fish you're going for. At the end of this article, you will hopefully be a bit wiser when making your choice of equipment.

The large stream offers a great challenge for any angler. However, no matter what type of fishing you're into the selection of bait is paramount. You need to make sure you're using a bait the fish actually want. It's no use going fishing with the wrong type of bait. It is something that will leave you frustrated and disappointed with the whole experience. Always do the research before you head out on your fishing trip. A Quick Google search on what type of bait a specific type of fish goes for is worth a lot.

The rod you use for a large stream needs to be pretty heavy. The forces you're up against are enormous. If you're using a rod that is too light there is every chance it will simply snap. For that reason, it is a very bad idea to buy an all-purpose rod and think you can cope with that. I've seen many anglers walk away in frustration after their rod snaps. Don't be one of them.

The spindle also needs to be fairly heavy duty. It takes a lot of the force you're up against and as mentioned in a large stream that is quite a bit. Don't go with a spindle that is too light you're going to end up being very disappointed. A good spindle costs a lot of money, but it's not only about the price. It's not as easy as just buying the most expensive spindle you can find. It might be created for a different purpose than the one you're using it for. If that's the case, it doesn't matter how expensive it is. No, what you need to do is find a spindle that is perfectly suited for large streams. Along with it you need a line that can take a lot of weight. If your line snaps you're going to lose your catch. The story that leaves you with isn't one you're going to want to tell your friends.

Large stream fishing can be very satisfying. However, you need to make sure you're using the right equipment. Price does matter, but is no guarantee that it can take the pressure. Look for heavy-duty equipment that has good recommendations.  

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Improving Your Odds of Catching that Prize Fish

  

Fishing, like any other activity, depends on how you approach it. There are certain things you need to do to improve your odds of success. If you don't you won't get the prize fish you're looking for. There are numerous things you have to take into account. Many of them are things you need to think about before you embark on your fishing trip. It's important that you start by defining what kind of fish you want to catch. You probably already know this, so that part is easy. However, your choice has a lot of impact on how you should prepare yourself for your trip. You also need to determine what kind of fishing trip you're going on. Is it a social fishing trip or are you trying to improve your bragging potential? If it's the latter, you shouldn't invite people along who don't know what the score is. That means wife's or kids. How do you best prepare for your trip is the purpose of this article? Hopefully, when you reach the end of it, you won't make critical mistakes prepping for your trip.

  

First things first. What kind of trip are you planning on? If it's about landing a prize fish, you shouldn't bring anybody along who doesn't know what the trip is about. If you bring your wife or your kids along, they will, quite naturally, expect the trip to be a social event. If it isn't, and you ignore them all day it's going to be a horrendous experience for all involved. No, it's far better to take them on trips dedicated to being together with them. Fishing can be an incredible bonding event between kids and their parents, but not if you plan on ignoring them all day.

  

Having decided what kind of trip you're going on it's time to define what kind of fish you're trying to catch. The type of bait you bring along depends a lot on what fish you're trying to catch. Always ensure you know what kind of bait is known to work for the fish you're trying to catch. If you try to lure in a fish with the wrong bait, you're going to have a miserable day out.

  

The next thing you need to look at is your rig. Is it designed for the environment you're going fishing in? Large rigs work well in larger streams, but in smaller streams, you're better off going ultra light. Both types of fishing have their merits. Just make sure you're equipped for the occasion.

  

Preparation is half the battle. That goes for any endeavor you set out to and it most certainly goes for fishing too. The type of trip you're going on determines what kind of equipment you should bring along as well as the type of bait you bring. Furthermore, make sure you don't go fishing with people who have a different agenda than you. If you're out to land a big one bring buddies who are out to do the same. Family trips are a totally different ball-game and can be just as fun, but it's still very different.  

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Fishing and the Weather

When you're fishing you're out in the weather. It's really hard to go on a fishing trip indoors after all. So, it's only natural to think about sunny days as the epitome of fishing weather. However, if you have any experience, you know that's not what you should be looking for. You're not interested in a shower either, so what kind of weather is optimal. The short answer is a cloudy sky. At the end of this article, you will hopefully know that you're better off with an overcast sky.

The best weather is as mentioned the overcast sky, but what are the pros and cons of specific weather types for your fishing trip.

The sunny blue sky is what most people are looking for when they know they have to spend a lot of time outdoors. The problem with this is simply that the fish won't bite. The sunny blue sky is not the kind of weather that makes fish actively bite. The reasoning is, first of all, that it's easy for them to see you coming. You don't want to give your position or purpose away, and that's just what happens on a sunny day out.

So what about rain? Well, the fish may be active, but it's not the kind of weather you want' to spend eight straight hours in. Sure you can dress for the occasion, and you should, but either way sitting there in the rain all day is hardly any fun. At all.

So that leaves the overcast sky. It has all the things you're looking for. First of all, the fish aren't going to see you coming miles away. That is always a thing you want to look for when you go on a fishing trip. The rainy day is no fun because it's very wet. An overcast sky without the rain is still fairly comfortable. Sure it can be a bit cold, but that's where dressing for the occasion comes in. It is quite simply the best fishing weather you can get.

Looking at the weather forecast should always be one of the first things you do when preparing for a fishing trip. If it looks like it's going to pour all day you should plain and simply avoid going at all. You can still have a good day out if the weather is sunny, but don't expect to catch many fish. That's not to say you won't have a great day it will just be a different kind of enjoyment. A sunny day is probably good if you want to bring your family along. They will get the fishing experience with you, and you can teach your kids about the things they need to learn to do if they want to go fishing too. However, you should also talk to them about the optimal weather conditions and explain how a sunny day is not the day they will catch the most fish.

The overcast sky, on the other hand, should make you jump with joy. It is the perfect weather for your fishing trip and any day that looks like that should be crossed off in your calendar ASAP.  

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