Author: Darren Enns

The fisherman peered out into the early morning waters, watching as the lake swell rose and fell. Fishing for him was not just a pastime, but also a way of life.

He relished coming out on these waters, and he relished outsmarting the fish. He and his friends always had a big crud-eating grin on his mug when he was posing for a photo with his latest catch, the last time being a hefty 25-pound trout.

He was just a couple hundred yards off the rocky peninsula of this tremendous lake, and he watched as his friend guided the boat out to where the trout were swimming plentifully. The tumbling mass of brackish water was like an old friend to him, and it didn’t take long for him and his buddies to find what they thought was the sweet spot, not too far away, not too close, not too cold, not too hot.

They would surely catch some trout here, the angler thought as he casted out his line, which consisted of an industry-standard popper. It was a lure recommended to him by the local bait shop, with employees whom he was on a first-name basis with. The lure plunged down on the watery wave, and from there, it didn’t take long. Not long at all. 

Very soon, the angler noticed that familiar brown shape coming up to inspect his lure. Just a moment later, this shape inhaled his lure, and his line responded by becoming taut, his rod bending accordingly. He began struggling with the trout, and he definitely needed to. It was a big one, worthy of a trophy or another great smiling picture, at the very least.

The fish seemed to be superhuman, ripping out what seemed to be hundreds of yards of his line. Yet still, the angler battled this trout monster for what seemed like an eternity, but then, there was this gawd-awful, ear-splitting crack that reverberated throughout the boat. His fellow buddies immediately looked up in a knee-jerk fashion, and the angler immediately went red in a split-second. He threw down his now-broken rod, said a few choice words cursing everyone from the line maker to the bait shop and even to the manufacturer and even his luck, and then he faced facts: he had broken his rod.

Somewhere, in the depths of this watery lake abyss, there was a trout who was going to be sharing war stories about this very event: this angler had just thoroughly broken his rod. 

Has this ever happened to you? You’re out on the water, anticipating that large catch and having your smiling mug holding that big fish, and you find a good candidate in those waters, but you just can’t get the job done because your line ends up breaking?

New technology in making fishing rods has lead to much stronger poles using materials such as carbon and fiber. fishing rods are engineered in a way that they are not likely to break as long as they are being used correctly. Each rod is printed with the amount of weight that it is designed for handling and as long as an angler sticks within that range The fishing pole should be able to handle it unless there are any manufacturers defects.

It’s frustrating, to say the least. As anglers, our knee-jerk reaction is to blame the manufacturer, blame the line, blame the rod for being defective, or sometimes even blame the fish itself. Indeed, while that fish is in their proverbial bar or other hangout hypothetically bragging to their friends about how they caused a fishing rod to break, we’re up here in a bar talking about that “nasty monster that caused me to break my rod last weekend” and probably saying a few choice words in the process.

However, are these all excuses in the end? Have you ever thoroughly analyzed some of the factors for why rods might break in the first place? Read on, my friend. Here are some of the REAL reasons why your rod might break: 

At some point, the fishing rod developed a stress point. 

What is a stress point? Well, it is a weakness that is located somewhere on your rod, yet it is very difficult, if not impossible for you to notice. Indeed, even the most experienced anglers have a difficult time determining if a rod has developed a stress point.

However, unfortunately, one of the main ways that it will be revealed that a rod has a stress point is simply through the hard way. It is only under the intense pressure of a behemoth fighting and struggling fish that these fishing rods will snap like the proverbial twig. Having that type of defect in your rod is bad enough, but there are other reasons why your fishing might break under pressure and prevent you from later on showing off that fishing picture to your work and community buddies. 
High-Sticking 

There are many different occasions where your rod will break because of a practice of high-sticking. Indeed, this is the bane of the existence of many different anglers. From the age of 10 to the age of 100, there has literally been an immense amount of anglers that have experienced this type of issue. High-sticking occurs when you are fighting your fish and you get caught up in the moment and you aim the rod at an angle that isn’t conducive to catching your desired fish (to the sky.)

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to put this except to be blunt about it: high-sticking just isn’t a good technique, and it’s led to many broken rods over the years. However, there is some good news: there are ways to avoid doing this in the future. Consider the following ways to avoid it: 

Keep the pressure on the fish, and not on yourself. 

One of the main keys to how to NOT have your rod break is to always focus on the fish and not on your rod. It really doesn’t matter how large the fish is, the key is to put as much on it as possible. The more pressure you put on the fish, the more likely the fish will get tired and give in. Of course, the one way that you tend to put pressure on yourself when you are fighting a fish is if you attempt to “lift” the fish out of the water. Always remember: your fishing rod is simply that: a rod. You should do your best not to treat it like a crane. Attempting to lift the fish into your boat almost never ends well for the angler. 

Make sure you grip the rod correctly. 

High-sticking also has a tendency to occur if you do not grip the rod correctly. If you have a tendency to grip the rod above the handle when you are fighting a fish, then you are at increased odds of suffering through a broken rod. This is because even though you are attempting to gain leverage over the fish, the opposite is actually occurring.

This poor gripping technique will actually place extra tension on the weakest portion of the rod and might make the rod angle increase toward a 90 degree angle. This isn’t good, because the extra pressure you are exerting is actually declining because of the position of your rod. In this case, the fish is actually gaining the upper hand. Naturally, in this situation you will also see the rod bend a bit more, and that will indicate to you that you are applying as much pressure as possible. However, this is a situation where the rod is not working for you. This leads us to our next point. 

Make sure that your angle is absolutely correct. 

One of the cardinal rules of fishing is to avoid fishing at a ninety-degree angle. Of course, many fishermen have been taught this way, and they pass down this less-than-perfect technique down from generation to generation. However, ask the pros and they will tell you that a much-better technique is to angle the rod at a 45-degree position. In that manner, you are usually pointing your rod directly at the fish, and you are also engaging the butt of the rod. Basically, what you want to do is use the strongest part of the rod to be able to pull the fish. However, even after you have this part down pat, there is yet another technique that could prove beneficial to you. 

Avoid lifting the rod straight up when you are fighting the fish.

Of course, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment here, and it happens to the best of us. However, make sure you avoid this knee-jerk moment where there is a tendency to jerk the rod straight up when you are fighting the fish. The one thing you want to do in this situation is to control the head of the fish. You do this by levering your rod to the downstream area of your fishing spot.

By using this technique, you will ensure that the fish has to both work harder not only against the pressure of your rod, but also against the forces of the current. On the other hand, if you do a lift that is strictly upward, you will tend to give the fish the upper hand. They will be more likely to have the ability to use the current to their advantage and push down on your rod and your line and go away from you. Is there a chance that you might still land the fish? Yes, there is. However, it is less likely this is going to occur. 

Invest in a good reel to go with your rod. 

Another way to avoid rod breakage is to give your equipment some solid backing components. For instance, even the best rod is valueless if you don’t have a good reel to go with it. When you are fishing for big game, you will need a rod that has a reel that can exert 12 to 14 pounds of pressure. Simply put, these trophy fish are tough! You not only have to worry about your rod breaking, but your line as well. Making sure your equipment is top-notch is one great way to avoid one of these fishes throwing you for a loop and off your game. 

Treat your rod with kid gloves. 

Simply put, you get out what you put in. There are all kinds of situations where a rod might develop a weakness somewhere in the design. This has a tendency to occur either in the transit or handling of the rod. Of course, you cannot control how the rod has been treated at the store or the warehouse. However, one thing you can do is to ensure that once you are in possession of the rod you do everything in your power to protect the design. Keep the rod away from damaging areas such as ceiling fans or immovable objects. Make sure you wrap the rod well so that it doesn’t bounce around in your vehicle while you are headed out to the fishing spot. If you have rambunctious kids, teach them early to be VERY careful with the rods! 

Make sure that your rod matches up well with your tackle. 

Even if you have a solid rod system, if it doesn’t match up with the tackle you’re using, it could still result in a broken rod. For example, you never should have to wonder when you are struggling with a fish, “If I pull too hard fighting this fish, will it break my rod?” This is why you need to make sure that everything is in alignment when it comes to your rod. Such things as the drag setting, rod ratings, and line weight must all match up for the species of fish you are trying to catch. For example, you shouldn’t try to fish for a large saltwater species if you are only using a 30-pound-test tackle. Make sure it all matches! If you are a novice to this, you definitely can ask your fishing professional at a bait shop any questions you might have. 

Yes, there are times where it is the manufacturer’s fault. 

Remember when I said earlier that anglers have a tendency to blame the manufacturer when their rod breaks. Well, I wasn’t trying to come off as judgmental by any means. Believe me, I want you to have a successful fishing experience, or I wouldn’t be writing these pieces. However, even though the majority of the time a rod breakage is simply due to poor technique, there are indeed times where the rod breaks because of the manufacturer’s defect. One tell-tale sign of this would be if you and your friends have a rod that is continually breaking in the same place over and over again. In that case, it might be time to try out a different brand. 

Whatever the case might be, the last thing anyone wants is to break their rods out on the lake. Study your rods diligently, and chances are this won’t happen to you ever again! Have fun out on the lake! 

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There are actually two lines out of the three lines presented that can float to some degree. Can you guess which of the two it is? If you guessed the monofilament line and the braided line, you would be absolutely right but monofilament is considered more of a slow sinking as opposed to braid which floats.

As a fishing enthusiast, chances are you are probably aware of all of the products associated with fishing. You probably know everything there is to know about such things as fishing lines, rod and reels, and the different types of bait out there.

Of course, you are probably aware of all of the different subtypes of fishing out there as well. You not only can fish with a fishing line, but you also can use such things as nets or traps. Angling with a rod or bottom trawling is also a popular activity. Indeed, the novice fisherman might quickly realize that the choices are just about endless.

Of course, most fishing enthusiasts are also aware of a practice called top-water fishing. Unfortunately, this type of fishing doesn’t always get the respect that it deserves. However, it is a very rewarding version of fishing that you will enjoy immensely once you try it.

However, you need to be able to do it right. One of the best ways to start out in top-water fishing is to select the right line. Ask any experienced top-water angler, and they will tell you that the only line that you should use with top-water fishing would be one that floats.

Even though that may be the case, there are many lines out there, and the great majority of them do not float. Here is a run-down of the three most popular lines, and a verdict on whether they float or not: 

Monofilament Fishing Lines 

The monofilament line is pretty self-explanatory in that it possesses a single, small strand of material. It will often be made of a number of different materials, but the most common one of these would have to be nylon. Monofilament has many different versions you can buy, including those with variations on the strength, the stretch, or even the abrasion resistance. This and other important attributes will definitely make it a popular choice among anglers. Of course, you can rest assured that it has other benefits as well. Consider the following: 

First of all, a mono is known for being very easy to handle.

Monofilament has a very flexible nature, bathed in limpness. This means that monofilament can be more pliable and much easier to cast than other materials. Moreover, this fishing line will work well for a variety of different fishing situations. 

Monofilament also has a great stretching ability.

It can stretch out much more easier than superlines can thanks to the materials present in them. This stretching ability also gives this material a distinct advantage over fluorocarbon because it has a much larger forgiveness factor. Are you worried about your drag sticking you or your set working too hard? If so, don’t fret, because mono will compensate for this by stretching out to 25 percent more than normal. 

The ability to stretch under pressure is an important characteristic for many fishermen simply because that ability makes it more likely that the fishing line will remain attached to the fish instead of just tearing a hole in its mouth and allowing it to get away.

Do you want to make both the hookset and the fight of the fish easier on you? If that is the case, then there is every reason in the world why you should get a solid monofilament line. 

A monofilament line also has good shock strength as well.

It will absorb energy very well, meaning that it can withstand the sudden jolt from a sudden hookset or from a particularly strong fish. This is also good if the fish keeps running into the side of the boat. Of course, when this shock strength is coupled with a larger diameter that will ultimately make this line more abrasion resistant. 

Finally, a monofilament line has a better color palette, an inexpensive design, and it has been heralded by anglers the world over for its ease of use. The excellent color palette options mean that you can easily find a color that will properly camouflage with your surroundings. The fact that it is cheap to use and easy to use also makes it a popular pick among first time anglers as well. Of course, all of these attributes are great, but does this line float? We’ll get to that as soon as we discuss the other two lines as well. 

Braided Fishing Lines 

A braided fishing line is an example that has been around for a very long period of time. This line is a bit of an unsung hero, especially considering that most young fishermen got their start using mono. However, those that have tried the braided example have been pleasantly surprised at just how much incredible strength that it has even though it has a small diameter and no stretch. There is no question that the braid line is about the most castable line you can get for the money. Of course, there are other advantages as well. Consider some of these: 

They are hard to break. 

One of the best things about these braided lines would have to be their durability. They can be used for years on end out on your favorite lake without breaking. This is probably due in part to the fact that they are made of several lines joined together. Moreover, even today many individuals view braided lines as a wise investment simply because they will straighten out the hooks, helping you to retrieve almost any of your very expensive fishing lures. It is great that these lines are durable, but it gets even better: many sportsmen have reported that even when the line gets snagged they are hard to break. 

This is a good line to use if you think you might hook a fish in a difficult place. 

If you are fishing in an area with a lot of vegetation or undergrowth, than this line is definitely for you. Besides the durability of having a braided line, this line also will help you draw out a stubborn fish if you catch it in one of these dense areas. That alone would definitely make it worth paying a little extra money for. 

This line has a longer reel life. 

Another benefit of the braided line would of course have to be the potentially longer reel life it offers to your favorite rod. This braided line has the ability to take the strain completely off of the rod, and so as long as you maintain the line, it should result in your reel lasting quite a bit longer. 

They make casting easy. 

Another great advantage of the braided line would have to be that casting is much easier. You literally can throw this line out to an extremely long distance with minimal effort, due in part to the thin diameters that the line design possesses. 

Of course, if there is any danger to using this line, it would have to be that they tend to be highly visible in the water. Unless you are persistent, this might mean that you will spook your fish a bit more than normal. 

Naturally, the $64,000 question is whether this is a line that will float on water. How about we examine the last line option though before we discuss whether this is the line that will float on water? Here we go with the last one… 

Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines 

Although fluorocarbon is one of the newest additions to fishing lines, in recent years it has become increasingly popular among anglers. This is because fluorocarbon has a lot of advancements in performance characteristics. Fluorocarbon is so versatile that many individuals will use them for all kinds of different applications. 

Fluorocarbon is definitely the most recent fishing line. However, if the name seems familiar to you, it’s probably because fluorocarbon is a description that covers many different compounds. All products containing carbon, fluorine, and chlorine will often be comprised of fluorocarbon. Moreover, products containing Teflon to Freon will also often have fluorocarbon. Of course, let’s cut to the chase here: what are the advantages of fluorocarbon for a fishing line? Consider some of these benefits: 

Fluorocarbon has a low visibility. 

One of the best benefits of fluorocarbon would have to be the low visibility it has in the water. Because light will be completely refractive passing through this line, it is nearly invisible to fish looking at it in the water. This will make it much easier for you if you want to target some of the more skittish fish breeds. 

Fluorocarbon has a high resistance to abrasion. 

With the low visibility characteristics possessed by fluorocarbon, it will give anglers the ability to use stouter test lines and be able to fish in areas with heavier cover and still be able to target fish such as bass. Moreover, this high resistance to abrasion ensures that it will be much easier for you to drag your bait literally all over your fishing spot. 

Fluorocarbon is very sensitive. 

One of the best advantages of using fluorocarbon as a line would have to be that it is very sensitive. This line will always possess more energy than mono, and it will also have tighter molecules than it as well. This is extremely advantageous to the angler because it will do a better job of telegraphing information about the end of the line to the angler. 

Fluorocarbon is waterproof. 

Finally, fluorocarbon lines are waterproof. You wouldn’t think this would be important when you consider that all lines have to be waterproof to some degree. However, this simply means that it will react in the same matter when it is on the water as it will when it is dry. It will feel exactly the same on your first cast as it will when you first apply it to your line. 

Of course, there is no question the fluorocarbon lines have a lot of benefits, but again, this isn’t answering the question: do they float on water? Well, that remains to be seen, but we will answer whether this line or any of the other lines float on water in the next paragraph. It is important for anglers to know which of these lines float on the water for a myriad of reasons, so read on to fully understand which of these lines will work best for your needs. 

Which Of The Above Three Lines Will Float on Water? 

Now we come to the major question: which one of these lines will actually float right on top of the water? Actually, this is a bit of a trick question, because there are actually two lines out of the three lines presented that can do the trick just fine. Can you guess which of the two it is? If you guessed the monofilament line and the braided line, you would be absolutely right. Both of these options will float on the water. However, now we have a new challenge to contend with: which one of these floating fishing lines is right for you? Take a look at the facts and make a decision for yourself. 

Monofilament Fishing Lines 

First of all, the monofilament line has definitely been around much longer. Thus, it will certainly be much more popular, simply because almost everyone got their start in fishing with this type of line. The reason for this is because the monofilament line is much more user-friendly than other lines, with not as many knots to master. Thus, it is much easier to teach kids about the monofilament line than other type. There truly has been many father-son quality spent on a lake where they were using monofilament lines. 

Braided Fishing Lines 

Of course, there’s something to be said about braided fishing lines as well. Yes, they can be a lot more difficult to use simply because it would take a lot more knots to master. However, many individuals swear by these braided fishing lines and insist that you can catch a lot more fish this way. Part of the reason for this is because they have a smaller diameter, giving you the advantage of being able to fit more line on your reel. Indeed, having a great casting range can definitely help you catch more fish. However, once you master the knots, don’t think for a minute that the extra casting range of these braided lines doesn’t come at a high price, for it absolutely does. 

Which one should you pick? It depends on your own personal life situation. However, both of these lines will float on the water and help you catch more fish! 

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There is no question that fishing is an enjoyable hobby and fishing for sturgeon is a challenging – yet fascinating – way to enjoy the fishing hobby.

The term “sturgeon” doesn’t actually refer to one fish. It actually means that the fish is a member of one of the 26 different members of the acipenseridae fish family.

They are commonly found in lakes, rivers, and the coast throughout the Eurasian part of the world and North American regions. Simply put, this is a very large species of fish.

They can grow to a size of as high as 18 feet, and they also can often exceed 100 pounds. Moreover, this fish often has the lifespan of a human being, with many specimens living to the ripe old age of 100 years or more.

Of course, as a fishing enthusiast and outdoorsman, this all begs the question: can you fish for sturgeon? The answer to this question is not only yes, but an enthusiastic yes at that. Indeed, whole industries have been built around sturgeon. They are often harvested not only for their meat, but also for the roe portion of their bodies as well.  This roe is often sold in specialty shops as caviar not only in shops in regions where sturgeon are often found but in retail establishments all over the world as well.

Considering that sturgeon are bottom feeders who love to feast on worms, waterbugs, snails, crayfish, and shrimp, here are some tips and strategies for properly catching this fascinating breed of fish: 

Make sure you have the appropriate tackle equipment for your sturgeon fishing experience. 

First things first. If you are going to take on the challenge of fishing for sturgeon, you need to have the right tackle. The rod and reel you use for catching a sturgeon must be very specific. For the rod, you must have a rod that will allow for the unique personality and habits of the sturgeon fish.

First of all, you must realize that these sturgeon might be large, but their bites aren’t. In fact, they are probably some of the lightest biting fish that you will encounter. Thus, you first of all need a rod that will have a soft tip so that you can feel the bite of the sturgeon without overreacting and spooking to the point that they take off.

Of course, what of salmon rods?

Additionally, you want to look for a rod that is constructed of just a single piece rather than an assembled design. Moreover, the ideal rod will usually be between 6 to 9 feet and will have an outfitted line that is durable enough for at least 80 pounds (sturgeon get very large indeed!) and line capability of at least 250 yards. 

There are a lot of people who swear by using these kinds of rods for their sturgeon fishing, but the problem with those is that they will usually only hook up the medium-sized sturgeon. What about the larger ones? Don’t sell yourself short. Instead of just using a salmon rod, go with a rod that has the capability of at least a 6 to 16 ounce lead as well as 50 to 65# lines. Most of the time, just going with an 8-foot rod will help you land the great majority of sturgeon fish. 

Make sure you get the right fishing reel.

Along these same lines, you also need a good reel as well. One of the things that you quickly learn is that when it comes to fishing for sturgeon, not just any reel will do. Ideally, you need one that will hold up well with heavy leads and will be able to withstand some large fish! Although there are many reels that will fit this category, if you are going to fish for sturgeon for any length of time, you probably would do well to invest in a reel that has been specifically designed for sturgeon fishing. 

Get the proper hook and hook size for the sturgeon you want to catch. 

Of course, the next thing you would want to do is make sure that your hooks match up with the species of sturgeon you are trying to catch. Generally, most sturgeon fisherman will want to go with a hook that is from 5/0 to 9/0. A 5/0 hook is good for one of the smaller versions of these sturgeons, and obviously the higher you go in hook size the larger the sturgeon you will be able to catch.

Of course, the right kind of hook is important as well. Generally, you will need the right color on your hook as a good starting point. Many sportsmen will often go with the red hooks simply because they tend to stay sharp as long as possible.

However, repeatedly throwing these hooks in the water will often cause them to lose their red coloring and you will then be left with a gold-and-silver plating that won’t quite be as attractive to the fish. On the other hand, many sturgeon fishermen have found just as much luck with a black hook as they have with a red hook.

They still stay sharp for a long period of time, and they are also great because they will usually retain their black coloring much longer than the red ones will. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for.

If you want short-term effectiveness, it’s probably perfectly okay to go with a red hook. However, if you want a hook that will last longer and still catch a decent amount of sturgeon, then you should go with the black, especially if you are the “slow and steady wins the race” type. 

Learn how to identify the different types of sturgeon bites you will get on your line. 

As you gain more experience in fishing for sturgeon, you will quickly learn that not all sturgeon bites on your line are created equal. For example, during colder weather, you might notice that the sturgeon are going to have a bite that is kind of slow and repetitive.

Of course, for the novice sturgeon fisherman, it can be somewhat difficult to tell whether it is a bite or simply just the tide moving your line about. However, you should focus very closely on the repetition on the line’s movement. If you are sensing a slight jerk over and over again, then chances are it is a sturgeon playing with your line. 

Alternately, if you are fishing for sturgeon in warmer weather, the main difference you will notice is that the bite is going to be much more aggressive. Once sturgeon get closer to their spawning season, there is truly a greater sense of urgency. If your rod is either tipping or dipping, then it could mean that the summer sturgeon are going after your line. 

Your actions after you feel the sturgeon bite will make all of the difference. 

Once you feel this slight bite on your line, it is your actions with your fishing rod that will mean the difference between the fish getting away and the sturgeon being reeled in. A good rule of thumb is that you should pull up on the fishing rod in order to fully secure the catch.

If you feel the slight sturgeon bite, make sure to properly yank the rod so that it will lodge squarely inside the sturgeon and give you a better chance of landing it. Moreover, you also should be sure to reel in the sturgeon as quickly as possible.

These fish can definitely be quite large, and don’t be surprised if it takes a long time to reel them in. Patience is the key here. If your arm is getting tired or cramped, if you have a partner you should consider handing the rod off to him or her. 

Some Solid Sturgeon Fishing Tips For You To Consider 

Of course, all of this information about sturgeon and how to fish for them is valueless unless you have some fundamental understanding and strategies in mind to help you in the activity itself of fishing for them. Here are just a few of them for you to keep in mind: 

Find the sturgeon, and fish for them there. 

This seems like a very obvious statement, doesn’t it? Well, that might be true, but ask any experienced sturgeon angler and they will tell you that they have seen literally countless times where novice sturgeon fishermen will stubbornly fish in areas where it is obvious that the sturgeon are just not residing or simply don’t have them at that particular time.

You see, one of the things you must understand is that sturgeon are a very mobile fish. That means they will not move to follow the tides, but they will also move to follow food and move just to simply stay comfortable. You would do well to remember that these fish will often be in an area where you would least expect them to be.

Fish in water that has a great flow. 

A good rule of thumb to fishing for sturgeon is that you should focus on areas that have a solid flow. In general, the biggest sturgeon will want bigger food, so the best place to go would be in an area of big and fast-moving water.

Go to almost any of these areas, and you will soon discover that the big fish will always congregate in the fast water and the smaller fish are more likely to be found in slower-moving water such as the side of the river or in the eddies. Simply put, big sturgeon will want big food, and about the only place for them to find this big food is in a place with a fast-moving current. 

Get the latest fishing technology. 

Another good way to find out where the sturgeon are is to employ the latest fishing technology in order to find out where these sturgeon are. Indeed, one of the best tools to use would be something like the Lowrance HDS series, the digital Hummingbird, or a Furuno fish finder.

Of course, it is valueless to have one of these units if you don’t know how to use it. Before trying to find out where the sturgeon are with it, you should definitely read the manual, take it with you to the water, and do plenty of pre-fishing practice with it. Of course, don’t just read the manual, but get to know that sucker by heart! Once you get to know how to use one of these units, they will definitely become indispensable to you in all of your sturgeon-catching pursuits. 

Keep your bait as fresh as possible. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re fishing for bass, salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon, you must always keep the bait as fresh as possible. This means probably paying just a little bit extra simply because its easier to use worn-out bait. However, you need three components in order to have good sturgeon bait.

First, you need to have the component of guts. If your bait doesn’t have any innards, it won’t be pleasing to the sturgeon. Second, you need to have plenty of blood to go with this concoction. Simply put, if your little bait fish doesn’t have any blood, it is no more than just a dead fish on a hook.

In this state, it is highly unlikely that it will attract a sturgeon at all. Third, if you are using either anchovies or smelt, you need to ensure that the bait has a slime coat. This will protect the bait from infection or parasites, which could make it undesirable to a sturgeon.

Finally, you need to make sure that all of your fish baits have a slime coat. This component is what tells other fish that they are dealing with another fish. This also tells predators such as sturgeon that they are in for a tasty meal. If the slime coat, your bait fish will be nothing more than a frozen and unappealing dead fish. 

Move around as much as possible. 

Finally, when it comes to fishing for sturgeon, it really pays off if you move around often. There is an adage among fishermen of other breeds such as salmon or bass that they “have to come here sooner or later.”

However, that just isn’t the case with sturgeon. A good rule of thumb is that if the sturgeon don’t bite for at least 45 minutes, then it’s time to try another fishing spot. 

So there you have it. Yes, you can fish for sturgeon just as long as follow some very specific strategies and know what you’re doing. We’ll see you out on the lake! 

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Ask any fishing enthusiast, and they will tell you that there are all kinds of fishing methods out there. Techniques such as netting, angling, netting, spearfishing, and even hand-gathering are the most well-known methods. However, there is one method that also merits some extra study, and that would be bottom fishing. There are a lot of bottom fishing enthusiasts out there, but of course it all begs the question: just what is a good summary of bottom fishing?

Bottom fishing can be defined as simply dragging your bait along the bottom of your given waterway or if anchored, just letting your bait lay on the bottom.

Indeed, there are many species of fish that love to frolic at the bottom of the water. Species such as the Grouper, Halibut, and the Red Snapper all flock to the bottom of the sea because they enjoy hiding and playing among the reefs. Bottom fishing is one method of catching this elusive prey.

In freshwater you can find catfish and carp as well as other species that prefer the bottom and tend to stick around there

Of course, if you are going to try bottom fishing, you need to know a little about the right methods of going about it. Just like anything else, the more diligent you are in studying this discipline, the better off you will be.

There is a huge potential for success, but you should consider some tips for doing it right. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How do you do bottom fishing, anyway?

As a beginner, that’s the first question you must ask yourself. A good and simple mental picture of bottom fishing would be fishing that is devoted to the bottom of the water. Simply put, there are many types of fish that are either quite hesitant to come up to the surface or hardly come up at all.

This type of fishing helps the sportsmen be able to more readily catch these types of fish. Additionally, one of the most beautiful aspects of bottom fishing is that it can be done on both the land and from a boat.

Although it’s only a cathartic benefit, you also get a tremendous sense of accomplishment and joy when you are smiling in front of the camera and holding up the catch from your first bottom fishing experience!

What are some of the tools that I need for bottom fishing?

Of course, you might be surprised just how popular bottom fishing is among anglers.

However, either way, you must possess the correct tools in order to do it the right way. There are several essential pieces of gear and many other optional pieces of equipment that will make your bottom fishing venture a success each and every time. Consider some of the following:

The Hook, Line, and Sinker

The first thing you will need for a successful bottom fishing experience would a hook, line, and sinker. You have probably heard the phrase “hook, line, and sinker” used as a phrase. That basically means something is a sure bet. Well, in the case of bottom fishing, it is also a sure bet that you will catch some bottom-dwelling fish as long as you look after these basic elements. Let’s look at a few of them individually:

Hooks

The hook is the first part of this three-part combination, and all three of these make up a “rig.” Hooks are ideally supposed to be circular, especially if you are going after large game fish. You will want something that is very durable simply because of the fact that you are probably going to have a fight on your hands. Other options for seasoned bottom fishermen would include “J” hooks and treble hooks, but these require setting before they can be used. Circular hooks are good because they will help you to avoid “deep hooking” a fish’s throat or gut. However, you don’t want to pull too soon or you will end pulling the hook out completely and allowing the fish to escape.

Lines

When you start talking about lines, you are definitely delving into an age-old debate. Indeed, when it comes to bottom fishing, every angler has an opinion regarding lines. It is almost as old as the sport itself. One of the first things you need to realize about lines is that bottom fishing angler has their own opinion about what the best line truly is. Some anglers have a strong preference for a mono line, while others prefer the braided version. However, there are also quite a few out there who prefer a fluorocarbon line. Consider some of the differences between these three:

Braided:

One of the best things about a braided line is that it has developed a reputation for being a line that is truly one of the strongest ones out there. A braided line has the potential to handle some tremendously huge fish. However, one of the cons to this option is that braided lines can be difficult to handle and their efficiency can also be very pricey.

Fluorocarbon:

Fluorocarbon lines are good for doing fishing around lakes, streams, and rivers that have rocky bottoms. A fluorocarbon will be a line that will give good feedback, and it has a tendency to be better for fishing in clear water. However, this option too is a bit difficult to handle, and it can be challenge to tie knots with this option. Many anglers recommend that you get a combination of at least two of these, and some bottom fishers will even air on the side of caution and get all three just to be certain.

Mono:

Sinkers

Of course, your next step to becoming a champion bottom fisher would be to invest in a good collection of sinkers. Ideally, you should have some examples that are good at maintaining a solid

weight in order to fully drop to the bottom of the lakebed. You should also be aware that these sinkers will come in several different variations, such as the following:

Egg-Shaped

These sinkers are round in shape, and one of the key advantages to using one of these for bait is that the fish are not only inclined to take them, but they also can swim a short distance with them without encountering any resistance, making this a very deceptive bait indeed. These are my personal favorite because of the way it slides up and down on the line it gives you a better feeling when a fish bites. It seems to be more sensitive. However if you want to change weights or add weight or take some weight off for any reason it is more difficult because you have to cut your line and re-tie.

Pyramid

The pyramid sinker is an option that will be characterized by a sharp tip at the end. These sinkers are popular by anglers because they have a tendency to hold the bottom and anchor it within the sand well.

Of course, all three of these sinkers are a good thing to have, simply because they all allow for different situations on different days. Don’t think for a minute that you can always use the same sinker on the same lake day after day. Why? One word: currents. At the very minimum, you will need a nice repertoire of sinkers because they possess different weights, responding to the current better.

What about using rigs?

Besides all of these other tools, one of the things that many bottom fishers love to use would be bottom fishing rigs. This is a very effective tool for bottom fishing, and some bottom fishers swear by it. Simply put, a bottom fishing rig is a specific tool that will increase the chances of landing a

bottom-dwelling fish. Indeed, there are many different variations out there, and there are quite a few homemade versions as well. However, here are some of the most common examples:

The Carolina Rig

Also called the sliding sinker rig, this device is made up of an egg sinker and it helps you properly land these fish without placing more weight on the lead and scaring away the fish. The main thing to remember about the Carolina Rig is that it is all about the egg sinker, and the other thing to remember is that this is a good rig for a beginners to use simply because it is so easy to build.

The Spreader Rig

Also known as the Chicken Rig, this type of rig is very versatile. This type of rig can cover a lot of ground with their two hooks, and many individuals use this type of rig with bank sinkers because they do an excellent job when you are fishing within rocky bottoms.

The Drop Rig

This is also called a 3-way rig, and it has developed a reputation of being a great way to fish within the surf. The 3-way rig is one of the best ways to connect the leader line, main line, and the shorter sinker line as well. The drop rig will also do an effective job of keeping your hook floating in a precise manner.

The Knocker Rig

This Knocker Rig is also called a “straight line” and it is also a very popular tool among bottom fishers simply because it allows them to feel a bit from a fish almost immediately. This is a simple barrel-shaped swivel connected to a simple leader. It will also have a bead, sinker, and leader at the end.

Tip from Darren – I love bottom fishing. Usually I use a Carolina rig with an egg weight and cut anchovies when I fish for striped bass on my local freshwater lake. I just let my line drop until it hits bottom and then crank it up a couple of turns. Also when I have gone on day fishing trips off shore in Florida I have used the same method with success.

What Kind Of Bait Should You Use?

Of course, this all begs the question: just what kind of bait should I use? Well, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Of course, you will get all kinds of opinions from the bottom fishing hobbyists among you. However, many individuals have found some incredible luck with utilizing dead bait. Such items as menhaden, mullet, sardines, or cigar minnows all can be used effectively just as long as you let them sink to the bottom so that it will effectively fool the larger fish you are looking to catch.

Live Bait

Of course, the other option is always going to be live bait. Is this a bit more challenging? Sure. However, once you gain a foothold in the disciplines of the proper care and management of live bait, you will soon realize that the rewards can be immensely greater than simply using dead bait. For example, if you are after larger fish, using live bait is just about the only way to go. Moreover, using live bait is also good because at times you will have to catch it yourself. There are many times where the pure fisherman will get just as much enjoyment out of catching the bait as they do in using the live bait for catching the bigger fish.

Lures and Jigs

Finally, another effective measure for catching large bottom fish would be through the use of lures or jigs. These items come in many different sizes and shapes, and it does take a large element of skill. It will take some practice and some experience in order to do this right, but there is no question that your sense of accomplishment will be that much more immense when you are holding up your latest fishing conquest and getting your picture taken!

Where Should I Bottom Fish?

Of course, this all begs another question: where can you bottom fish in the first place? The first step you should take is to strongly consider your location. Bottom fishing is different from a pier, and it is different when you are doing from a surf. Additionally, it is an entire world differently if you decide to bottom fish from a boat. Let’s take a look at each of these bottom fishing challenges individually:

Fishing From a Boat

Let’s look at bottom fishing from the boat. This can be the most rewarding way in order to fish for this bottom game. Moreover, there are at least a few different ways from fishing from a boat:

Anchoring Your Boat

One of the best ways to fish from a boat is to find a productive spot and then simply anchor your boat and fish from there. You can even use twin anchors to guard against the drawback of currents as well. Of course, one downside to anchoring your boat is that it can spook the fish and make them go elsewhere. However, you will know soon enough if that is the case.

Drifting With Your Boat

If you want something a bit more challenging, you can keep the boat moving. However, there are many advantages to keep a boat moving with the current. One great method is to go ahead and fish with live bait while the boat is in motion. Many have done this with great success.

You can also fish from the shore, even though this can be a challenging method. Ask other fishing

enthusiasts how they go about doing this. Fishing from the surf is also an option, but be aware of the fact that it is diametrically opposed to fishing from the pier even though they might appear similar.

Whatever route you might take, you will be able to catch all kinds of fish as long as you are diligent with it. You will be having your photograph taken with your next catch in no time!

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If you have been fishing for any length of time, then chances are you are always on the lookout for a new challenge. Well, fishing for trout will always fit the bill, simply because they are one of the smarter breeds of fish. Of course, when it comes to angling for any type of fish, there is always the age-old debate: which is better, live bait or lures? Of course, if you have had success with the latter on other species of fish, you might be tempted to try lures with trout as well. In the case of trout, that would often be a mistake on your part.

First of all, trout have a tendency to thoroughly feel out any of their food before they totally go for it. Once they realize that there isn’t any “there” there, so to speak, they will definitely pass on your lure.

Secondly, lures are usually more expensive than live bait. Third, lures can get snagged on underwater structures such as moss, seaweed, reeds, and the like. Finally, in colder waters, the lure just simply won’t be as effective as live bait.

So, why is live bait best for catching trout? One word: smell. That’s right. Trout are very adept at using their sense of smell to find your live bait. This is why it is advantageous for you to use live bait for fishing for your trout; even in muddy waters, you have a better chance at landing a trout than you would with a lure. Keep reading to get several ideas of what live bait to use.

Of course, now that we have established that you should use live bait, you are probably what kind of live bait you should consider. Here are some options for you to take a look at: But firstly, if live bait is not an option, check out my favorite dough bait and lures for catching trout HERE on my Fishing resources page.

Worms

I usually buy worms at WalMart Sporting goods department. they have a refrigerator.

Perhaps one of the best natural bait that you can use for trout fishing would have to be worms. Nightcrawlers, reddish wigglers, garden worms – it really doesn’t matter what you call them.

Simply put, a worm to a trout is very much like putting a big, juicy steak in front of a human being. Much like some of us at our favorite steakhouse, a worm is simply too much for a trout to resist. Moreover, there are a lot of advantages to using traditional worms to catch your trout.

First of all, worms are easy to obtain. Ask any fisherman, and they will tell you that you usually only have to go to your nearest convenience store to find them. Generally, a bait worm will usually only run about $35-$40 per pound, which in all honesty is less than a dinner out for the family. Moreover, you can also buy many of these bait worms from online outlets such as eBay, Amazon, and PetsMart.

Additionally, bait worms are easy to store. If you only have a few to keep, you can simply place them in the refrigerator. You should put them in a decent box and then occasionally place some water droplets for moisture and some coffee grounds for food.

Alternately, if you have a larger amount of worms, you could put them in a box outside and they might multiply for you, which will save you money on bait in the long run.

Of course, once you place your worm on your hook, it might be wise to give it a little shake if the water is muddy. However, as mentioned before, this is really up to personal preference. Again, it isn’t necessary to do this because the fish will often smell the worm as well.

Naturally, before you get to this point you need to understand the proper placement of your bait worm. For starters, you should designate a hook from as high as number ten to as low as number six so that the fish will be able to capture the bait.

These types of hooks are designated as bait-holder hooks, meaning that they latch onto the worm as firmly as possible. Obviously, you want the worm to stay on the hook. Make sure that the worm is properly threaded on the hook with dangling ends, and you should have plenty of success with your trout fishing.

Wax Worms

Wax worms are an extremely underrated item to have in your trout bait arsenal. Unfortunately, there isn’t much literature on this type of trout bait, but that is a shame simply because there are all kinds of trout enthusiasts who swear by this bait. Why is this little insect one of the best trout enticements on the market today? There are many reasons why, but first you have to understand just what a wax worm is.

The bait supply company will usually construct the wax worm trout enticement by fashioning it through a slip-sinker rig similar to one for nightcrawlers. Then, you will need to impale about four of these wax worms on the midsection of a hook, making sure that the end parts of the wax worms continue to wiggle so as to entice the trout.

You will often want to add a miniature marshmallow to this trout confection, squishing just above the bait to make it an irresistible treat for your would-be trout catch. Additionally, the marshmallow will keep your wax worm bait afloat so that it stays off the bottom of the river.

There is no question that wax worms are starting to develop a loyal fan base among fishing hobbyists looking for the most effective trout bait. Part of the reason for this is not only because this bait is highly underrated, but because wax worm bait presents a whole host of advantages. Indeed, traditional live bait and artificial lures just cannot compete against this method. Here are some reasons why:

Just the Right Color

Wax worms have an appealing bright white color, and that makes them much easier for the trout to spot than other bait choices. Along these same lines, the wax worms are a great option for those who are fishing in muddy, murky, or swampy water because they will readily stand out against the dark mud.

A Great Anatomy

The wax worms have a unique anatomy that is composed of much more fatty tissue than regular convenience store lake worms. This means that there is an increased likelihood that a trout will bite your rod. Like other creatures, they too crave something different from time to time, so you can definitely use that to your advantage!

A Long Storage and Life Expectancy

One of the best things about wax moth larva is that they can last up to a month as long as they are properly cared for. Moreover, they do not require any type of feeding like other typical trout bait options do. You can easily help this bait reach their full potential simply by keeping them cool. This is definitely a bait that doesn’t care for the heat. Finally, you also should take particular care to wipe away any moisture they might be encountering while they are in storage.

As long as you are diligent in taking care of this type of bait, they will definitely reward you when you are on the lake. This bait is not only fantastic at helping you catch trout, but also salmon, panfish, and bluegills.

Crickets and Grasshoppers

Of course, another type of bait you could try in order to increase your trout-catching prowess would be either grasshoppers or crickets. First of all, let’s look at grasshoppers. They are a venerable treat for most trout simply because they possess a lot of protein that the fish needs in their diet. Grasshoppers are a river-dwelling land insect that will simply be irresistible to a trout. One of the best times to use a grasshopper as trout bait would have to be in late summer, simply because that is when the grasshoppers are reaching their prime growth development. Additionally, one of the best advantages to using grasshoppers as bait is that the ones you simply catch by the river are every bit as good as the ones you purchase at a bait shop.

Grasshoppers are one of the most appealing for trouts out there on the market today. If you are going to use live grasshoppers for bait, the best way to do it would be to thread it on split shot ring through a small hook and then ever-so-slightly submerge it in the river water. If you “drown” the grasshopper in this manner, you will have a much better shot at catching some prime trout. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes of grasshoppers. Don’t be surprised if you have better success with a mid-sized grasshopper than with one of the largest ones.

Finally, grasshoppers (also called “hoppers” in fisherman lingo) is a great way to help the beginning trout sportsman. As long as you are in the right spot, fishing with a grasshopper will almost guarantee you to get a few bites from the fish.

Crickets

Of course, even without grasshoppers, crickets are a related insect that you can try as well. Crickets are good because they are attractive to trout all summer long and not just part of it like their grasshopper counterparts. Additionally, crickets have the ability to float on the water for a slightly longer period of time than grasshoppers.

Unfortunately, one of the reasons that many anglers overlook crickets would be because they can be difficult to bait on the hook. Although one of the most common ways to bait a cricket on a hook would be through piercing the skin of the cricket, this will often put a hole in the exoskeleton and paralyze the cricket. If you are going to bait your cricket this way, it is best if you have a large supply of them because they will not live long and trout respond far better to live bait.

Another way to bait a cricket on a trout hook would be to loop your cricket around the bait thread. However, you have to be very precise, otherwise, you will either crush the cricket or ultimately spook the trout too much.

Nymphs and Other Types of Larvae

Another type of live bait that is great to use would be water nymphs and any other type of aquatic larvae. This is because these types of insects are very much a staple in the trout’s diet throughout their life cycle. They love to munch on them simply because they are a necessary part of a healthy trout’s diet.

One way to catch these larvae would be to employ the use of a small mesh dip net or wire screen and hold it downstream. You should work on turning over rocks and rub your hands across the bottom of the rocks.

This will dislodge any larvae and nymphs you might find and they will be mildly swept across the current and into the net. Once you pick them off, you should quickly store them in a designated container that has some wet vegetation.

Of course, you would do well to understand the various types of larvae bait out there. First of all, there is the hellgrammite larvae; these are centipede-shaped bugs that live under the rocks found in clear streams.

Once you get ready to use them for bait, you should place your hook just under their collar just below their head, but do be aware they might try to fight back with their pincers.

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Caddisfly larvae

Another option would be Caddisfly larvae; this bait is often also called case worms or stick baits. These small creatures are actually very resourceful, often building a refuge of sand, pebbles, or plant fragments in order to protect their fragile worm-like body. You can often find these insects along the riverbank, and many anglers will usually remove their casing before casting it out into the water. However, hungry trout have been known to eat them even with the case attached. You should use either a 12 or 14 hook to attach them.

There are also several types of fly larvae that you should give a shot. For example, stonefly and mayfly larvae both make excellent trout bait simply because they are a fairly tough option that will last a long time on the hook. You should look for them in a cool stream environment and rest assured you collect them just as you would any other bait.

Dragonfly and Mayfly

Finally, dragonfly and mayfly bait is a solid option that you can easily find in stream backwaters. They often will make their abode in a large leaf pile or some debris. Use a dip net or seine net to collect them, making sure that you store them in a container with leaves or moss.