Category: Fishing

It’s the old saying that fishermen and women have passed on from generation to generation, the old sage question that many men have asked over thousands of years of being residents on this planet: are the fish biting? We as anglers, when mastering our craft, have taken to always finding what the fish are biting on today, but when does the biting stop? Is it possible for one of those slippery little buggers to slip free and leave a visible battle scar to show off to your buddies? How dangerous can a little trout be?

     Let me clear the air of any future misconceptions right here and now: Trout have teeth, and they know how to use them. Yes They can bite or at least flop around trying to get away and slice a cut in your fingers.

A nice day down on the riverside, tossing in a line, sipping a cold drink and relaxing as the sun sets over the water sounds like the perfect way to spend a great day outdoors, that is, until it’s time to pack it in. You reach into the shallow water to find your silvery stringer wriggling as each fish strung to it fights to be freed. Just as you pull each trout off of the stringer, one decides it has a little bit of fight left, slipping just out of grasp and sinking sharp, finely pointed teeth into your hand, a perfect day bloodied at the jaws of a rainbow trout.

This whole scenario I just played out happens more often than you’d think, and not a lot of people know to watch out for these kinds of dangers when fishing. Fish are wild animals, and any wild animal, when caught, will naturally fight tooth and nail to escape and be turned loose, with no thought of the physical repercussions it can have on the fisherman trying to collect their catch. Levels of aggression range among varying species of the trout family.

For example, according to a study conducted by the United States Geological Survey, “To evaluate the potential for negative interactions among these species, we tested aggression in laboratory aquaria using three-species and pairwise combinations at three densities.

Treatments were replicated before and after feeding. During the three-species trials Rainbow Trout initiated 24.8 times more aggressive interactions than Cutthroat Trout and 10.2 times more aggressive interactions than tiger trout, and tiger trout exhibited slightly (1.9 times) more aggressive initiations than Cutthroat Trout,” (pubs.er.usgs.gov) 

     When trout fishing, it’s important to note that trout can be extremely aggressive at times, and anglers must be prepared for that. The fight between the fish and the fisherman doesn’t stop when the fish leaves the water, because if there’s one thing for sure, that trout’s not going easily. As stated before, trout have two very finely-sharp rows of teeth known as “vomerine” teeth down the top of their mouth.

The purpose of these teeth is to allow the trout to grip its prey firmly between its strong jaws, then help to move the prey down the throat all in one big gulp. Smaller trout in the 16-inches-and-under range are typically pretty safe to grab by hand, assuming you’ve already wet your hands, but as they grow stronger and heavier, prominent teeth start to take shape on either jaw, and protective gloves are usually recommended when handling large trout by the mouth. Despite their soft constitutions and delicate nature, trout tend to fight as hard as they can for as long as they can.

Trout are a stubborn species to fish, an evolutionary trait that has made them very strong fish in a very strong gene pool. Their sharp teeth are viewed as a defence mechanism of sorts, as well as handy tools for chomping down bugs and worms, but what do you do when one decides to take a bite out of you instead?

     For starters, you should always carry a first aid kit with you during any outdoor outing, regardless of the activity. If you’ve been bitten by a trout, the first thing to do is to make sure that it can’t happen again. If the fish has the ability to bite again, chances are good it will do so. After handling the situation safely and after placing the fish either on the stringer, in the cooler, or back in the water, always make sure the fish is secure in any instance. Next, you’ll need to evaluate the damage done. If the affected area is still bleeding, apply pressure to help stop the blood flow.

After checking the severity of the bite, rinse the cut thoroughly, making sure that any blood, dirt, or other debris is being washed off of the cut to prevent infection. It’s very important to remember to disinfect any bite wound, especially from a fish, with a strong disinfectant solution because of the threat of contracting sicknesses and diseases through direct contact with the fish. One such example is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA or, in the fishing world, “fish finger.” MRSA is a superbug, a bacterium which has proven to be resistant to and resilient against antibiotics.

MRSA has been known to exist on the skin of trout and even in the water in certain areas, and should not be taken lightly. These health risks make it incredibly important to know what to do in case an incident occurs. After any hypothetical injury has been cleaned and thoroughly disinfected, the next step is to dry the wound with a clean towel and then carefully cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze, depending on the severity and the location on the body where the bite occurred.

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     Most of you might be reading this right now saying, “Seriously? I’ve never been bitten before, why should I worry about it now?” Well, friend, the Boy Scouts have said it better than anybody for the last 100 years: Be Prepared. Fishing with your close friends and family can be a great experience you won’t soon forget, but with the snap of a finger and the bloody bite of a big old rainbow trout, your day of fun in the sun can turn really sour really fast.

Although it may be hard to imagine something like this happening to you, that’s exactly why you should be ready just in case things take a turn for the worse. So always remember to be careful when handling those aggressive trout with sharp chompers, the fish might not be the only thing you catch.             

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There are literally millions of people throughout the United States and even the rest of the world who enjoy the National Football League. At the same time, there is also an immense amount of people who enjoy the sport of fishing. What if you have someone who enjoys both? In that case, the perfect gift would be some of these fishing lures that act as both a lure and they also are decorated with the fishing hobbyist’s favorite team! Here are some of the most notable advantages for those who enjoy both fishing and the National Football League:

They offer the best of both worlds, Fishing and Football

If you are the fan of a team that has a particularly rabid fan base, this would be a great gift for you. For example, if you are a Dallas Cowboy fan, then chances are you would have many different opportunities with your fellow fishermen that also share your love of that team. Naturally, let us not forget that legendary Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson is an avid fisherman as well. Johnson actually owns part of a luxury resort within the Florida Keys called Fisherman’s Cove. Either way you look at it, you will definitely be in good company!

They could become part of a nice pre-game superstition for you and your preferred NFL team.

Let’s say you are a fan of the Washington Redskins. If that is the case, then you should be aware that there are many different fishing lures available with your team’s unique logo on that. Additionally, if you are a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, then you are probably well aware of the multitude of different fishing spots available in this location. If you want the most famous spot, you would probably have to go with the Potomac. However, don’t forget about the possibilities of fishing in Rock Creek, the Chesapeake River, Sligo Creek, and many others! One example of a great tradition that you could start would be that every time your Redskins play a home game, you could fish in one of these rivers with your lure! It would not only be a great “good luck charm, but it would be a great term of endearment for you and your sports and fishing buddies.

They could become a valuable part of a sports display.

Ironically, you don’t even have to use these as fishing lures at all if you don’t want to. This is because these uniquely-designed NFL fishing lures can become part of a unique sports trophy case or display that highlights just how you feel about your NFL team. Every sports display case will have its own charm and unique theme. For example, if you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you might have several different pictures of some of the greatest Pittsburgh Steelers to ever play the game, such as Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger, “Mean” Joe Greene, and Franco Harris, among many others. However, don’t forget to have some artifacts that pay homage to just how unique the logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers truly is. Having an NFL Steelers fishing lure in your case is a great way to showcase that logo!

Having your own NFL fishing lure is great for bragging rights.

As a fan of NFL football, there is nothing you love more than to brag about your favorite team. You love telling people about all of the best players your team has had, the greatest games they have played, or even telling them about some of the lesser-known facts about the team. When it comes to your NFL team, you truly know everything there is to know. You even enjoy talking with others about some of the unique logos your team has had over the years. What better way to do this than to show off this unique Amazon fishing lure that features your team’s current logo? This fishing lure would also serve as a great segway into a conversation comparing each of the logos your team has had in the past, which ones were the best and which ones you didn’t care for, and so on.

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Your NFL fishing lure can lead to some great family bonding.

When it comes to following your favorite NFL team, you probably remember all of the excitement from an early age. You probably remember the uniforms, the players, and yes, even the cheerleaders! Who was it who introduced you to all of these exciting moments that you still have such fond memories of? Chances are it was your father or some other significant male figure in your life. You want to keep that tradition going in your family, and one of the best ways to do that would be through passing down your treasured NFL fishing lure. It will not only become a family heirloom, but it will also become a symbol of the many remarkable memories that you and your progeny have created while rooting for your team.

This NFL fishing lure will be a great item for you to take with you to the stadium.

When you go to the stadium to cheer on your favorite NFL team, you often want to show off. No, maybe you don’t get quite as extreme as your fellow fans that like to put on the war paint, but you still want to show your support. Bringing this NFL fishing lure to the stadium is a great way not only to show your support, but it is also a good way to do so in an unassuming manner. Who knows? Maybe you will even make a few new friends with one of these NFL fishing lures!

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Finally, you can brag about the NFL fishing lure itself.

Naturally, there is nothing wrong with bragging about your team, and there is nothing wrong with you bragging about this unique NFL lure. However, you also can brad a about the lure itself. For example, you could say that the NFL team logo on your lure gives it the “magic touch” that helps it attract and catch more fish than just a standard fishing lure.
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All of these are good reasons why you should definitely consider getting one of these NFL lures. It will be a great addition to your NFL collection!

If you take a gander at your aquarium, there is no doubt that you will be introduced to a world of wonder, a universe where the more you study it, the more questions you will come across.

Of course, the most common questions that will come up are, “how big will the fish get?”, “What will a certain breed of fish eat?”, “Are these fish going to be territorial?” and so on.

However, the questions soon get even more bizarre, but every bit as intriguing. Try this one on for size: “How do fish sleep?” That, my friends, is a good question. Take a look at some of these interesting facts:

Yes, fish do sleep, and they do it for a considerable amount of time.

First of all, let’s get this out of the way right now: yes, fish do sleep. And yes, they will do it for a long amount of time. Generally, a fish will require up to nine or ten hours of sleep per day.

Of course, here is another question: why do we not notice them sleeping? Well, it’s simple, actually.

The reason is that they do not have eyelids. Unless you are Anne Ramsey from “Throw Momma From the Train”, (I know, I know, I’m showing my age, but I digress…) then you realize that most human beings will close their eyes when they sleep.

This isn’t true when it comes to our aquatic friends. Naturally, this is why this is such an intriguing question in the first place, simply because it appears that fish are always awake because their eyes are always open!

Moreover, it often varies with the breed. For example, many goldfish will actually sleep for up to 12 hours per day.

On the other hand, many cave-dwelling or deep-sea fish will sleep little if any at all simply because they have limited eyesight and have no need to do it. All right, with that in mind, let’s take a look at certain notable breeds:

What about trout? Do they sleep?

The short answer to this question is yes, they do indeed sleep. However, the answer to this question is going to get just a bit more convoluted when you consider all of the specific situations that might involve trout as a breed of fish.

First of all, there is a sharp difference between trout that are being kept in a fish tank and trout that are out in the wild. Wild trout will usually have to get more creative than their aquarium-dwelling counterparts.

For example, trout in streams will usually have to find a place where the current is not quite as quick. This often means going behind a boulder or looking for a bend in the riverbed. Additionally, when a trout needs to rest, they might find a place that is fairly deep simply because that is where the current will be slower.

Likewise, trout that are in aquariums will usually descend down to the bottom of the tank when they need to rest.

Well, how about beta fish? Do they require sleep?

Of course, not everyone is into trout as their mainstay. If you are more of a beta fish enthusiast, you are probably wondering how they go about getting their rest.

Well, with a beta fish, sleep is a nighttime occurrence much like it is for human beings. Because bettas are mainly active during the day, they will the great majority of their sleeping at night. No, these fish will not lose consciousness like their human masters. Instead, they will simply find a place to take a time-out like that of other fish species.

Of course, it might appear to the untrained eye that they are merely just relaxing in the water. Interestingly enough, betta fish also have a tendency to take short naps during the day. If you notice your betta fish simply laying down at the bottom of their fish tank, chances are they are taking a quick nap!

Finally, do goldfish sleep?

Naturally, one of the most well-known and popular aquatic pets in the world today would be the goldfish, so this all begs the question: do they sleep? Yes indeed, as mentioned previously, they sure do. Goldfish will behave much like other fish do. They won’t lie down or engage in REM sleep as humans do, but they will become less active even though they are still moving around.

So yes, it doesn’t matter what fish it is, nine times out of ten, they will indeed catch some z’s just like their human owners.

What does fish tank behavior look like when they are sleeping?

When a fish decides to go to sleep, it has already been noted that they will look differently than humans would. First of all, fish will still appear to be awake. They will not lay down like humans will, but one of the ways you will be able to tell that your fish is sleeping is because their activity will start to slow down.

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Insofar as tank behavior goes, they will usually settle at the bottom of the tank and move about very slowly.

Moreover, they will often crave some sort of privacy. They wil find an area of your tank where they will be free of prying eyes, such as wedging themselves into the sand or behind some rocks.

Additionally, even though a goldfish might appear to be fully awake, they will seem to be in “suspended animation.” You will still see their fins flapping and their gills breathing because they need to move around and breathe.

However, that is about the scope of their behavior while they are resting. Simply put, if they are moving slower, then chances are it means they are asleep.

Do fish remain still when they are asleep?

Of course, this will beg the question for some: do fish remain still when they sleep? For most breeds of fish, the answer to this question is, of course, yes and no.

As noted previously in this article, a fish will often still move around slightly, but the big difference between their sleeping period and their awake hours is that the fish will appear to be “day-dreaming.” This is because their metabolism will dramatically slow down during their sleeping periods.

Finally, interestingly enough, there are breeds such as the Parrot Fish that will surround themselves with a cloud of mucus while they are resting.

As you can see, fish are fascinating creatures, and while it is not readily apparent that they sleep, they definitely do. It might take some observation, but you will be able to realize when your favorite fish is sleeping soon after.

what about you? Do you have any thoughts about seeing your fish sleep that you would like to mention? Let me know in the comments below.

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     When fishing from the docks, a fisherman has quite the unique challenge: get the fish from the watery depths of the lake to the hard wood of the dock without taking a dip and grabbing it yourself. Those who choose to fish from shore or the docks are, quite unfortunately, stuck right where they are.

Whether fishing at night or during the day, fishing off of the pier or dock is no easy task, and landing a keeper can be even harder. While some fish like to skim the surface for bugs and flies, catching big game fish is rarely ever as simple as tying on a topwater.

To catch these monsters, one must search deeper.  Wherever you are in the United States or the world, all real anglers know that the key to getting on the big fish is simple: get on the small fish first.

Getting down and dirty with a huge mess of striped bass stacking up on the boat is the dream of just about any fisherman and woman out there, but with the right know-how and the proper materials, you could be breaking your own personal best record much sooner than you’d have ever thought you could.

Using congregated bait fish to your advantage can mean the difference between getting schooled and getting the whole school. Here are a few things you can do to get those little buggers to bring the big game fish right to you, try to keep up.

Underwater Lights

Fishing with underwater lights is a relatively newer advancement in the world of game fishing, but they have proven to be extremely effective with fishermen all around the world.

Before their time, anglers of old would build small fires on their kayaks and canoes as a way of using light to attract fish to the surface. Now that we’re in the 21st century, our technology has advanced to a point beyond anybody’s imagination, and fishing technology is no exception. The way these lights work serves multiple purposes.

These ultra-bright underwater LEDs emit green/blue light into the water when lowered or mounted to a dock beneath the surface. The green and blue light frequencies travel better through the water than white or red light, giving the device the exposure required to reach the desired effect. As this light travels through the water, it illuminates and reflects light off of microorganisms and other microbes, catching the eyes of smaller bait fish seeking a late-night meal. The ensuing feeding frenzy makes for an enticing sight when the big, nasty stripers ease their way out of their hiding spots for a chance at a midnight bite.

When these light fixtures aren’t attracting smaller fish, they can even draw some game fish directly to them as well. In fact, through consistent use over time, game fish will actually begin to recognize the location of the glow light as a good spot to find food, meaning that that next big fish will come for the lights and decide to stick around  While these lights are incredibly useful for nighttime fishing, they are much less effective during daytime outings when it is far too bright to consider using.

When it comes to brightness, the more the merrier. Several brands sell their own take on the underwater fishing light game, but one of the most reputable brands and models out there for those looking to dip their feet into light fishing at night is the TIMRAINN 1200 LM.

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In terms of price, this powerful beast will set you back less than $20.00 and is sure to catch plenty of attention with the flip of a switch. Despite having to use them at night, underwater fishing lights work far too well to pass up. If an ultra-bright LED can’t catch the eye of a great big bass, almost nothing else will.

Chumming

     This one’s a bit more complicated, so just sit tight. Chumming is the process by which an angler will take the discarded blood, fins, head, scales, and other bodily remains of a previous catch and throw this “chum” back into the water to attract other fish.

Chumming, when legal, can be a very effective tactic when trying to draw in game fish, and it also puts to use the remains of another organism, returning it back to the ecosystem where it can be eaten and decomposed by other living creatures. Chumming, as a method of fishing, is typically seen practiced in ocean waters with fishermen off the coast, however chumming is not limited to ocean fishing.

Freshwater anglers can still use the scent of prey to lure in predator species like bass, walleye, pike, gar, and countless other species. When chumming, it’s best to create a mixture of fish guts and oils that will carry the scent of blood and fish innards through the water as quickly as possible, hoping to catch the attention of whatever lurks below.

To fish, smell is key. Most people probably wouldn’t know this, but fish actually have a very strong, finely-tuned sense of smell that helps them navigate through the water, as well as find food. These noses are not easily-fooled, and chumming doesn’t always work on the first try.

It’s a process that must be repeated in order for the fish to recognize the area as a place to eat. Freshwater fishermen have also been known to throw out handfuls of kernels of corn into the water as a way of chumming and causing a feeding frenzy as well, however corn can be extremely destructive to aquatic wildlife if used in excess. Some states like Utah and Idaho allow anglers to use corn as bait, but prohibit its use as a way of chumming in freshwater tributaries and river systems.

There is a catch to this method of attracting fish (no pun intended), as chumming is not legal everywhere you go. It is very important for all anglers to read and study up on the rules and regulations wherever they decide to fish in an effort to avoid hefty fines and harming the surrounding environment. In some freshwater lakes and rivers, chumming has been banned in the hopes of keeping diseases that accumulate in dead fish carcasses from spreading to the rest of the fish in the ecosystem.

Keeping the natural environment as untouched and pristine as possible is a goal most people strive to reach, and “leave-no-trace” rules like these are put in place as a safeguard for anglers and marine life alike.

De-Icers in Winter

     During the bitterly-cold winter months, ice and snow take their toll on the lakes and rivers, and finding a good spot to drop in a line can seem like an impossibility. When ice layers are almost a foot deep, and it looks like your day of fishing is over, never fear, de-icers are here to save the day.

For those who don’t know (or are fortunate enough to live where the cold weather conditions aren’t too overwhelmingly harsh), de-icers are devices that can be placed in a pond or lake that creates movement in the water, preventing the surrounding area from freezing over. This little device has a very important job to do, and can be mounted under the dock and left to sit. Preventing ice from forming around the docks actually serves more than one purpose.

For those up North in the Great Lakes, ice buildup under docks actually causes something called “ice jacking.” Ice jacking is caused when freezing conditions create ice layers that float on the surface to force the support structure of the dock upward, causing it to rise and slowly but surely break over time. At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like ice could really cause that much damage, but it can, and it does. Every year, backyard fishermen’s docks are ravaged by intense exposure to the elements, resulting in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.

What’s even worse? The time and effort that must be spent obtaining special government build permits and other nonsense will cost you more time than it will cost your wallet cash. Devices such as this have an important purpose, and getting one can open you up to a whole new world of winterizing and fishing as well. Although they are small, these de-icer machines benefit dock owners by preventing their dock from getting damaged, but it also opens up a little pocket of unfrozen water to drop in a line and fish from. One of the most reputable sources for these life-savers is Kasco, a pond aeration parts and accessories corporation that works to promote healthy pond environments and marine life.

Even during the winter months, those living in extreme regions can keep their docks safe, save themselves thousands in damages, avoid the government formalities, and even create their own little fishing hole.

Aeration

     Another key element of successful fishing is a healthy pond or body of water, and something that people don’t seem to think about is the air quality. Air quality of a pond? What difference does it make how many bubbles there are? Believe me, we all know that guy.

Aeration is extremely important to the well-being of any underwater ecosystem as all living creatures need oxygen to survive, and that means fish as well. Whether your dock is in your own personal backyard pond or down by the lake, it’s important to know that the waters you’re fishing are healthy enough to support the fish that you’re there for in the first place. If fishing at a public lake or national recreation area, the aeration levels are already in the hands of experts who know what it takes to make a healthy habitat for living marine creatures.

When fishing off of your own dock, however, it’s an important thing to remember to take care of. Getting enough oxygen is vital for schools of underwater fish, and it’s pretty hard to get anything to take the bait when all of the fish in the pond are dying because they can’t breathe.

Kasco specializes in aeration systems and fountains in private ponds and lakes, and they have many products with excellent customer reviews. Take care of your pond and your fish when fishing off of your dock, they’re sure to put up a good fight.

Rocks, Trees, and Bushes

     When fishing from the docks, most people think “the farther out I cast, the better my chances will be.” That is not always the case, and I’ll tell you why. Fish are smart. They can see you when you’re being too obvious, they can feel when you splash around and spook them, but what do they always do when you accidentally blow your cover?

They swim for the bushes. It’s animal instinct to take cover when facing down a predator, and foliage in the surrounding area, including rocks, trees bushes, tall grass, etc can all prove to be good hiding places when a threat presents itself. The landscape of the world beneath the surface is full of nooks and crannies, so it’s important to remember that the most obvious places to fish don’t always pan out. Fish find the calm shallows along the marshy trees of the shoreline to be ideal breeding grounds to lay eggs and raise their young.

These areas, while very shallow, are known breeding grounds for flies, gnats, midges, mosquitoes, and other insects and bugs that make a great meal for big catches. When fishing from the dock, however, finding trees and sandy shallows can be more to handle than you’d think. In the absence of surrounding plants and other hiding holes, one hiding place that seems to be the most obvious and yet overlooked spot is simple: the dock itself. The dock provides shade and shelter for the fish below, allowing them to hide from undesirable predators.

Fishing off the dock can seem hopeless at times, especially when those largemouths have nowhere to hide and they’re nowhere in sight. But always look for these desirable spots near your dock, and you’ll be reelin’ them in off the docks in no time at all.

Fishing off the docks can prove to be both a challenge and a leisure, and whether or not you’re just starting out or a skilled fisherman, the docks are a fantastic place to throw in a line and lie in wait for a chance at the biggest fish in the pond. Who knows, maybe you’re next.

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Most anglers who use live bait to fish, use minnows. It is one of the most popular live baits. Minnows are a small breed of fish that adapt well to their surroundings. They live in open water and some people have them at home in a fish tank. 

If the minnows are in the wild they eat insects, brine shrimp, fish eggs, plant material, and crawfish. If you want to keep minnows as a “pet” they will need zooplankton, phytoplankton, and algae from their tanks or the pond. 

We will go over in a little more detail what minnows eat. We are also going to cover a few of the different types of minnows and their habitat. There is an enormous variety of minnows out there. They look similar and they all come from the Cyprinidae family. 

The diet for a freshwater minnow is mostly small bugs. Mosquitoes, flies, animal matter, and pieces of dead plants. In Saltwater, minnows eat brine shrimp. 

Minnows in Captivity

If you want to keep fish in an aquarium, one of the best things to feed them is freeze dried blood worms. Another option for pet minnows is goldfish food or other tropical fish flakes. Be aware though, minnows can be picky and some may refuse to eat the fish flakes. 

Be careful not to overfeed your minnows. Make sure the food is in fairly small pieces. Put a small amount in the tank. After 5 minutes, all of the food should be gone. If there is foot still floating or food on the bottom of your tank, then you need to give them less at the next feeding. Feeding pet minnows will be a trial and error for the first few feedings. 

Misconceptions about Minnows

The minnow family has over 3,000 species. THey are the most misunderstood because they are such a large species. According to a scientist, who has based his career mainly on minnow research, there are many misconceptions about the minnow. 

1. The first misconception is that all small fish are minnows. There are some small fish in freshwater that are the non-minnow species, but that have ‘minnow’ in their name. 

1. Another strong misconception, and you will initially be confused; carps are suckers. The truth is, carps are actually minnows. Suckers belong to an entirely different family. The big headed carp is one of a few hats that are classified in the minnow family. 

Interesting Facts {and other knowledge} about Minnows

In Ireland, minnows are known as pinkeens.

Did you know that some minnows can grow to be 3 meters long and up to 100 pounds? The grass carp and other species are between 20 and 100 pounds.

The most common way to cook minnows is to deep fry them, especially the smaller ones, and eat them whole. 

There are over 50 different types of minnows and not all of the names contain the word ‘minnow’.  Actually there are over 3,000 types of minnows throughout the nation. 

The carp and the goldfish are 2 of the most popular/best known species of minnow, but not everyone knew that they were part of the minnow family until now. 

The common carp lives for 20 years, weighs 4.4 to 31 pounds, and is 16 to 31 inches long. 

Definitions and Types of Minnows

Minnows are a part of a huge family of fish known as the Cyprindae family. This family has over 2,000 species world-wide. From the carp to the zebrafish to the goldfish, this family represents 8% of all the fish in the world! 

We are going to take a look at a few of the most common species of minnows. Some of these you may recognize but may not have known that they were part of the 3,000 species, minnow family. 

• Carp: native to Asia and also Europe but has been introduced all over the world. The carp will eat anything and everything. They tear up the vegetation and cause murky/muddy waters, which in turn is troublesome for the other species in the area.

• Golden Shiner: these fish love water that boasts a large quantity of weeds, leaves, and other vegetation. This particular species of minnow is greenish-silver and the males turn yellow during breeding season. They live in schools and are quite social. Because of their color and size, they are one of the more popular baitfish.

• Bream: this species of minnow also travels in schools and is native to Europe. As They travel in fairly large schools, they eat everything in their path, leaving not one nibble behind. Bream can grow to be quite big. In fact, the largest so far is around 20 pounds.

• Dace: Now in Ireland, these minnows are native to Asia and mainland Europe. The Dace are able to grow to be 2 pounds and just over a foot long. This particular species of minnows can live to be 16 years old!

• Zebrafish: native to South Asia, this species of minnows is a very popular aquarium fish. The one special characteristic of the zebrafish is the fact that it’s body is transparent. They have a life span of approximately 3 ½ years. 

• Bluntnose minnow: this species is primarily a baitfish in North America. They have spectacular tolerance for different water qualities. This makes it easy to distribute them in different regions. An adult bluntnose is approximately 2 inches long.

• White Cloud Mountain: a very hardy species often kept in aquaria. Native to China they are a member of the carp family. Because of pollution and tourism they are more or less extinct in their native habitat. They are approximately 1.5 inches long and silver-green in color.

Now that we have explored just a very small handful of the many species in the minnow family, we are going to briefly mention a couple of ways in which you can catch the minnow before your fishing trip. 

You can use a mesh net to catch your minnows. Your best bet is to use the mesh net on the shore, near a bank or shallow area of a lake or pond. With one motion, scoop through the school of minnows and bring the net out of the water! Voila! You have minnows to use for bait. 

The second way to catch minnows, also uses a net, though a much much bigger one. This one is called a Seine. It is 39 feet long with small weights attached to the bottom of it. This method will take 2 people to drag the net through the water where they believe there are minnow (or other baitfish). The weights help to keep the net vertical while it is being dragged. 

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We have covered many useful topics about the minnow today. What they eat, misconceptions, interesting facts, how to catch them, and a very small handful of some of the species in the minnow family. Minnows are considered to be the most popular and effective live bait to use when fishing for most any larger species of fish.

If you are an angler that prefers or swears by artificial lures, there is a large variety available that mimic a minnow and can be just as effective at attracting the fish. So, take your pick; real or artificial and Happy Fishing!

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 When you think of Las Vegas what is the first thing that comes to mind? Gambling right? shows, lights, and lots and lots of gambling.

It may come as a surprise but there are actually a lot of great fishing spots in Las Vegas. So the question is if I’m traveling to Las Vegas. Where do I go fishing?

Get live Striper and bass bait HERE

Places to fish near Las Vegas include: Sunset Park, Cold Creek Reservoir, Lorenzie Park, Floyd Lamb Ponds, Boulder Pond/ Veterans Memorial Pond, Lake Mojave, Lake Mead, Adams McGill Reservoir, Beatty Pond, Beaver Dam Creek, Chiatovich Creek, Cold Springs Reservoir, Eagle Valley Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir, Haymeadows Reservoir, Mesquite Pond, Rye Patch Pond, Silver Peak Pond, Trail Canyon Creek, Trail Canyon Reservoir.

Well, you’ve come to the right place because we’re gonna talk about the best places in or around Las Vegas that have some awesome fishing. The main fish you’ll be looking for in the Las Vegas area are Trout, Bass, Striper, Carp, Bluegill, and Catfish.

Whether you’re looking for an easily accessible pond or you’re looking to hook on to a big one from a lake, or maybe you’re looking for the peace and solitude of a creek Nevada has you covered.

In Las Vegas, the desert backdrop meets the beautiful waters, and you can experience a place like no other. So if you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas make sure to pack your fishing gear because soon you will know about the best places to go fishing in Las Vegas. 

Lake Mead/ Hemenway Harbor 

Usually, we’d save the best for last, but in my opinion, we saved the best for first.

Lake Mead is probably the best place to go fishing in Las Vegas. Lake Mead, only being 25 miles from Las Vegas has become one of the most visited places to go fishing in Las Vegas.

It has over 550 miles of shoreline to fish from and has a huge surface area of 229 square miles. This man-made lake was made by the construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in 1935.

If you are coming to Vegas to visit you have to go visit the Hoover dam. It is a beautiful place, and you’re sure to take a lot of pictures.

Ok now let’s get into the fishing. There are a lot of places at Lake Mead to fish including shoreline, piers, harbors, and on the lake itself. Lake Mead is known for its Striper fishing, and there are a lot of Striper.

Most Stripers near Hemenway Harbor are only about a pound or two, but Lake Mead has been a known home for Striper up to around 40-50lbs. The Striper like to feed on shad in the area, and will be easy to catch if you can find a boil. A boil is when a bunch of Striper have found a school of shad, and go crazy trying to eat all of them.

You can also cast net for a shad and attach them to a hook that also seems to work out very well if you can’t find any shed though you can buy frozen anchovies from nearby stores and cut them up that also seems to work out.

But live bait is your best bet. You can also catch large and smallmouth bass at Lake Mead as well. They are usually in small coves around rock walls, you can usually catch them in the warmer months on spinner baits crank baits, and top water, but in the colder months Striper are the go to.

Catfish are also around if that’s what you’re looking for. Just fish the bottom and you’re bound to hook onto one.

You can usually find them around piers since that’s where people are most of the time in the shallower water. 

Where to buy anchovies for fishing in Las Vegas.

Terrible’s gas station also known as 76 gas station in Boulder city has anchovies for three dollars per bag located at 100 Ville Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005

The rebel store on 95 as you head into Boulder City has them but you have to ask for them as they do not have them out on the floor. By the way, they also have nightcrawlers

Walmart on boulder highway has them. The address is 300 E Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89015

The Albertson’s on East Lake Mead has them. 6885 E Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89156

If you are going to Walmart it is said that they stock up on anchovies on Wednesdays. Sometimes they do run out so it is helpful to know when they stock. Also you may want to pick up a tub of nightcrawlers. They have them there as well.

Green Valley grocery just east of Hollywood on Lake Mead and East Las Vegas has them. Here is the address 7121 E Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89156

Willow Beach/ Lake Mohave

Willow Beach comes in next. Willow beach is about 50 miles from Las Vegas But the trip is worth it. Willow Beach has 235 miles of shoreline, and is located along the steep cliffs of the Colorado river.

It even has its own trout hatchery,  and they stock trout every Friday. Something that is unique about the Colorado river is that it splits Arizona, and Nevada in half.

So depending on what side you’re fishing on you could be in Nevada or Arizona. At Willow Beach it is also known for its Striper fishing. You can also catch trout given the location of the hatchery.

Some other fish available are large and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Further down from Lake Mead is where Lake Mohave is located it opens up into the lake and is another great place to go fishing along the Colorado River.

Another unique thing about Willow Beach/Lake Mohave is that the striper there are huge. Because of the hatchery, and the stocking of trout every Friday.

The striper get so big in fact that they eat the trout, and you can commonly see people fishing from boats with massive swimbaits the size of trout.

On the other hand. If trout are what you’re looking for you can catch them near the dock on Fridays, but if you’re looking for bigger trout that have been there for awhile you can make your way either upstream or downstream where coves are located along the length of the river.

The trout like to hide in the coves with the trees, and bushes where they can make beds to lay their eggs. There is also a dock located at the marina where you can fish there are pole holders there, so it makes for a nice place to bring a chair, and relax.

Boulder Pond

Boulder pond otherwise known as Veterans Memorial Park Pond is located in Boulder City, Nevada. Boulder city is located around 30 miles away from Las Vegas, and is truly an amazing city.

The pond was built in 2001 to give people in Boulder city the opportunity to fish in Boulder city. Because of its location in a park it is easily accessible, and is a great place to fish without the planning, and preparation of our previous picks.

The pond at its deepest point is 15 feet and the pond spans 3 acres. There are actually two ponds located here a lower pond, and an upper pond. The upper one is allowed for fishing.

The smaller one is home to ducks and other birds,  and acts as a nice place to sit and enjoy wildlife. It is also used for model boats. At Boulder pond you’ll be able to catch rainbow trout, and channel catfish that are stocked. It being located in a park allows this pond to be very well-maintained, and there are lots of places to sit in the shade of trees or enjoy the parks many other facilities including. Playground, basketball courts, skate park, BMX track, restrooms a dog park, and much more.

If accessibility is what you’re looking for The Veterans Memorial Park pond is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. 

if you go to veterans memorial pond a.k.a. Boulder pond in the summer or early fall you are probably going to target bluegill because trout are not stocked in that pond during that time of year. You may get lucky and catch some catfish as well during these months but bluegill are plentiful. You will want a small hook and only a piece of a night crawler. If you put on too much worm they will just nibble at the tail and get it off the hook so don’t leave too much hanging off the hook. If you get too much miles you can try a bobber if there is no wind leave about a 2 foot or 1 1/2 foot leader pass the bobber.

Floyd Lamb Park Pond

Floyd Lamb Park is truly an amazing place to experience the outdoors. It is located in Tule Springs and is around 635 acres large. It is a state park so a six dollar per car admission is required, but it’s worth it. 

Tule Springs is an old ranch lifestyle town located in Floyd lamb park where people can experience how it was to live in Las Vegas back in the day. Old buildings set up to mimic old ranch life. Historic areas, jogging, and biking trails, picnic areas, and of course ponds are all located at Floyd lamb park.

Known as Floyd Lamb Park pond or Tule Springs Pond is stocked and consists of four ponds on an ancient marsh land and pond system used by Native Americans. The Upper pond is used for fishing since that is the one that is stocked but if the water level rises you can find them in the two smaller middle ponds as well but the top largest pond is your best bet.

One side of the upper pond is completely covered in dense bushes so it makes for a nice area for fish to hide, and live most of the shoreline can be fished from except from this high vegetation area.

Rainbow trout and channel catfish are stocked seasonally in the upper pond, and due to the areas streams that flow into the ponds. Even in warmer weather the water is kept cooler than most.

Other fish that can be found here are different species of bluegill and sunfish as well as largemouth bass although they are not stocked they do live in the area and you can catch them naturally. No overnight camping is allowed in the area. 

These ponds have some gigantic catfish in them. When I have fish there we have had good luck using half of an anchovy and caught some big ones. Make sure if you go there you have big hooks heavy line and some good bait for catfish. It is said that some giant carp can be caught in there as well with hot dog LOL I know it’s funny but it works.

Cold Creek Reservoir

Cold Creek reservoir is located in the northern Newark Valley and is part private and part BLM land. It was constructed In 1943 for irrigation. The lake has a maximum surface area of 14 acres and is 24 feet deep at its lowest point.

Something unique about Cold Creek is that there is a natural spawning population of rainbow trout, but rainbow trout are stocked as well to boost the population, and make fishing better in the area. Tui chub are a nuisance in the reservoir, and largemouth bass and cutbow hybrid trout were introduced to keep the population down.

As such bass and hybrids are available to catch there, but are not frequently stocked. The area of Cold Creek is known as Nevada’s best kept secret which makes sense after you’ve visited.

The area is covered in pine trees and mountains. It is also home to deer, elk, and even wild mustangs. It truly is an off the grid place and would make a perfect place for a day trip with the family, or make your way out there alone and enjoy the peace of fishing alone. With wild horses and beautiful landscape it sure won’t disappoint. 

this is a beautiful place to go fishing. Keep in mind if you go there that trout are only available during the cooler months because they are not stocked year around and the pond is so small that the fish get caught and taken out of there pretty quickly. If it is warming up and you don’t know when the last time it was stocked, you may not have too good of luck. You can find out when the pond was stocked by checking on the Nevada Department of wildlife website at the Link here.

Sunset Park

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Our last pick goes to Sunset Park Sunset Park opened in 1967. It is located very close to McCarran International Airport, and is known as the largest park in the Las Vegas area.

As such, it is a very busy park, and is used for many group activities such as birthday parties, barbecues, etc. The park also has trails, picnic areas, shade trees, barbecues, basketball courts and fields for sports, and  bathrooms.

The park spans 324 total acres, and is home to a 14 acre pond system that since opening has been rebuilt. According to the Nevada Department of Fish and Wildlife website. In 2000 the pond was designed to fix pre existing problems that the previous pond had, It fixed leaking issues, and made the shoreline easier to access.

Since then fish habitats have been added, and a new liner. It is a great place to go if you are looking for a nice Quick place to go fishing that is accessible to all.

The water that is cycled into the pond is actually used for the parks irrigation system to water the plants and trees. Like most ponds in Las Vegas area rainbow trout and channel catfish are stocked but you can also catch different species of bluegill, sunfish, and Crappie there occasionally as well. 

Night very popular here. Most people don’t know that you can fish up till 10 o’clock and some people have been known to fish later than that as long as you’re not causing a nuisance or being too loud. The best fish are caught here at night using shrimp and you will be fishing for catfish so use heavier line.

Fishing In Nevada

So, can you fish in Nevada? Well, The answer is yes. In fact Las Vegas has a lot to offer.

The fishing in Nevada may be different from some of the more hydrated places in the world, but in my mind it is a totally different experience.

You can fish in the east or the west, and you’ll be satisfied. Let’s all be honest with ourselves it’s nice to catch fish, but the true reason we’ll all fish is because we all love the experience of enjoying the outdoors.

The world is a beautiful place if you sit back and look. No matter. Where you are in the world fishing will always be a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and escape into a world of how life used to be. So if you get a chance to come out to Las Vegas make sure you make it to one of these places because you’re bound to have a lot of fun enjoying all that Nevada has to offer, and once again don’t forget to pack your fishing gear. 

Other places to fish around Las Vegas include:

Adams McGill Res.

Beatty Pond

Beaver Dam Creek

Chiatovich Creek

Cold Springs Res.

Eagle Valley Res.

Echo Canyon Res.

Haymeadows Res.

Mesquite Pond

Rye Patch Pond

Silver Peak Pond

Trail Canyon Creek

Trail Canyon Res.

 So I decided while I was in Albuquerque working that I wanted to go try out some fishing close by. It’s wintertime and by the time I get out of work, there’s not much time before it starts to get dark.

I could not drive very far so I decided to try to stick to something close by in town. Since it’s wintertime and it was threatening a little bit of rain, I decided to fish the drain in Albuquerque. Of course, I knew nothing about how to access it or where to go to get the best fishing in.

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My plan was to drive around and try to find a place where I could access the drain in my car. I thought I would be fishing for trout so I had all the right stuff. It took me forever driving around to figure out that there are not very many places to access the drain. I must’ve tried five or six different spots and struck out.

When I was just about to give up I found the access to Rio bravo. I drove right in and it appeared to me right away that many other people had the same idea. When you’re fishing it’s not always fun to have a lot of people around.

It’s always kind of nice when you have the whole place to yourself, however, I would soon learn something from having people around. I’m getting a little ahead of myself so let me explain the way the day went and then I will get back to Paul in a minute.

Once I saw the water where I had parked was moving very fast and that there were rocks and other debris in the water, my first thought was to set up a drop shot type of rig so that if my weight got caught in the rocks I would not necessarily lose everything and have to start over. 

With a drop shot set up if your weight gets caught in the rocks, you can break it off and you still have your bait and swivel. Then what you do is tie another weight onto the leader and you are back in business.

I had bought some tiny mini looking plastic minnows because where I went they were out of worms nor did they have anything else. When I say they were out, I really mean they were out of everything, and it wasn’t even close to the Rio Grande.

Anyway, I had to make do with plastics so I had a little minnow and I thought it was a good presentation, the only problem is, it did not work. After a while failing with the minnow, I decided to try something else so I took the minnow off and went with a small plastic trout worm.

Again I tried that for a while with no success. About this point I turned around and saw a guy leaving who had a whole stringer full of trout. He and his son had been fishing there when I first arrived but so far they had not caught anything.

When I saw how quickly he caught a whole stringer, I made a beeline to where he was fishing thinking that maybe where he was fishing was the key. Once I found out that there were fish there, because I could see them, however they were not biting my worm.

After a few minutes a guy named Paul walked over who I became acquainted with. He give me some good advice and a set up that he had since he was done fishing for the day.

The video associated with this blog post will give you the whole story but suffice it to say Paul set me up and I was able to catch A trout before I had to leave that evening. My total fishing time was maybe about 2 1/2 hours since I work full-time and I could not start fishing until it was getting close to getting dark anyway.

I probably could have stayed longer but I was happy to have had success and caught one while I was there. In my video you will see some of the baits that I found were the best ones and also how to access that drain.

There are many areas to access the drain and in the future I might do some more posts about the drain in different locations. Thank you for reading please watch the video and like and subscribe. Darren

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Fishing bait is almost any substance used to attract and catch fish, according to Wikipedia. Depending on the fish species and habitat, specific techniques and fish baits are suggested and /or recommended for making homemade fishing bait.

There is an abundance of fish bait that an angler can choose from. Divided into 2 main categories; artificial bait and natural bait. You also have chumming, ground bait, live food, and home-made fish bait. 

Home Made Fish Bait

We are going to focus on home-made (DIY) fish bait today. We will provide you with some recipes for home-made fish bait, as well as review options from the 2 categories of bait. There are endless options and possibilities to catch each species of fish.

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There are DIY fish bait recipes for catfish, trout, carp, bass, bluegill, and others. We have also included a video of myself and my son making our own home-made fish bait. We, unfortunately, do not have exact measurements. We just ‘eyeball’ the dry ingredients.

We mainly use our DIY fish bait for catching trout. In the hatchery trout are fed brown pellets of fish food (which is in our bait). They can not resist it if they find it in the wild. I recommend using a bobber and place it about 2 feet up the line because this bait doesn’t float. Please refrigerate so not molding occurs.

Other Trout Fish Bait

Here is one of the many recipes used to catch trout. These all have all been found in our extensive research on the internet. 

3.5 cups of water

1.5 cups of flour   

½ cup of sugar

1 cup uncooked oatmeal

2 tbsp strawberry jello

2 tbsp maple syrup

Boil the water and then add all of the other ingredients, mixing well. Set it aside and let it cool enough to be able to handle it. Once it is cooled enough put it in a ziplock bag and refrigerate. It only takes a pinch on the end of your hook. 

Easy Dough Bait for Trout

½ cup of sugar

¼ pound of processed cheeses

½ cup of cornmeal

½ cup of flour

Melt the cheese in the microwave and add a couple of tablespoons of water, mix well. Add your dry ingredients and mix well again, it will form a dough. If it is sticky, add a little bit more flour. If it seems too stiff you can add a bit more water, a couple of tablespoons at a time. It a lot like making homemade bread dough. Store in an airtight container. If you see it pulling away from the sides, take it out and knead it until it is smooth.

When you are ready to use the dough form it into small balls, ¼ inch in size. Make sure they are smooth. Put them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Take them out and put them on a plate. Once they dry you can use them to catch your trout. Put the dough ball on the hook and let it slide down to the bend. Voila, you are set to go. 

Recipes for Catfish Bait

Here are a couple of recipes, also found in our extensive search on the internet, to try next time you go out to catch catfish.

Catfish Dough Bait

1.5 cups of cornmeal

1 cup of flour

16-20 ounces of Big Red (soda)

Anise Oil

Over medium heat cook the cornmeal, flour and desired amount of Anise oil. Add ¾ of a bottle of the Big Red soda. Stirring constantly until most of the liquid is absorbed. The dough should be stiff and sticky.

This step is extremely important: flour a surface and knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, similar to bread dough. This will allow for gluten to form so that the bait doesn’t just slide off of your hook. Add flour into the dough while kneading until the dough isn’t sticky. You can then put it in a ziplock bag and refrigerate, or roll into little balls and then make sure you refrigerate until you are ready to use 

Garlic Weenies

Use a jelly or mason jar for this catfish bait. Cut hotdogs into ½ inch pieces. Put the hot dogs and crushed garlic (jar of fresh crushed from the store) in the jar. Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. You can add a couple of pinches of salt, catfish LOVE salt flavor before you head out the door to go fishing.

Bait for catching Bluegill (and other panfish)

Bluegill Bait

½ cup of flour

¾ cup of Mountain Dew

Mix in a bowl with a fork or a whisk until it starts to harden. Then add 1 tablespoon of jello into the bowl. 

Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. In this time the bait will finish hardening. Before you go fishing, roll the bait into ¼ inch balls. It is recommended you use the bait balls within 3 days of making them.

Another version of Bluegill Bait Balls

½ cup of flower

Salt

vanilla/almond extract

garlic/onion powder

A bowl or wax paper

Mix flour, a pinch of salt, and approximately 1 teaspoon of onion/garlic powder. Slowly add water and 10-12 drops of vanilla/almond extract. You will want to stir this until you have a doughy mixture. 

Next, you want to flatten the dough in the bowl or on the wax paper and microwave for 15 minutes. Turn the dough over and repeat until it is no longer sticky. Be careful!! It will be HOT! Test it to see if you can roll into a ball. You can either make the balls ahead of time or you can place the dough in a plastic ziplock bag and roll as needed while you are fishing. 

Recipes for Carp bait

Premium Carp Bait

1 can of creamed corn

2 cups of cornmeal

1 cup of crushed cornflakes

2 tablespoons of sugar

1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Mix the cornmeal and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat the creamed corn until it bubbles then add the sugar. Stir well. Slowly add the cornmeal mix. 

When the mixture turns into a thick paste, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes and then add the crushed cornflakes. Mix well and then let it cool to room temperature.

Cheese Cornflake Recipe

Cornflakes

Cheese powder

Creamy peanut butter

Water

** I apologize that there are no exact measurements ** I would start with about a ½ cup of cornflakes, cheese powder, and peanut butter. 

Crush the cornflakes, add the cheese powder and mix together. Next, add in the peanut butter and smash it/mix it together very well. Use a teaspoon of water if needed, until it is soft enough to roll into balls. Put This in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

Instant Carp Bait

1 cup of flour

Wheaties {crushed}

Garlic Salt

Water

Mix flour, Wheaties and garlic salt. Form into small balls. Add water slowly, so that you can form into little balls. Use within 4 days.

There is a large variety of ingredients that you can use to make your own fish bait. There are also many many different recipes all over the internet. If you want to make your own fish bait, all you have to do is a little bit of research. You need to find out what the species you are fishing for, was fed in the hatchery. What their favorite food and flavors are and then you can experiment, fairly cost-effectively. Some of the ingredients you can use are bread, chicken, fish, hot dogs, raw bacon, cheese, raw pork, garlic, and even dog food. Don’t forget you also get the cans of fish food from the store, that you would feed your pet fish, and mix with flour, egg white, and water to make a fish bait right in your kitchen. 

To end the article, just a quick refresher on other lures/bait that you can use when you go fishing. Artificial lures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. You also have worms, nightcrawlers, minnows, crickets, and other small insects that will work well as fish bait. So whether you are playing a scientist in your kitchen or purchasing your bait from the store, there are hundreds of thousands to choose from. Happy fishing everyone!

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If you are an avid or professional fisherman, then you know what a fishing combo is. If you are a beginner, I am sure you have a good idea of what it is or maybe you don’t. It is a very straightforward answer, but it has many various possibilities. 

A fishing combo is a rod and reel that are matched and configured, normally pre-assembled and sold together. From simple and affordable to more complex and expensive, there is a wide range of fishing combos for the specific species you are trying to catch, as well as for beginners on up to professionals.

Rods and reels are two of the most expensive parts of your fishing gear/tackle. “You get what you pay for,” so you need to be careful what you are buying. You want to purchase a good rod, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a good rod, you will be able to recognize the clues that your rod is giving you, such as; your lure dragging the bottom or going through sticks, rocks, or mud. It will also help you to detect when you have a bite, as sometimes it is very hard to tell. 

There are terms/parts of a fishing rod that you need to be familiar with and understand before you go and purchase your first combo. We will list them for you with a very brief description.

• Action: how much the rod bends when there is pressure on the tip
• Taper: the thickness of the rod and the thickness on the wall which is on the blank
• Responsiveness: reflects the ability of the rod to flex under load and release energy in the cast
• Graphite and Fiberglass: types of material a rod could be made from
• Modulus: stiffness of the graphite (IM6, IM7, etc.)
• Guides: also known as eyes, spaced out evenly on the rod to run your fishing line through
• Cork: used on some rod handles for comfort and grip
• Reel Seats: this particular item holds the reel on the rod 

We are now going to give you a list of the 8 most used reels by anglers. We will then tell you which rod and reel combos are the most popular.

1. Spincast: most popular as a first fishing reel for kids. Has an easy to use push button
2. Baitcasting: favorites among anglers due to; no tangles during the cast, a greater distance of cast, more accuracy, and better control
3. Spinning: just as easy to use as the spincast and versatile
4. Surf Fishing: basically you have a choice between spinning and baitcasting. Must hold up to saltwater, sand, and sun
5. Offshore: spinning or baitcasting also. These are more durable and more expensive
6. Trolling: often called casting reel, and also referred to as conventional. Used for heavy deep-sea fishing
7. Fly Fishing: reliable, simple, and durable. There are specific reels for specific fish species
8. Centerpin: runs freely on its axle (centerpin). Free-dragging and free-spooling reel, made in the early 19th century

Next is the more useful information, the meat and potatoes of the article. We have answered the question “what is a fishing combo?” We have given you basic information on rods and reels, separately. Now, it is time to put the 2 together and help you figure out what will work for you and your budget. 

From all of our research on the internet and other sources, these are the top 4 fishing combos of 2019.

1. Plusinno Spin – voted most durable, composed of fiberglass and carbon fiber, flexible, easy to fold and expand
2. Penn Battle – has the best responsiveness, long casting range, lage drag, and increased longevity
3. Shakespeare UglyStik GX2 – most sensitive, fiberglass and graphite, stainless steel guides, and black matte finish
4. Abu Garcia – durable, light-weight, and single-piece graphite frame

The top 5 fishing combos that are sold on Amazon are as follows:

1. Plusinno Telescopic Rod & Reel Combo

• High density carbon fiber that is mixed with fiberglass. Stainless steel reel seat, anti-corrosion, and portable with medium power
• Instant anti-reverse, deep aluminium spool, and power drive gear for high strength
• The handle is made of EVA material making it comfortable and soft with anti-skid and sweat absorption

1. Plusinno Fishing Rod & Reel Combo

• Best for sea fishing and boat fishing
• Thick coiled bail spring, right/left interchangeable handle, high strength plastic body, and S-Curve oscillation
• Multiple lengths and actions, sensitive graphite blank construction, and aluminum oxide guide inserts

1. KastKing Centron Spinning Reel

• 6 feet to 7 foot 6 inches in length, light-weight, sensitive, graphite blank, stainless steel guides, 2 pieces, and contoured EVA handle
• Centron Spinning Reel, aluminum spool, triple disk drag, great for freshwater and saltwater
• Smooth performance, Saf-T hook holder, smooth power transition, and it is affordable

1. KastKing Sharky III

• Designed for serious anglers, 6 lengths and actions (6’6” M action to 9” length), aluminum spool and handle, and triple disc carbon drag
• 2 piece designs, premium EVA handle, shark fin braid-ready spool, smooth power transition, and Saf-T hook holder
• Light-weight graphite frame, stainless steel ball bearings, aluminum spool, and water resistant

1. UglyStik Spinning Fishing Combo

• Two pieces, graphite spinning reel, pre-spooled, 7 feet long, and has a 7 year warranty
• Durable EVA grip, stainless steel guides, ceramic inserts, and assorted tackle with every combo

Lets give you a few options/variations in what fish can be pursued with specific rod and reel combos. Many different combos will work to catch the same species of fish, so it will come down to what feels most comfortable in your hands, price, and experience.

Conventional reels are most often used for trolling, bluewater fishing and baitcasting. A lot of the combos are designed for the bigger, stronger fish. The normal line weight for these types of combos is; 10 pounds for baitcasting and up to 130 pound for the bigger saltwater fish.

Spinning combos are used for your lighter lures and they work on a large variety of fishing styles. You can use fishing line that is 4 pounds up to 30 pounds. Some of the fish that you can catch are; northern pike, bass, salmon, bluegill, and trout.

How about a quick review on some of the different fishing styles? This may help you out and give you a little more information when trying to choose the right rod and reel combo. After all, the style of fishing is one of the most important aspects.

• Baitcasting: is done in both fresh and saltwater. Centuries ago it was strictly used for casting live minnows. Now you can baitcast with artificial lures, using a revolving spool reel.
• Trolling: using your fishing line, trailing behind the boat, to lure the fish. You can use lures or live bait. The speed you troll is determined by what species you are fishing for.
• Chumming: this includes scattering ground-up fish into the water to attract fish. The hungry fish will normally attract the bigger fish.
• Fly Fishing: the art of using an artificial fly, either for sport or for competition. Fly fishing equipment is highly specialized and therefore a little more expensive than other combos.

You can also do some searching, talking to a sporting goods store, or a bait and tackle shop to get some suggestions and ideas on what the best rod and reel combo is, for the species you are looking to catch. If you are going to be fishing in freshwater only then you do not need the extensive protection for corrosion. Your heavy-duty saltwater combo will be more expensive because they are made with corrosion resistant materials.

The core benefit of rod and reel combos is mainly the pre-matching of the specifications concerning both important components so that you have efficiency and the ease of it being easy on the pocket book. They are pre-assembled, so that you have to do is add your hook and your bait, making it quicker to get out onto the water and do some fishing. Most rod and reel combos will also come with fishing line, crankbaits, soft lures, jig heads, bobbers, swivels, and sinkers. 

Not every rod and reel combo is made the same. There are going to be certain options that are better for you, but your friend may choose something completely different. WIth a rod and reel combo you never have to worry about breaking the bank, or feeling like you purchased a reel that doesn’t suit the rod you purchased, because you don’t buy the components separately.

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So whether you are a beginner or an experienced fishermen, purchasing a rod and reel combo will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. You will get to spend more time on the water and less time putting your equipment together. You will need to do a little more research, than what we have provided, in order to get the specific rod and reel that works the best for the species of fish you will be pursuing. So, grab the tackle, the rods, the kids, and go catch some bluegill, crappie, or maybe even a catfish. 

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