Tag: freshwater anglers

What is Fly Fishing?

Posted on Oscar Gipson
Photo Courtesy of Montana Angler

Fly fishing is a timeless angling technique that has captivated enthusiasts for centuries. Unlike traditional methods that rely on weighted lures to cast lines, fly fishing employs lightweight artificial flies made of feathers, fur, and synthetic materials. This unique approach requires anglers to delicately present the fly, mimicking the natural movements of insects on the water’s surface. Fly fishing is not just a sport; it’s an art form that demands patience, skill, and an understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

The Essence of Fly Fishing

Photo Courtesy of LOOP Tackle

At its core, fly fishing is about more than just the catch; it’s about immersing oneself in nature and embracing the serenity of the great outdoors. Whether wading through a pristine river or casting from the banks of a tranquil lake, fly fishing offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the natural world. The rhythmic motion of casting, the soothing sound of water flowing over rocks, and the anticipation of a strike create a sense of tranquility and mindfulness that is unmatched in any other outdoor pursuit.

The Craft of Fly Tying

Photo Courtesy of Old Town Canoe – Johnson Outdoors

Central to the art of fly fishing is the craft of fly tying. Fly tying is the process of creating artificial flies that imitate the appearance and behavior of natural insects and baitfish. Anglers meticulously select materials such as feathers, fur, and synthetic fibers to craft lifelike imitations that entice fish to strike. Tying is not only a practical skill but also a creative pursuit that allows anglers to experiment with different patterns and designs, customizing them to suit specific conditions and imitating the prey species that fish are feeding on.

Beyond its practical application, fly tying serves as a form of artistic expression for many anglers, who take pride in crafting intricate patterns and mastering the techniques of this ancient art. Whether tying classic patterns passed down through generations or inventing new creations inspired by nature, the tying process is a deeply rewarding aspect of the fly-fishing experience.

The Thrill of the Catch

Photo Courtesy of Forbes

While the catch is undoubtedly exciting, the true thrill of fly fishing lies in the process itself. Whether casting dry flies to lure in trout on a summer evening or drifting nymphs through fast-flowing riffles, each scenario presents its own set of challenges and rewards. From reading the water and understanding fish behavior to selecting the right fly and executing the perfect cast, fly fishing offers a constant opportunity for growth and learning. It’s a sport that encourages anglers to push their boundaries, hone their skills, and embrace the joy of the chase.

Fly fishing is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that fosters a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of camaraderie among fellow anglers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice angler, this activity offers endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and connection with the natural world. So grab your gear, head to the water, and let the magic of fly fishing take you on a journey you’ll never forget.

Know the Difference: Game Fish vs. Non-Game Fish

Posted on Staff

Fishing is one of the most popular lake activities. To some, it’s a relaxing pastime. To others, it’s a highly competitive sport that requires massive amounts of technique and patience. The art of angling isn’t as simple as it looks, however. In the eyes of a fisherman, not all game is the same. Traditionally, there are two categories of fish: game, or sport, fish and non-game fish. We’ve created a general, freshwater guide on the difference between the two so you can fish with confidence this summer.

Game Fish

Recreational anglers tend to pursue sport fish.

These species are targeted commercially and typically rank high in palatability and table quality. In laymen’s terms: they’re yummy.

Significantly larger than non-game fish, game fish are known to put up a good fight. This means they’re often pursued in competitive sport due to how vigorously they resist being caught.

Largemouth Bass

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Characteristics: The largemouth bass is a species of black bass in the sunfish family, native to North America.

They’re extremely common in freshwater environments and can be found anywhere in the world, as they’ve been introduced to waters everywhere.

The largest of the black bass family, they’re popular among anglers who seek them out for their fight capacity. Largemouth bass are known to become airborne in efforts to escape the hook.

The best type of bait used to hook this fish are plastic worms, spinnerbaits and live bait such as minnows or crawfish.

Max. Adult Size: 29.5 in. (75 cm), 25 lbs

Crappie

Photo courtesy of Midwest Outdoors.

Characteristics: Crappie, also known as speckled perch, are among the tastiest freshwater species and are a highly regarded pan fish (edible game fish small enough to fit in a frying pan).

Like the largemouth bass, they also belong to the sunfish family and are native to North America.

The white crappie is lighter in color with vertical black stripes, while the black crappie has a darker hue with patterns of black spots.

If populations aren’t controlled, crappie can overrun small bodies of water rapidly.

This species is characteristically fertile, with females laying between 5,000 and 60,000 eggs each summer. The eggs take less than a week to hatch.

Populations of this fish exist in every state in the continental United States.

Max. Adult Size: 19.3 in. (49 cm), 5 lbs

Lake Trout

Photo courtesy of Angling Buzz.

Characteristics: Lake trout, closely related to salmon and char, tend to inhabit the cold, well-oxygenated waters of North America. Most trout can be found in the lakes and rivers of Canada, Alaska and the Great Lakes region of the U.S.

When temperatures rise in the summer months they migrate to deeper waters, sometimes to depths of 200 feet.

Due to their popularity as a food fish, trout are often raised on fish farms and sold commercially. They’re also an important source of food for brown bears, eagles, hawks, and other animals.

While they’re slow to grow, their recorded longevity is impressive: they typically live beyond 25 years, with the oldest lake trout recorded at 60 years old.

The maximum recorded weight for lake trout was 102 lbs.

Max. Adult Size: 50 in., 102 lbs

Non-Game Fish

Non-game fish are any species not specifically categorized as game, with the exception of those considered endangered.

They typically have no commercial value because they aren’t appetizing, often thanks to larger scales and more bones.

Non-game fish are significantly smaller than sport fish and are therefore frequently used as bait. However, they serve a vital role in their ecosystem.

Not only do they help to clean debris from the waterway floor, but they serve as an irreplaceable food resource to larger fish.

Freshwater Eel

Characteristics: The American eel has a slender, snakelike body coated with a thick layer of slime and microscopic scales.

They’re bottom dwellers, usually found hiding in masses of plants, burrows or tubes. Their diets consist of small fish, aquatic insects, and small crustaceans.

While eels live in freshwater and estuaries, they leave their natural habitats and travel to the Atlantic Ocean during spawning season.

One female eel can lay up to 4 million eggs a year and dies shortly after giving birth.

In most parts of the world, it isn’t kosher to consume eels, as they are highly poisonous to humans. Fishermen frequently use this species as bait for sport fish like the striped bass.

Max. Adult Size: 4 ft, 17 lbs

Carp

Photo courtesy of BadAngling.

Characteristics: The common carp is native to Europe and Asia, but has made its way to every part of the globe except the poles.

Unattractive and slimy, carp isn’t palatable. However, some fishermen enjoy the challenge of capturing them due to the power and tenacity of their fight.

Carp are one of the most destructive invasive species worldwide.

In the case of an absence of natural predators—northern pike, largemouth bass and predatory birds—they’re able to significantly alter their environments.

Due to their habitual feeding upon bottom sediments for food, they can destroy submerged vegetation, which causes real damage to various populations of duck and fish.

Max. Adult Size: 47 in., 88 lbs

Skipjack Shad

Photo courtesy of Uland Thomas.

Characteristics: Skipjack shad, also known as blue herring, are North American schooling fish often found in large rivers.

They’re long, thin and bright silver in color, and are often seen leaping out of the water while feeding.

Fishermen prefer to use them as bait for both striped bass and catfish. Plankton, minnows and larvae make up the bulk of their diet.

Max. Adult Size: 20 in., 3.5 lbs

Ready to put your fishing knowledge to the test but unsure where to start? Read “Finding the Perfect Fishing Spot” or click here for more fishing advice and tips.