Did you know lakes and ponds make for great fishing spots? Whether you’re out on a boat or along a nearby lake shore, you’re unlikely to have trouble finding fish. They can be in deep or shallow water, near man-made objects or in open water. Provided you know the lake’s structure, your fishing trip is almost guaranteed to be a success. However, there are a couple of important things to consider before you set out. Read on for our best lake fishing tips!
Choose the Right Rod
When it comes to freshwater fishing, telescopic fishing rods are always an excellent choice. If you often find yourself looking for promising fishing spots while you’re driving around, look no further. These rods can be shrunk to a compact size, allowing you to carry them with you everywhere you go. We’ve tested some of the more popular telescopic fishing rods on the market, and the clear winner in this category is the PLUSINNO® Telescopic Fishing Rod.
Unlike most of its competition, this rod is a perfect mixture of durability and comfort. The combination of fiberglass and Carbon fiber makes this rod hard and elastic, while the graphite blank construction keeps it on the light side. The reel seats are made of stainless steel, which helps prevent seawater corrosion. The design doesn’t leave much to critique, either. And to top it all off, this product is also very affordable. You can take our word for it – this is the best telescopic fishing rod on the market!
Pick the Correct Lure
As far as fishing lures go, you can’t go wrong with chatterbaits. If you’re not familiar with it, this lure basically consists of a lead-head jig with a single metal blade attached to it. The blade makes the chatterbait incredibly versatile and able to be retrieved in many different ways. As they can be used in both clear and muddy water, these lures are becoming more and more popular in freshwater fishing.
That said, it’s important to know how to fish a chatterbait. Considering they have a lot of action, you’re probably better off retrieving them slowly instead of constantly jigging the bait up and down. However, be sure to factor in the weather. Fish tend to be more active in warmer conditions, in which case you might be better off cranking the lure across the water. Finally, changing things up here and there is always a good idea. Removing the skirt off a chatterbait or going with a lure of a different color can dramatically improve your odds.
Come Prepared for Variety
Bass, crappies, bluegills, carp, catfish – an average lake can be home to all of these fish species and more! For this reason, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the lake of your choice before setting out on a trip. For example, the bass are notorious for always being ready for a fight. They are usually very aggressive in striking the bait, and can easily escape your grasp if you’re not paying attention. If you’re using plastic bait, a 2/0 size hook is perfect for bass fishing.
Know the Difference Between Boat and Shoreline Fishing
Finally, one of the biggest choices you’ll have to make is whether to opt for boat fishing or shoreline fishing. Given that both methods can be worthwhile, this really comes down to personal preference. However, the fishing techniques you will have to employ can be quite different.
Boat fishing lets you choose between a variety of possible techniques. If you’re pan fishing, anchoring down in a single spot is always a good choice. Some fish species will move to shallow places on a hot day, and discovering such spots can be a productive exercise. If a lake is deep enough, you can also troll around it. This method lets you cover a lot of ground in a short time, and is especially popular when it comes to crappie fishing.
Shoreline fishing doesn’t require as much preparation as the previous option. Provided you’ve already picked out your spot, you can be ready to fish within minutes! Finding that spot can be a little tricky, however. Areas with weed pockets or brush cover are usually flush with fish, especially during the summer. You can also look for places where water enters the lake, as bait fish like hanging around these areas. And no matter which spot you choose, remember to stay patient!