Surf Fishing

5 Basic Fishing Tips and Tricks

Here are the top 5 fishing tricks and tips to catch fish, no matter what skill level you are at:

1. Basic knowledge – know what kind of fish you want to catch, and learn about their habits and habitat. Time of day is important; some fish will bite best in the morning, while others are hungrier in the afternoon. Some like cold water and others stick to the warmer shallows. Be sure to check the weather report before you head out on the waterways.
2. Proper equipment – for simple fishing off a dock, rowboat or shoreline, you need a basic fishing set that includes a rod, reel, line and hooks. Tackle boxes are ideal for carrying and sorting small equipment like sharp hooks, lures, extra line and a knife. Fill your tackle box with a flashlight, adjustable wrench, pliers, first aid supplies, spare hooks and rod tips, glue stick and a lighter.
3. Bait – even fish have different preferences when it comes to food. Use bait that your target fish enjoy. Cover the hook with the worm or other bait, so the fish gets set on a good hook when they chomp down on the tempting bait. Some artificial and electronic baits appeal to certain types of fish but not others. Don’t go looking for perch with bait designed to attract salmon. Shiny reflective lures can sun blind certain fish; use matted metal lures instead.
4. Get maps and local reports – check at the nearest bait shops for local topographical maps and fishing activity reports before you head out for the day fishing. Maps that show the contour bottom of lakes and rivers help you find the drop-offs and other locations that certain fish prefer, like deep holes or mossy areas near the shoreline. Other fishermen can advise you (if they will) about where the fish are biting that day.
5. Peace and patience – keep noise to a minimum, but bring along something to help you pass time; be patient. Keep a close watch for any fishing line movement; a quick hard tug is a chance to hook a fish if you are ready.

Once you have filled your quota of fish for the day, it’s time for your inner chef to take over. Prepare the fish properly for transport home for freezing or cooking. If you brought along dining equipment, enjoy a hot shore dinner that has no equal.

Newt's Surf Company 

www.newtssurfco.com/fishing

How To Bait a Hook: Bass Fishing

Fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers throughout the United States. Heading out for small or large-mouth bass is done in almost every state. Bass respond well to live bait such as worms, minnows and crayfish. Baiting the hook requires a bit of technique. Use some time-tested tips to get your bass-hook baited and ready to catch some fish.

For Worms

• Lift a worm from your bait bucket. Push the worm so it goes onto the hook lengthwise.Push the worm body up all the way over the hook, essentially making a "worm sock" out of the bait.
• Push the hook through the main body of the worm. Bring the worm body up past the bend in the hook. Wrap and push the end of the worm onto the hook and up to the first section on the hook. Grab the other end of the worm and push onto the hook; you now have three contact points of the worm through the hook.
  
  

  Minnows

  • Net a minnow out of your bait bucket. Insert the hook through the minnow's lip or nose. The minnow must retain the ability to swim and move through the water. You don't want to kill the minnow, you want it to swim around and to get the bass to notice it.
    
    

    
    

    Crayfish

  • Lift a crayfish out of the bait cooler. Push the hook through the upper back of the crayfish. Roll the bend of the hook completely through the hard back of the crayfish so the barb is facing up and out.
    
    
    Now get out there and enjoy your time fishing!
     For more tips and tricks check out our website:
    www.newtssurfco.com