Fishing

Find the perfect fishing net for your next angling adventure. With a variety of shapes, styles and materials to choose from, these landing nets meet all of your angling needs. Different styles of fishing require different types of landing nets. These styles range from long-handled boat nets to compact wade-fishing nets. Our line of landing nets offer nets with wooden or composite handles as well as deep rubber baskets to land your next trophy. Also be sure to keep your landing net secure with our line of net retractors and magnetic holders. These net accessories are a must-have for anglers on the move. So whether you are fishing from a boat or stalking trout on a small stream, our selection of landing nets has you covered.

People who fish for trout to eat or who do catch-and-release trout fishing will always be on the lookout for a good trout net. These can be made of many materials, such as wood, aluminum, or rubber. The nets themselves are made out of rubber, nylon mesh, or other materials.

Getting the trout into the net can be a tricky bit of work. You want to be comfortable with the net you have, and able to maneuver it while holding the fish on your line. You need to use the tip of your rod to angle the fish so that it will fit into the net, but do this gently so as not to break the tip of your rod. Then you pull the fish gently, head first into the net, and at the same time, flick up the rim of the net to land the fish at the bottom of the net.

Clearly, having the right net for you is going to be important, so we have reviewed a few of the better nets available for trout fishers.

A Guide to Choosing Which Fly Fishing Net

A premier quality net is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most important pieces of tackle that you can own. Not only is a net the only safe way you can transport your fish from the water to the bank, but owning a good quality net is a vital aspect of fish care. This is why all the fly fishing nets we stock have been designed by tackle companies who really understand both the needs of the angler and the needs of the fish. We stock nets in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the perfect net for your needs. Many of our nets are manufactured to complement the shape of the fish, thus providing the most support for the fish as you lift it out of the water. They type of handle you have on a net is also important, and we stock nets with a shorter handle that are designed to fit compactly inside a boat, as well as nets with telescopic handles that you can extend to you ideal length. Angling Direct has always said that fishing isn’t only our business, it’s our passion too, which is why you’ll only ever find products that we’re proud to use in our own angling on our shelves.

Which net for trout?

There are several types of net in common use for landing trout. These include:-

Collapsible nets where the frame folds in on itself. These can be clipped to your back or waist to allow you to walk around without leaving the net on the ground. They can also be carried in a scabbard to stop brambles catching on the netting. The net will normally click into ‘action stations’ mode with a flick of the wrist.

Fixed frame and handle nets – these are most commonly used by boats fishers who leave the net ready to go in the bottom of the boat.

Scoop nets are popular with anglers that wade rivers and are normally attached to a retractor with a magnetic release that keeps the net in place high on the anglers back away from vegetation. These are usually not suited to large fish but fine for river trout and grayling. These are often built around a wooden frame and are both and practical.

You also need to think about how long the handle needs to be – if you fish from high banks a net with a long or telescopic handle is the answer.

Which net for salmon?

The choice for salmon is not so wide and anglers will generally go for a gye fishing net. This is a net with a fixed frame that slides on a handle shaft. Generally these have a sling that is fixed to the net allowing the net to be carried on your back. Please be careful if you are deep wading on a fast flowing river. A net fixed to your back could cause a fatal accident if it catches on a rock underwater or interferes with the deployment of a lifejacket.

The net needs to be big enough to accommodate your catch – my preference is for the Mclean Salmon Weigh nets that make it easy to weigh a fish with the minimum of handling prior to its return. They are also great for big pike.

Rubber Landing Nets: Better for Fish and Fishing

If you are a hook and cook’em person, it doesn’t much matter to the fish what type of landing net you use. But if you are a catch and release angler, you need a rubber net.

Another reason you should use a rubber net is to save time. Many of us fish with more than one hook as droppers or as tags. After a fish is netted, the second hook almost always gets tangled in the net. It takes time to untangle the mess, which means it takes longer to release the fish and it takes longer for you to start fishing again. This is a big problem with string and nylon net bags, but is not a big problem with a rubber net. If there is one thing I have learned from spending time with my fishing buddy/coach, the professionals spend less time messing around with gear and more time fishing.

Sure the rubber nets cost a little more, but they are better for the fish because they are easier on the skin and fish are released faster and you can get back after the next fish faster. And unless you have a habit of losing or breaking nets, a rubber net will last for many years.

Fishing provides an excellent opportunity for us to go out on the water and get in touch with nature, breathing in the invigorating fresh air and listening to the rustle of the wind and the chirps of the birds. Make a backpack ready and go for fishing.

Fishing also gives us the chance to relax after a long week and evaluate how we are doing, and if you are super lucky you can get to haul in a catch while you are at it.

It can take long hours of dedication to finally land that prize trophy fish, and during that time, the sun can start to cause painful burning on your face and neck. Pick up a MAGELLAN OUTDOORS gaiter that provides SPF 50 protection from the sun while also adding a stylish camo accent to your look, and check out neck gaiters made of sweat-wicking materials that can move moisture away from your skin to keep you feeling comfortable and cool as you reel in the big one. If you’re looking for an eye-catching addition to your fishing apparel, a Columbia Sportswear gaiter with a head-turning pattern can give you something to talk about between bites. Be sure to pick up SPF-rated fishing shirts for even more protection against harsh midday UV rays.

The Best Fishing Hats For Sale

Fishing hats are another way to stay protect against extended exposure to the sun. An Under Armour ball cap helps shield your eyes against glare from the water while providing a sporty appearance that looks great just about anywhere you go, or if you’re headed to the links after a few hours of fishing, try wearing a Costa Del Mar visor that fits in as well at the golf course as it does at the lake. A bucket hat can give a relaxed, casual look as you fish or take care of backyard chores.

Head Protection from the Sun

Be the talk of the pond by wearing one of our snazzy fishing hats and other fishing apparel from Academy Sports + Outdoors. Don’t let the sun blind your view while you’re trying to hunt down that fabled catch of the season. Our hats are made from a variety of materials, like cotton, polyester and mesh, providing you with ample protection from harsh sunlight over UPF 50. Our array of fishing hat options are designed to be breathable, preventing sweat buildup on your head and face.

Find Your Fisherman Cap

Let us help you find a fishing hat that best suits your angling trip and personal style. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers the best fishing gear, and multiple types of hats, like fly fishing hats, bucket hats, trucker hats, sailing hats and even neck gaiters. We can help you decide on a hat that offers the amount of protection you need as well as a comfortable fit on your head. Our trucker hats and fly fishing hats are lightweight and promote airflow, while our sail hats and bucket hats give you greater shade from the sun. Complement your new fishing hat with a quality fishing shirt or pair of fishing pants to ensure your whole body is protected from the elements.

Things To Consider Before Buying

In market different types of best fishing hat models are available for any gender and any age. You need to select the right fishing cap that will fit your head perfectly well. This can be achieved by measuring the size of your head so that you can get a fishing hat that corresponds with your head size measurements. A good fishing hat should be comfortable, convenient and durable.

Fishing Hats For Every Angler

Protect yourself from the sun with fishing hats. Choose from an impressive array of mesh hats, fishing visors, trucker hats, bucket hats and other popular styles for your outing.

You’ll find fishing hats in an assortment of bright colors, understated neutral tones and camo patterns from leading brands like Costa Del Mar®, Field & Stream®, Flying Fisherman®, Salt Life®, and Under Armour®.

Whether you’re looking for a wide-brimmed hat for maximum sun protection or a warm knit stocking cap to keep you warm on ice-fishing trips, you’ll find today’s best fishing hats.

Whether you’re buying a hat for yourself or looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, you’ll find fishing hats in a rainbow of colors with graphic logos, amusing phrases and other designs to suit any personal taste.

We offers many different fishing hat styles including boonie hats, trucker hats and visors. Boonie hats provide a traditional fisherman look and great protection from the sun, while trucker fishing hats are stylish and available from tons of top brands.

A quality fishing hat can help you stay cool in hot weather and help you brave the elements on colder days. If you’re shopping for a new fishing hat, keep the following considerations in mind:

If you want to maximize your protection from harmful UV rays while you’re on the water, consider a cachalot hat with an attached a neck shade, which can shield your neck and upper back as well as your face. Check out collection of sun protective clothing which includes UV-protective hats.

Fishing visors are a popular choice with people who want to keep sun out of their eyes without the full head coverage that a standard hat provides.

Remember to consider function & style when buying a fishing hat.

It’s your day by the water. Make the most of your next catch with the gear experienced anglers trust.

Discover fishing rods engineered for both remarkable strength and lightweight feel. At the pond or lake, fresh water fishers find performance in any condition with a variety of spincasting, baitcasting, or trolling rods, reels and combos. Fly anglers love fly fishing rods designed for absolute precision and a delicate cast that fools any fish.

Whether you’re after large-mouth bass or trout. Pick from hard baits and lures, flies, saltwater lures and more. Stow away tackle, lures, hooks and fishing line in tackle boxes and bags that simplify organization by the water.

Maximize utility with long and short-sleeved tactical shirts, fishing vests and lightweight jackets. Wade in with bibs and waders that provide the right blend of warmth and flexibility. Pull on boots that give you absolute traction on slippery rocks beneath the water’s surface.

When you can’t make it to the water, try a fishing T-shirt that lets you wear your love of the sport on your sleeve. Shop fishing gear and apparel for men, women and kids.

From crabbing and clamming to bowfishing gear and ice fishing equipment, find the tools it takes to get the job done. Pick up nets, knives, racks and more. Hit the water with kayaks, canoes and boating accessories. Expect quality you can’t beat from brands like St. Croix®, Field & Stream®, Columbia® and more.

From beginner’s fishing rods that are ideal for children and beginners who are just getting into the sport, to strong and powerful professional rods capable of helping experienced anglers land the biggest catches. If it’s fishing clothing you are looking for, then we have a great range which includes fishing jackets from Prologic and Ron Thompson, to fishing hats, gloves, fishing socks and camouflage clothing.

Our match rods and poles from the likes of Shakespeare and Leeda offer great value for money, while our floats, hooks and incredible variety of baits will ensure you stand the best possible chance of a successful day out. Buy all of your fishing equipment with confidence.

Like most fishers, I’m not able to carry, store, or afford a different rod and reel for every species of fish or method of fishing. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possible—including saltwater and freshwater. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on.

In researching and testing, I prioritized attributes such as durability and build quality—features that anyone, regardless of skill level and intended use, can appreciate—over more specialized features such as multiple-geared reels for using live bait or especially stiff rods that can handle big fish but not smaller ones. In other words, the Ugly Stik GX2 and Daiwa BG SW combo is what I’d recommend if someone were to ask me, “What fishing pole should I get if I don’t know what I want?”

How to Pack Reels

Since reels don’t have any dangerous parts, you shouldn’t have problems with reels from a security standpoint. If space permits, take your reels with you in your carry-on pack to prevent potential loss or damage. Pack them in their original case, padded with a few socks or pairs of underwear, or buy a travel reel-case for additional protection. Trolling reels will rarely fit into your carry-on luggage, so be sure to pad them well in your check-in bag.

Update – please be aware of the fact that some airlines may require line to be removed from reels before taking them on the plane as hand luggage. In order to avoid this situation, consider packing line separate in hold baggage.

Other equipment

Use common sense when packing: knives, liquid fly floatant and metal rod holders are definitely a no-no. Be sure to check these in. If you’re carrying lots of weird equipment, show up at the airport an hour earlier than you normally would, to allow for extra time if they make you check-in anything. Above all, don’t argue with the security staff. Be pleasant and tell a few fishing stories. They DO have the power to ban you from a flight. Another thing I often forget to do in the midst of pre-trip euphoria is to check my fly vest’s pockets for any leftover equipment.

Since 9-11, it’s been almost impossible to take dinghies and kayaks with you, checked in or not. If you are staying at a 4+ star resort during your holiday, you will most likely have kayaks or pedal-boats available freely or at a reasonable hourly rate.

There’s many variables in fishing bait and often no absolutes. Many things you’ll encounter when fishing for will leave you with more questions that answers and leave you spending more time trying to learn more.

Carp Fishing Bait

Over the years I’ve used most of the baits you can find in a tackle shop, and more besides. I have spent many hours mixing up many noxious-smelling products in my kitchen, many hours boiling up different types of particles and seeds, and many hours mixing obscure flavours in an attempt to find the ultimate carp bait.

Some of these baits have been highly successful, others have failed miserably. In fact, some of the baits I’ve made over the years have been more successful at actually repelling carp than attracting them!

Vitalin

Vitalin is a dog food made from maize meal, meat and bone meal (among other things).

I’ve put it in at No7 because I’ve caught many fish over the years using it, especially during the winter months. My most successful winter campaign ever was based around Vitalin.

HEMP

All the hype you see and read about this seed is true. Carp absolutely love hemp. In fact, they think it tastes fantastic. Even a very small handful of the stuff can keep fish digging in the lake bed, looking for food, for hours and hours. I’ve actually stopped carp in their tracks by throwing individual grains of hemp in front of them.

Fluoro Pop-Ups

The fact I’ve put fluoro pop-ups at No5 might surprise some people. However, I love these little beauties!

Fluorescent pop-ups definitely seem to attract carp. Used on their own or as part of a more complicated trap, I have caught many carp in the last three years on fluoro hook baits.

Regular Boilies

Boilies catch the vast majority of carp across England every year. There are hundreds of excellent boilie types available to buy from tackle shops and bait companies across the country.

Out of all the boilies on the market, my advice would be to choose a fishmeal-based bait in the spring, summer and autumn. Also, frozen readymades tend to be better because they’re of a higher quality than the shelf life baits you can find in shops, so I’d recommend them over anything else.

Pellets

Pellets have been around for a very long time. In fact, Dick Walker used to mash trout pellets up and use them as a paste in the 1950s, I think! If he’d dropped them in a PVA bag and whacked them into Redmire, he’d have caned the place – there would have been wet, hessian sacks hanging from every tree!

Tiger Nuts

Tiger nuts are brilliant baits. They give off a great smell and the fish love eating them.

I once did an experiment with some tanked carp and some tigers. I placed a handful of the nuts in an old sock, so the carp couldn’t see them, and suspended the sock in the surface of the water. The carp couldn’t see what was in the sock, neither could they get hold of the bait.

Bass Fishing Bait

Selecting and collecting bass lures is almost as enjoyable as fishing them. But which lures catch the most bass? We broke down the top 5 best bass lures based on their proven ability to catch bass, their versatility, and the opinions of many professional bass fishermen.

Plastic Worms

Undoubtedly, number one is the rubber worm. No other bass lure is as versatile or more attractive to bass than a soft plastic worm. This is because they are so lifelike, and when engulfed by bass they feel like natural food. There are endless designs and dimensions, so you can choose the best size, style, and color for the conditions you’re fishing.

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits come in at number two because of their unique ability to attract bass while covering a lot of water at the same time. The fact that they are fairly weedless gives them a bump in the ranks as well.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits come in various sizes, shapes, weights, and running depths. The correct selection of specifications depends mainly on the depth of water you’re fishing. More so than with other bass lures, making the right crankbait choice plays an important role in determining fishing success.

Jigs

While bass jigs are highly effective all year round, being successful with them requires a higher skill level compared to most other lures. Jigs are not the easiest bait to fish but they produce too many trophy-sized bass to not be in the top five. In fact, jigs are very well known for being the best lure for catching big bass.

Topwater Lures

In bass fishing, little can compare to the enjoyment an angler gets when seeing a bass leap out of the water in an attempt to engulf their bait. Topwater lures are not only effective but extremely fun to use, which are two reasons they make the top five.

These lures are designed to ripple the water’s surface, causing popping and splashing sounds as the lure is retrieved. The purpose is to create the appearance of prey in distress in other words–, an easy meal.

The Only 6 Baits You Need to Catch (Almost) Any Fish

Although you may covet a tackle box stuffed with lures, these essential baits will fool (almost) every fish that swims. Clear out your tackle box and cast these super six baits.

Heddon Zara Spook

Although it’s a very small part of the design of this lure, the line-tie is very important. Positioned beneath the nose, a twitch on slack line makes it dart to the side, which has proved irresistible to any fish that will eat bait on the surface, from large and smallmouth bass to tarpon.

Acme Little Cleo

The cup of a spoon dictates its action to a large degree. A shallow-cupped spoon will have a slight wobble, while a deep one will wobble like crazy and have an erratic action.

Curly Tail Grub

Although it looks a little dull in hand, once that tail is pulled through the water, it comes to life, seeming to propel the lure forward. Size: To target panfish, use the tiny 1-inch version with a 1/32-ounce jighead. When jigging for cobia, opt for an 8-inch grub with an 8-ounce head.

Rapala Original Floating Minnow

The action of the Floating Minnow is created by how its lip is positioned in relation to the body of the lure. The bait is designed to imitate injured baitfish, and the lip is responsible for creating this action. Size: When fishing for small species, opt for the 1 ½-inch, 1/16-ounce bait, the most diminutive of the series. When hunting for big fish, throw the 7-inch, 1 1/16-ounce model.

Spro Hair Jig

There are a lot of hair options to choose from. Marabou, rabbit, and squirrel are all popular. Deer hair, however, is perhaps the most durable and widely available.

Mister Twister Sassy Shad

This bait is precisely the dimensions of threadfin shad…and menhaden. Match the hatch, baby. Fish-fooling Feature: The boot-shaped tail section of this lure is where the magic happens. The narrow piece of plastic that leads to the bulky, wide tail creates a very lifelike swimming action.

Any fish that routinely eats smaller fish can be targeted with crankbaits. A lure with a plastic lip that causes a bait to dive underwater can be classified as a crankbait. The depth ranges vary from just below the surface down to 20 feet or even deeper.

A crankbait tops the choices of many bass anglers who need a lure to cover water quickly and explore various depth zones.

Today’s crankbaits come in a variety of body shapes and widths, but the lure’s bill is the key feature defining a crankbait as a shallow-, medium- or deep-diving plug.  Crankbaits with square bills are best for running in the shallows from 1 to 4 feet, while a plug with a 1-inch bill will dive to about 10 feet deep.  Crankbaits featuring longer bills have the potential to reach depths down to 30 feet.

Using Crankbait

Crankbaits are one of the most commonly used bass lures. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but all crankbaits have a few things in common. First, they have a lip or bill on the front that is designed to plane through the water and get the lure down in the water column. The diving depth of the lure can be roughly determined by the size of the bill: the bigger and longer, the deeper it will dive. Second, there are usually two big treble hooks hanging from the bottom that make it look like it will hang up on the first piece of wood or weed it encounters. While crankbaits often do get fouled in this kind of cover, the attitude or position that the lure travels is bill first and head down, thereby protecting the hooks from snagging.

Crankbaits are relatively simple to fish and can be very effective when used in the right situations. Gene Ellison provides some insights and quick tips into the right situations for using crankbait.

Squarebills and Shallow Divers

The shallowest-diving crankbaits – including the popular squarebill crankbaits – work best around shallow cover. Ideal places to throw shallow crankbaits are around rocks, docks, submerged wood, and shallow grass lines. The key with shallow-diving crankbaits is to fish them with no regard to getting them hung up. While this may seem crazy for a lure that has two treble hooks attached, shallow-divers actually do not hang up often if you reel them in fast enough. When a lure deflects off a hard object, it is often the best time to catch a fish, as it causes a reaction from the fish as the lure changes direction. The body and lip of the crankbait will absorb the impact, causing the deflection, and the hooks will rarely penetrate the cover at high speeds.

Medium Divers

Medium-diving crankbaits work well in water that is shallower than 10 feet, even when they dive deeper than the water’s depth. A crankbait that dives 10 feet, for example, will be excellent in shallower water, as it will dig into the bottom and cause a disturbance. Like shallow-diving crankbaits, a deflection also triggers strikes, and a short pause after a deflection often results in a strike.

Deep Divers

A deep crankbait works well for fishing off shore structures like rock piles, creek channels, and ledges. It takes more effort to get these crankbaits down deep and to make them stay there. Like the shallower styles, bottom contact is important, and any deflection or change in the retrieve will trigger a bite.

Line Type, Size, and Diameter

Selecting fishing line is one of the most overlooked aspects of crankbait fishing. Line size and diameter greatly affect how deep your baits will dive and what action they will have. Simply put, the thinner the diameter is, the deeper a bait will dive.

In addition to the line diameter, the type of line will affect the diving depths of your crankbaits. Monofilament and braid will float, and fluorocarbon will sink. Braided line will also have the least stretch, making it the least attractive option for crankbait fishing. The lack of stretch will tend to pull hooks out of the mouth of a fish, resulting in more lost fish.

Monofilament and fluorocarbon are the top choices for crankbaits. Monofilament is ideal for shallow crankbaits, especially when you are fishing around grass, as it will not hang up as often as the sinking fluorocarbon.

Fluorocarbon is a great all-around line for crankbait fishing; it has minimal stretch, and the sinking properties will allow a crankbait to dive deeper.

5 Common Crankbait Fishing Mistakes

Crankbait fishing is a lot more than just mindlessly reeling a lure, however. There are several important caveats that, when considered, will take your cranking game to a whole new level.

Robot mode

As much as we’d love to experience hot and heavy action each time we hit the water, it’s simply not practical. Regardless of your preferred technique, you’ll often fish for hours without a single bite. This lack of action can create a bad habit for crankbait fishermen.

Crankbait fishing is all about making the fish react, which often means making your lure do something different or erratic. Pay close attention the next time you see a school of shallow baitfish—they rarely swim in a straight line. They’re extremely fidgety and every few seconds they’ll dart or dash to the side.

Fishing too quickly

There’s no doubt that crankbaits are an effective tool for quickly covering large expanses of water. They allow for long casts, quick retrieves and they spend a lot of time in the optimal strike zone.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t thoroughly saturate a key piece of cover.

I’d say that 99 percent of my crankbait catches over 5 pounds have come after several identical casts to the same piece of cover. I started keying in on this several years ago and since then, I’ve enjoyed a lot of success whether I’m tournament fishing, guiding or fun fishing.

I’m no biologist, but here’s what I think it comes down to: The biggest bass on a body of water are both smart and lazy. I don’t think most people catch big bass because they find some magic honey hole. In my personal experience, most of it comes down to ticking them off and making those suckers bite.

Improper rod angles

When most of us started fishing, we were tought to set the hook with an upward motion. It’s just the most natural feeling and for most bass fishing techniques, it works just fine. But when you’re crankbait fishing, you should never set the hook upward.

Proper hookset mechanics begin with the appropriate rod angle throughout your retrieve. Not only will it increase sensitivity, but you’ll also be in prime position when it comes time to set the hook.

Using a rod that’s too stiff

If any bass fishing technique calls for a specialty rod in your collection, it’s crankbait fishing. I see so many people who have perfect mechanics constantly lose crankbait fish. It’s honestly not their fault—it’s the rod’s fault.

I like to use a pretty wimpy rod for crankbait fishing. For shallow-running flat-sides up to 1.5-size crankbaits, I like to use a 7-foot medium-action rod. It doesn’t have much backbone, but its tip is what I’m most concerned with.

Squarebills aren’t a cure-all to snags

There’s a lot to be said for squarebill crankbaits; they’re essentially the four-wheel drive of reaction lures. Their lips are designed to allow them to glance off of hard cover while protecting the hooks, thus reducing annoying hang-ups.

But let me be very clear: You can’t just smash ‘em into cover and expect them to make it through unscathed. They’re not the magic pill that will end all snags. It takes some work on our part to maximize their effectiveness.

Baitcaster reels are a purpose built reel with plenty of features to suit every persons fishing style. Designed ultimately for lure casting or trolling and either being of low profile or barrel style to suit the individual user’s needs. They are very accurate for casting lures at structure and can be controlled easily with one hand. One of the best features to any baitcaster reel is the magnetic cast control which can be altered depending on the weight of the lure and the user’s ability.

For barra fishing and bass fishing and many other salt and freshwater species, when it comes to precision casting with a wide variety of lure weights, shapes and sizes, baitcaster reels are the way to go — and Shimano have the best in the business.

For decades now, a skilled baitcaster user who can land a lure just millimetres out from a snag has been a fishing opponent to be reckoned with. Now, while threadline proponents might disagree, a crack-shot with a baitcaster usually finds a lot of fish on the end of his line by the end of the day. And whether you hook a fish or not, there’s a lot of satisfaction to be derived from uncorking a bottler of a cast, whether you make use of cast assisting features such as Shimano’s Variable Braking System (VBS) or go it alone with the much revered ‘educated thumb’.

Shimano’s low profile baitcaster reels are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to use for long periods of time, as casting accuracy can really suffer when arms and wrists become tired, especially in the tropical heat, but when that long-awaited hookup does occur, other Shimano-exclusive features such as ultra smooth drags, SA-RB or A-RB bearings and Super Stopper come into play to make the fight even more enjoyable.

For mixed fishing situations such as live baiting and trolling — whether hand-held or sitting the outfit in a rod holder — traditional round cross-section baitcasters still hold sway, especially when line capacity is a factor if targeting species such as Niugini black bass, big saltwater barra and offshore dwellers such as Spanish mackerel and black jew.

Advantages of Baitcasting Reels

We believe anglers should use both spinning reels and baitcasting reels to be the most versatile angler you possible. However, there are many techniques and lures that are best used with a baitcasting combo.

Heavier Line

On a baitcasting reel, the spool’s axis of rotation is perpendicular to the rod guides, meaning the line comes off directly through the line guide and straight through the rod guides. This makes it easier to use heavier lines, from 10-20lb test on average, and heavier lures. A good baitcasting setup can easily cast lures from 1/4 to 1oz, and more.

More Power

Baitcasters are capable of more power than spinning reels, thanks to their spool layout and design. The spool is in-line with the handle and gears so the reel can apply more power and torque. Also, because the handles are mounted directly onto the reel frame there is no lever arm to cause flex when reeling hard on a fish.

More Control

Baitcasting reel combos give you a higher degree of casting control compared to spinning gear because you can control the distance and speed of your lure by thumbing the spool during the cast. Once you become proficient in their use, you can achieve pinpoint accuracy with your casts, allowing you to place your lure exactly where the fish are.

Baitcasting reels are ideal when using heavier line and lures, and they provide greater control over the speed and distance of casts. You’ll find a great selection of baitcaster reels at Field & Stream. Choose from the best brands, including Abu Garcia®, Daiwa®, Lew’s®, Quantum®, Shimano® and many more.

Find the perfect match for your new reel in our great selection of casting rods, or try a baitcasting combo.

Buying Considerations

There are several factors to consider before investing in a baitcasting reel, including:

Frame

Most baitcasting reels feature an aluminum or graphite frame. Graphite is lightweight and easy to handle, while aluminum is extremely durable. Top-of-the-line reels often feature a one-piece aluminum frame.

Design

Low-Profile Baitcasting Reels: Low-profile models are the most popular type of baitcasting reels; they feature an ergonomic design and are perfect for bass and crappie fishing.

Round Baitcasting Reels: Round baitcasters are workhorses—they hold more line than low-profile reels and are great when using large baits and heavy line.

Gear Ratio

Gear ratio indicates the speed and power of your reel. For example, for a reel with a gear ratio of 6.4:1, the spool spins 6.4 times for every one crank of the handle. A gear with a lower ratio, like 4.1:1, will provide more cranking power, while a ratio like 7.1:1 indicates a very fast retrieve

Bearings

Generally, more bearings mean better performance, but pay attention to the bearing quality. You’ll be better off with four high-quality bearings as opposed to 10 lower-quality ones.

Baitcasting reels can be tricky to master. If you don’t stop the spool from spinning before your lure hits the water, you’re likely to face a bird’s nest—a nasty tangle of fishing line that can make for a frustrating day on the water. Many beginners prefer spinning reels over baitcasters because they are more forgiving, and easy-to-use spincast reels may be the best option for children. One key to avoiding a tangle: make sure you don’t release the line too late

Are you one of those salmon fishers? If yes, you might also be wondering about the best salmon fly fishing techniques. The first thing you need to do is off course preparing the best out of yourself, by bringing the right gears and wearing the rights clothing and sunglasses, and other stuff. After that, you can read on the salmon fly fishing tips below.

1. Know how to make the salmon bite your fly

It is important that keep your line in the water when you want to catch salmon, as they like to gather at deep waters like river bends. You can try casting at first, but if it doesn’t work, you can drift your fly through the pool. If they are hungry, they will rush to strike your fly. But if they don’t seem interested at your fly, they are probably not hungry.

The best time to catch salmon is early morning or near dusk, on overcast days.

2. Know how to set your hook

You must be ready to set your hook downstream anytime the salmons strike. You can try to set it firmly, but it takes some practices.

Move down your fly fishing rod’s until it touches the surface of the water. After that, you can bring your arms above your head to bring the rod back up quickly and firmly. Doing this you can you can make your fishing rod’s tip straight up in the air. This can help you put your hook inside the roof of the mouth of the fish. The will probably fight as this move hurts them.

3. Choose the right salmon flies

To lure salmon to your hook, you need to choose the right salmon flies. There are various colors available for the flies. Especially for the spring, you can choose flies colors like orange, yellow, and green, and match them with holographic body material. These colors are efficient in helping you lure the salmons.

Some of the flies you can choose for fishing salmons include wooly buggers, black stonefly, Hex flies, glo bugs with red eyes, soft hackle green caddis, and PM wiggles.

4. Know how to land salmons

You need to loosen the drag while landing large salmons as it can prevent line breakage. You can allow them to run several times until they feel tired, which can take up to 30 minutes (depending on how much is the weight).

By placing your fly fishing net in front of the salmon, you can expand the energy. When the energy has burst out, salmon will roll on its back, which makes it easier for you to net it from the head first.
Source: flyfishing.thefuntimesguide.com

If you’re a beginner in saltwater fishing, you must be confused about what to bring on your box. However, since you are beginner, you do not really need the ones with good quality. In order to be a good saltwater fisher, here are saltwater fishing gears that you need to bring.

1. Fishing Rod

The most important thing in your fishing equipment must be your fishing rod. You can choose either the graphite or fiberglass rods. Graphite is a lot stronger than fiberglass, but also more expensive. A graphite rod is also lighter, which is why it is recommended for beginners as it is easier to handle. The prevent rust on your rod and reel, you must rinse and wipe your fishing rod to clean it from salt water each time you finish fishing. The location of where you’re fishing from (a boat, beach, or a pier) determines the choice of the rod length.

2. Saltwater Fishing Reels

The saltwater has corrosive effect. That’s why your fishing reels must be strong enough to withstand it. As a beginner, you should choose the one that makes casting the line easy. For saltwater fishing, it’s good for you to choose spinning reels as they are able to cast long way and are hardly affected by wind. However, they are quite heavy with the line that is easily tangled. A spinning reel for saltwater fishing needs to hold 100 yards of line.

When choosing fishing reels, you should also need to put attention on the spool. Saltwater fishing is good with spool made from aluminum, as the line will not dig into the spool, and this will not stop the line to move freely, especially when in effort to catch big fish.

3. Saltwater Fishing Line

For saltwater fishing, you are recommended to use monofilament fishing line as they are strong and thin, and are easily stretched. This type of fishing line also has low memory, which means that if you have used this on the reel for a long time, the shape of the reel will not stay there when you use it again. You need to change the monofilament fishing line every six months as the long exposure of sunlight can break it down.

4. Saltwater Fishing Bait

When fishing in saltwater, the best bait that must be included in your salt water gear is shrimp. And the best of all is the live shrimp that are kept in a bucket of water. Cut bait is also frequently used when fishing in saltwater. Cut bait is simply dead fish which are cut into small pieces. Cut bait is a good option for those with small budget.

5. Saltwater Fishing Hooks

Another thing that must be included in your saltwater fishing gear is the fishing hooks, which can be made either from high-carbon steel or stainless steel. To avoid rust, you can choose stainless steel hooks, but they tend to break more easily. The size of the hooks depends on the fish you hope to catch. Fish with bigger mouth will certainly need bigger hooks. The most common hooks used are between size 14 and size eight. And size 32 is the smallest size available for saltwater fishing. Since they are inexpensive, you can bring a pack containing a variety of sizes.
Source: www.ebay.com

One of the most famous participation sports now is fishing. No matter if you put anchor for weight or you are fishing on the move, boats can be one of the best places to catch more fishes. And again, fishing from boats will give different experience than ever before.

One thing you should not forget is boat fishing roads that have been specifically designed for the angling undertaken. And when buying boat roads, you have to consider its safety and efficiency as well its ease to use on boats. If you fish in different occasions, such as in offshore or freshwater, buying many kinds of rods is highly recommended. A lighter model is suitable for those fishing in top water, while a heavier one is good for those enjoying to fish deeper under the surface.

Here are the tips to find the best boat fishing rods for you.

Materials of the Boat Rods

There are some materials available in the market. Choose the materials based on the occasions.

1. Fiberglass rods

Compared to graphite rods, fiberglass is cheaper. And at the same time, fiberglass is more durable. If you like straightforward, no-frills fishing, this rod is the best because it is heavier than its competitors.

2. Graphite rods

Since graphite is light, the sensitivity is higher so it is good for casting on and off. However, this rod tends to be more delicate so you have to give more care to keep it last longer.

3. Graphite composite rods

If you want strength but with reduced weight, this type of rods is the best for you. The casting performance and tip sensitivity are also greater than fiberglass. And compared to rods made entirely from graphite, this graphite composite rod is definitely cheaper.

Weights of the Rods

The species of fish you target determine the weight of the rods you will use. A 12-15lbs will be suitable for lighter species and a 30-50 lbs will give you much help when catching heavier fish.

Lengths of the Rods

When you have longer rods, you also have longer cast. When talking about length, most people will prefer something between 6ft and 8ft. Typically, the length is 6.5ft. However, if you fish from a kayak, the maximum length of the rods will be only 3ft.

Choice of Reels

When choosing a boat fishing rod, you have to also consider the reels. If you plan to hold the rod all the time, lighter reels are the best choices. However, if the rod will be put and rested a lot, weight is not pretty much critical.

Or do you think you also need a rod holder?
Source: www.ebay.com

Terminal tackle will help you when doing bottom fishing, both inshore or in deep offshore waters. Therefore, finding the right terminal tackle is crucial. Here are the guides to choose the right terminal tackle for you.

Fish Finder Rigs

If you’re on a party boat, with 12-50 people going to bottom fishing, you will be most likely to be provided with terminal tackle in the form of fish finder rigs, which is a form of leader with bank sinker or pyramid at the end of the leader. A loop is tied about 20-24 inches from the sinker, to which a hook is tied. Sometimes, above the first loop is also tied a second loop and hook, and swivel will be tied 12 inches from that.

The whole rig’s length is 3 feet which make it difficult for you to cast. This is good for party boats because the rig can only go straight down which is meant to avoid tangled lines with so many people fishing in the boats.

Besides used in party boats, finder rigs can also be used over a wreck or artificial reef as there may not several fish on the bottom. With its heavy sinker, finder rigs can just go right to the school.

Grouper and Snapper Rigs

Both rigs have monofilament leaders with the length of 3-5 feets, with swivel on one end and hook on the other end. Snapper rigs have lighter and shorter leaders with narrower hooks if compared to grouper rigs.

The egg sinker that can slide up and down is used for the rigs. Using this rig for bottom fishing in deep water is difficult. When the rig goes down, the relative buoyancy of the bait and the weight of the sinker will cause some twisted lines. However, these rigs are still good for deep water in current situation because the current will keep the hook and bait away from the sinker as it goes down.

If there is no current, you can still make the most of these rigs with live bait because it can swim away from the sinker and the bait can go to the bottom without any tangled lines.

Flounder Rigs

Trolling sinker or beaded casting sinker is used for these rigs. Since the sinkers are elongated and streamlined, they can bump along the bottom with a little chance of hanging on structure. A leader is tied to one end of the sinker, and a line is tied directly at the other end. When you drag live bait (especially mud minnows, small mullets, and other small live fish) slowly in the bottom to find flounder, these rigs will be your best choice.

Wire Leaders

Wire leaders are best for fish with sharp teeth, including barracuda, Wahoo, and king mackerel. The wire used can be stranded or coated wire or also can be stainless steel. It is usually used only in trolling situation because it can be easily seen so it can discourage strikes.

Maybe you also need to organize these in your fishing tackle box?

Source: saltfishing.about.com