Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the nation, and if you’re here, chances are you are part of the 50 million Americans that take part in recreational fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams. So why is freshwater fishing so popular? Because it is relaxing AND exciting. It brings the entire family closer together and it involves constant interaction with nature. The list goes on and on—and for many people, freshwater fishing is so much fun that one trip can turn into a lifelong addiction.
Whether you want to find helpful freshwater fishing tips and resources or are interested in researching different types of fishing boats, explore our site today to discover the unique joys that freshwater fishing can bring to your life.
Freshwater Fishing Necessities
If you want to go freshwater fishing, you need some specialized equipment. The most important items include:
- A fishing rod and reel
- An assortment of freshwater fishing tackle
- Bait and/or lures
- A freshwater fishing license
The Benefits of Using a Boat to Freshwater Fish
Fishing from the shoreline can be lots of fun, but for the ultimate freshwater fishing experience, we suggest that you hop on a boat. You will love being able to cruise to hotspots, cast a line further than you could from the shore, and employ boat-based tactics (like trolling) which can significantly increase your catch rate. You will find that freshwater fishing boats have all sorts of technology that can help you find fish and systems that can help you stay close to them. If you have a freshwater fishing boat, you are almost certain to catch more fish, so check out our inventory and consider which options might be best for you and the way you enjoy freshwater fishing.
Freshwater Fishing Rod and Reel
Most freshwater fishing rods are sold with a reel. Technically speaking you would only call them freshwater fishing poles if they had a length of line tied to the tip and no reel. Several different types of reels are available, but they all serve the same purpose: to hold the fishing line and allow you to cast it out or crank it back as needed.
The best freshwater fishing rods are specialized for different styles or species of fish and are usually rated by action and power. Action describes how the rod bends. A fast action rod bends mostly near the tip, while a slow action rod is nearly parabolic in nature and bends evenly all the way back to the butt. Power, or the other hand, describes the lifting power of the rod and is usually ranked in terms of ultra-light to very heavy.
Freshwater Fishing Tackle
Along with the rod and reel, there is some freshwater fishing tackle you will need. There’s terminal tackle (like swivels), weights, and clips that you may want to tie onto the end of your line. Then there are items like landing nets and pliers that most anglers would consider must-haves for landing fish and removing hooks from their mouths. You will also need a tackle box to keep all this gear stowed and well-organized.
Freshwater Fishing Bait
Freshwater fishing baits can be broken down into two main categories: natural bait, and artificial. Artificial baits include freshwater fishing lures like hard plastic plugs, metal spinners and spoons, and countless other variations. Choosing the best baits for any given species and situation is a matter of experience and gathering intel. Most anglers have their favorite picks which have proven successful in the past, and they depend upon on a regular basis. But when word gets out about a hot bite on any particular bait, you can bet that anglers of all stripes will stock up on it.
Freshwater Fishing Spots
Once you have your gear and your license, you will most likely have the following question: what is the best freshwater fishing near me? The answer to this question is a moving target. Weather, seasonality, and unpredictable fish behaviors all have an impact on where and when fishing will be the best. As a general rule of thumb, you will be choosing between small lakes and ponds, rivers, and large bodies of water including lakes and reservoirs.
Small lakes and ponds: Many freshwater anglers choose to fish in small lakes and ponds simply because it’s so peaceful and relaxing.
Rivers: Rivers tend to be sensitive to changes in the weather since they can grow with rain or shrink with a heat-wave, but their constant currents also tend to keep oxygen levels high and support a diverse range of freshwater fishing species.
Large lakes: Large lakes can attract huge numbers of freshwater anglers and fleets of freshwater fishing boats. Large lakes also tend to offer more of a diversity in the species you can catch, so many of the bigger lakes in America are considered prime destinations by anglers.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Fishing Location
Once you’ve decided where and when to go freshwater fishing, you’ve chosen the best freshwater fishing boat for your target species, and you’ve gathered your freshwater fishing tackle, you’ll have to choose a specific spot to fish in. Naturally, you will want to pick a place where fish congregate.
The following variables should be considered:
Hiding Areas
Oxygen Content
Temperature
Amount of Food
Current
Water Depth
Now that you have some of the facts, fishing in freshwater probably seems like a great idea! If you are looking for a new boat, let the professionals at Bretz Capital Sports Sales help you! Visit us at 9900 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704. Or call us at (208) 323-1500 today! OR check out our inventory online!
