Different Types of Fishing | All You Need to Know About That!

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Fishing is one of the great ways to spend your time. Many people around the world love fishing for fun or sometimes, to spend time with family. Different types of fishing can bring a different kind of thrill.

Fishing is not only entertaining but also it is beneficial to your health. It helps you to bond, and relieve stress. But the types of fishing depend on what kind of place you are going to fish in.

So, if you are looking for information to find a different way to fish, you are in the right place. We have listed some of the most popular types of fishing here.

Fishing and Angling:

You cannot use the same fishing method everywhere. For different types of fishing, there are various methods of angling too.

Angling is the method of catching fish with a hook. A fishing hook is usually attached to the fishing line. A fishing line is usually attached to the fishing reel.

The types of angling also vary depending on the type of fishing. Hopefully, the discussion below will help you understand everything clearly.

We will share some fishing techniques for beginners as well. So let’s get started!

popular types of fishing

Bait Fishing:

Bait fishing is done by using bait, impaled on a hook. It is set by the angler on the tip of the road for the fish to swallow it.

Usually, worms, maggots, small fishes, cheese, grains, and bread paste are used as baits.

Here are some tips and tricks for bait fishing:

  • Choose your bait,
  • Use light or heavy rods depending on the type of fish,
  • Use a sinker. It will help your line to go straight down.
  • Do not reel on the first bait,
  • Have a de-hooker ready.

Ice Fishing:

In Scandinavian and many European countries, ice fishing became popular in the 20th century. If you prefer winter or live around the places where lakes freeze over the winter, ice fishing can be your thing.

For ice fishing, you might need special equipment. However, special equipment does not mean expensive ones. What you might need is called ice augers. It is used to drill a hole in the ice and drop a line through it to catch fish.

Again, the fishing reel and rod size can be different based on the type of fish you are trying to catch. You will notice that the ice fishing reels are made in a way to drop in the hole rather than casting.

If you are a beginner, remember to wear warm clothes, gloves, and boots to keep yourself warm because you might get cold waiting for fish. And remember to use a kitchen sieve to keep ice from reforming over the hole.

Small tip: The best kind of bait for ice fishing is worms.

Trolling:

Trolling is another angling fishing method and requires more attention and effort.

In this type of fishing, bait is trailed or ‘trolled’ behind the water vessel while the vessel moves around the water area. The lure can be artificial. Or, you can use small bait fishes to attract predators.

Trolling requires more fishing gear. And if you are a beginner, you need to know what type of gear you will need. So, here is a list:

  • Fishing license. It has to be valid.
  • Water vessel to fish from,
  • Trolling motor,
  • Fishing rod and lure,
  • Needle nose pliers to remove lures from the mouth of the fish.

The advantage of trolling is that one can catch fish using this method using any kind of water vessel like a kayak, paddleboat, motorboat, canoe, etc.

Spinning:

This type of fishing can be done to catch any fish, anywhere. This method is done to catch fish using a spinning reel. Thus, the name ‘spinning fishing’ came.

As a beginner, you need to research well to find out what type of fishing reel you might need. It will depend on the type of fish you are after.

Techniques for spinning:

  • First, you need to attach the lure to the end of your fishing line,
  • Get ready to cast,
  • After casting, start reeling in.

Fly Fishing:

This fishing type got its name based on the kind of lure that is being used for such type of fishing. The lure looks like a fly. It is made in a way to looks like the kind of insects fishes eat.

The lures are made using thread, fur, feathers, or hooks. The size of the lure can vary from grain size to about 10 inches.

Fly fishing can be fun if you know how to do it properly. It has its kind of rhythm. The lightweight lure lands gently on the water when thrown. It helps to keep the fishes from getting startled.

If you are a beginner, you are most likely to get impatient while fly fishing. But this kind of fishing requires patience and skills because fly fishing gear is different than usual fishing gear.

Gears that you might need are:

  • Fishing reel,
  • Fishing rod,
  • Flies,
  • Leaders,
  • Waders and Wading boots.

Fly fishing is a useful technique for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

If you are confused about what sort of gear you would need for fly fishing, you can always follow the advice of the employees of your local fly fishing store. They would know what is best for the locality you are fishing in.

Freshwater Fishing:

Freshwater fishing is fishing in water with minimal to no salt content. Around 40% of all fish can be found in freshwater. Freshwater fishing means fishing in rivers, ponds, lakes, streams, etc.

These are some of the most common and popular spots for fishing, especially for beginners. Beginners can enjoy freshwater fishing from shore, dock, bridge, or by using boats.

Here are some fishing techniques:

  • Learn the depth of water,
  • Pay attention to the weather and time as they affect fish activity,
  • Use bait. Such as worms, minnows,
  • Make sure you know what kind of fish you are after.

Saltwater Fishing:

Saltwater fishing or tidal waters fishing refers to fishing in oceans. It can be done from both shores and on the boat. However, this type of fishing can be challenging for both beginners and experienced people. So if you are a beginner, it is better to fish from the shore.

Fishes that are caught from the sea are more like a trophy to those who catch them—tuna, marlin, swordfish, tarpon, etc. Your fishing technique should be different depending on what kind of fish you are after.

Here are some of the saltwater fishing techniques:

  • Get a valid license,
  • Plan your trip based on tidal movements.
  • Choose the right gear, such as a spinning reel, or spinning rod.
  • Use natural bait,
  • Make sure to keep your live bait covered in a bucket,
  • Start fishing from piers to practice.

Your angling can bring you fun if you follow the right techniques. And once you get experienced in saltwater fishing, you won’t be able to resist this adventure.

Shore Fishing:

Shore fishing does not require any particular angling skill. People of any age can enjoy shore fishing. You can enjoy shore fishing with your friends and family.

You can catch fish from the shore of the local river, pond, or lake. Fishes like catfish, snook, bluefish, largemouth bass, etc. can be caught from shore fishing. Shore fishing can be done using your freshwater fishing gear.

Jigging:

This angling style is very popular. Jigging is the type of fishing where a ‘jig’ is being used. A jig is a sinker with a hook built into it.

It is a specific type of fishing lure that moves in a jerky motion, like an injured fish. Thus, it attracts the hungry predators.

Spearfishing:

Spearfishing is one of the most ancient fishing styles. This fishing style requires impaling fish, using spears. You will need to be precise and quick with your movements for spearfishing.

This type of fishing is usually done in shallow water where fishes are easily visible. You can enjoy spearfishing waddling on water or from the boat.

There are several types of gear for spearfishing. Such as:

  • Harpoon
  • Bow and arrow
  • Spearguns
  • Trident
  • Hawaiian slings
  • Spikes

Netting:

Commercial fishermen use the net to catch fish. It is known as netting. This method is useful for catching lots of fishes at once. This is also another ancient fishing method.

The types of net used for this kind of fishing are:

  • Cast nets
  • Drift nets
  • Ghost nets
  • Hand nets
  • Lift nets etc.

Rock Fishing:

Rockfishing is a popular pastime in many countries. It is the kind of angling style where you fish from the edge of a rocky cliff.

It is as dangerous and risky as it sounds. The rock fishing claims many lives every year. But we have listed it as one of the most popular fishing styles because many people enjoy the adventure despite the risk.

What’s Next?

So, of all the different types of fishing, which one is your favorite? Well, if you are a beginner, hopefully, the information mentioned above will help you.

And even after that, if you face any problem, you can always ask the fishing gear shop employees to know better.

But what to do next? Get yourself a fishing license so that you can explore more fishing styles. And make sure you choose the right tools such as fishing lines, reels, rods, hooks, baits, etc.

And do not forget to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug repellents when you go fishing.

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