How to Get Big Fish

big fish image by JASON WINTER from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

A big fish is a prize by anyone's standard. From an 8-pound Canadian walleye to a 10-pound bass, you can rig your fishing line to attract large predatory fish. By understanding where large fish commonly feed and which baits are most successful in enticing a strike, you can take the guesswork out of fishing. Using a few simple techniques, you can drop your fishing line to the best depth and reel in the biggest fish in that spot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing reel
Line
Hook
Jig
Bait
Copper leader
Sinker
Swivel

Step 1

Research the type of fish you want to catch. Understand how seasonal changes influence feeding habits and migration. Determine the best water depth for potential strikes.

Step 2

Use a test line rated for large fish such as an 8- to 10-pound test line. Add an optional copper leader--which is a transition line used between your mainline and lure--for extra strength and length. Attach the copper leader using a swivel, which attaches to both your mainline and the leader via a fishing knot.

Step 3

Rig your line with large fishing bait to ensure a large catch. For example, "Large live crayfish are an excellent bait for large bass, " according to the JRW Fishing website. Using the bait that is most prevalent in the river, lake or stream you are fishing, thread the bait onto your hook, passing it from top-to-bottom or side-to-side for a secure attachment.

Step 4

Drop your fishing line to the bottom--or at an intermediary depth--using a lead sinker. Use an egg-shaped sinker, for example, when angling for large catfish. As a general rule, sinker sizes range from 1 oz. to 1 pound; however, larger sinker sizes are also available.

Step 5

Fish the bottom where large predatory fish such as walleye and bass frequently hide behind large obstructions--such as brush, rocks and plants---and wait for forage fish to pass by.

Step 6

Set the hook and retrieve your line fast. Once you feel tension in your line, lower the tip of your rod. Reel in the slack slowly. In one swoop, quickly whisk your rod horizontally, away from the fish, to set the hook.

Tips & Warnings

Maintain your fishing reel so it is in working order when you need it.

Contact the Fish & Boat Commission, the Department of Natural Resources or the Department of Fish and Game in your state to ask about seasonal stocking patterns for streams, lakes and rivers--states such as California do not release the exact date of delivery. Pennsylvania replenishes its streams and lakes annually, whereas Indiana replenishes its streams and lakes seasonally.

Visit a local bait shop and inquire about recent catches from local anglers. Obtain species and sizing information for each catch. Record the information for your records.

Use gang hooks when fishing with crayfish. Add a bobber and then a small swivel--which minimizes line twists--to your fishing line. Tie the pre-tied gang hooks to the opposite end of the swivel. Add an optional split shot sinker if fishing deep waters.

Common fishing lures include spinner baits, jigs, spoons, big worms, lizards, craw worms, rattle traps, ring fries and tubes.

Resources

Net Knots: Fishing Knots

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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