BASIC OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES FISHING PREPARED BY: DOUG DARR AQUATIC EDUCATION COORDINATOR BASIC OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES A Program of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources FOREWORD Fishing is one of America’s most popular participation sports. “Basic Fishing” introduces fishing skills to the public. “Basic Fishing” is one of four skills taught in the Basic Outdoor Skills Series produced by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. The other skills in this series include “Backyard Wildlife,” “Basic Hunting,” and “The Preparation, Care and Cooking of Wild Game and Fish.” General tax revenues were not used to produce this series. License fees and excise taxes contributed by anglers, hunters and other lovers of wildlife made possible these courses for the public to enjoy. Designed to promote the ethi- cal enjoyment of wildlife, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries wishes you a lifetime of outdoor experiences that can begin with “Basic Fishing.” Fishing is enjoyed for many reasons. The joy of fishing is to successfully meet the challenge of inducing fish to bite. Fishing offers a chance to relax in the outdoors while simultaneously being a part of nature. For many, the greatest joy of fishing is being away from the fast pace of modern life so you have a chance to get to know your fishing partner better. Many fishing trips bring anglers together and last a lifetime through the memories they evoke. I am thankful to all the artists whose illustrations were used. Copyright privileges were granted by the Missouri Department of Conservation for Figures 16, 20, 22-28 and 40-52. The Future Fisherman Foundation granted the use of Figures 12-14 from the Aquatic Resources Education Curriculum and Figures 10, 11 and 15 from the Sport Fishing and Aquatic Resources Handbook. Figures 1-9, 17-19, 21 and 29-39 were provided by C. J. Turner of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. I am also thankful for Mr.Turner’s assistance in editing the graphics and formatting this publication. Finally, thanks to Charles Kelley, Director of what was then the Alabama Game and Fish Division, M. N. “Corky” Pugh, Assistant Director, and Fred Harders, Fisheries Section Chief, who had the vision to see the need of providing the public with a short introduction to fishing. I appreciate them asking me to contribute to it and giving me the time to accomplish the task. This material is only to be used in a non-profit setting. Fishing But if no fish I catch at all, Successful I’ll still be. For I’ve been fishing, had a ball, And for a day been free. Anonymous i ii BASIC FISHING SKILLS TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Introduction Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Safety Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Section 1. Tackle Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gear Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Terminal Tackle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Other Tackle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Section 2. Using Your Tackle Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Retrieving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Setting the Hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Playing the Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Preparing Your Catch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Section 3. Techniques - Where and How to Fish Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Species of Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BASIC FISHING SKILLS Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Basic Outdoor Skills Series INTRODUCTION PURPOSE This short course is designed to give basic fishing knowledge to those with little or no fishing experience. This basic knowledge will help the new angler to have safer and more enjoyable fishing trips. This handout will be a handy reference for the beginning angler. Numbered diagrams are presented with the text. A glossary of fishing terms is found in the appendix. Fishery management and boating access programs are not funded through general tax money. Fishery management is funded by anglers through license fees and an excise tax on the purchase of fishing equipment. Boating access projects are funded by an excise tax on gasoline. GOALS Participants in this course will be introduced to the various types of equipment and tackle by demonstration. Participants will experience knot tying and other tackle techniques, and where possible, practice casting or fishing. Areas for good fishing will be described, and simple techniques used to catch common fish will be presented. Anglers will learn about laws and regulations used to maintain high quality fishing. Handling and preparation of the catch will also be discussed. ETHICS An ethical angler: Keeps only the fish needed ... Does not release bait into the water ... Properly disposes of trash and waste ... Observes all applicable laws and regulations ... Practices safe angling and boating ... Hones angling and boating skills and passes this knowledge on to others ... Respects other anglers’ rights ... Respects property owners’ rights ... Supports local conservation efforts. SAFETY EQUIPMENT When outdoors, safety equipment should be available nearby. Even when you are fishing from the shore, a life jacket is the most valuable piece of safety equipment. A life jacket should be worn when fishing near deep or swift water. Other safety equipment includes sun blocking lotion and first aid equipment for emergencies such as stings or bites. You should take warm clothes and rain gear when appropriate and take plenty of water and ice during all seasons. 1 SECTION 1. TACKLE PURPOSE Fishing tackle is the connection between the angler and the fish. The fishing tackle is necessary both to get the lure or bait to the fish and to get the fish to the angler. GEAR TYPES Fishing rigs are named for the reel (or lack of reel) that holds the fishing line. Each type of fishing reel has an appropriate fishing rod that goes with it. 1. Pole and Line. The simplest gear is a pole with fishing line attached to the end. It is used with a float and hook or lure (Figure 1). This gear is simple yet very effective for fish in shallow water. Crappie and white bass are taken in the spring, and bream are caught during the late spring and summer. An added advantage of this gear is that Alabama residents do not need a license to fish in their home county with a pole and line having no reel. 2. Spincast Gear. Spincast is the simplest gear with a reel (Figure 2). Spincast gear is the appropriate choice for most beginning anglers. The fishing line comes out of a hole in the reel cover. During the cast, the thumb is used to release the line, and the index finger is used for control. Spincast gear is used to cast light to medium size lures. Spincast gear is not the best choice for using very light fishing line or heavy fishing line. 3. Spinning Gear. Spinning gear can cast farther than spincast gear (Figure 3). The fishing line in a spinning reel is exposed, and the index finger is used to release the line and to control the line. Spinning gear is used for casting very light to heavy lures. 4. Baitcast Gear. Baitcast gear has more control than spinning gear (Figure 4). The fishing line in a casting reel rotates the spool as the line comes off the spool. During the cast, the thumb is used to release the line and for control. Bait casting gear is used to cast moderate to very heavy weights farther than other reels. 2 Figure 1. Pole and line. Figure 2. Spincast gear. Figure 3. Spinning Gear. Figure 4. Baitcast gear. © © © © 5. Fly. A fly rod works differently than other rods. The fly rod casts the line instead of casting the lure (Figure 5). The fly rod casts very light lures typically made of feathers, fur or fibers that will cast out with the line. Fly fishing is not difficult, but it normally takes training to learn properly. TERMINAL TACKLE Terminal tackle is the tackle between the fish and the reel. 1. Hooks. Hooks keep fish attached to your line. Hooks must be kept sharp. Hooks come in many sizes and types (Figure 6). Ask your bait and tackle dealer what is appropriate for the species you are trying to catch and the bait you are using. The size fishing line or leader you are using should be dependent on the size hook you are using. 2. Snaps and swivels. Most hooks and lures are more effective with- out snaps or snap-swivels attached (Figure 7). Crank baits (wobbling lures) are the exception. If you are trying a variety of lures, a small but strong snap will make changing lures easier. A swivel or three-way swivel can be used to attach a dropper that keeps bait or lures off the bottom. 3. Weights or Sinkers. Only enough weight should be used to cast the bait and keep it at the desired depth (Figure 8). More weight will be needed in windy weather or swift water. To prevent losing a fish, weights should be attached carefully, especially when they are on the fishing line directly between the hook and the angler. 4. Floats. Floats are used to keep baits off the bottom and to assist with detecting a bite (Figure 9). The float should be just large enough to do the job; if the float is too large, the fish will feel it and may not become hooked. 5. Knots. Knots connect you to your fish. Tying quality knots is the single most important skill that should be learned. A knot that connects the hook or lure to your line is the most important knot to learn. There are several that work well, such as the Improved Clinch, the Palomar, and the Duncan Loop knots (Figures 10-15). Try them all. You should pick a favorite knot and master the skill of tying it. Other knots are used for special purposes such as connecting fishing lines together. When you buy fishing line, you should keep the manufacturer’s pamphlet in your tackle box. It will usually show what types of knots you may need and have diagrams for tying them. 3 No. 3/0 No. 1/0 No. 2 No. 4 No. 6 No. 8 Figure 6. Commonly used hook sizes. Figure 7. Locking snap-swivel (top) and common snap-swivel (bottom) egg or barrel split shot bullet ( for rigging swivel plastic worms) Figure 8. Common sinkers. card- line quill bobber Figure 9. Common floats. Figure 5. Fly Rod © © © © © 4 Figure 10. The Improved Clinch Knot (left) is a basic knot for beginning anglers to use with monofilament line. To tie an improved clinch knot: (a) pass the line through the eye of the hook, then make several turns around the standing end of the line (more for lighter line), (b) pass the tag end through first loop above eye, (c) pass the tag end through the “big loop,” (d) moisten the line and (e) slide tight against the eye. For light lines, such as 6 pound test, six to eight turns is required; for heavier line (10 to 20 pound test) 5 or 6 turns is sufficient. Figure 11. The Palomar Knot (below) is also a good knot for beginning anglers, as it is strong and easy to tie. To tie a Palomar knot: (a) double about 4 inches of line and pass loop through hook eye, (b) tie an over- hand knot with doubled line, (c) pass hook through line loop, and (d) moisten line and pull knot tight. tag end (a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b) (c) (d) Figure 12. The Surgeons End Loop (below) is used to tie a loop at the end of a fishing line. To tie a surgeons end loop: (a) double about 4 inches of line and tie an overhand knot with it, (b) bring doubled end through the loop once again, and (c) hold both the standing end and tag end and pull loop to tighten knot. (a) (b) (c) standing end “big loop” “big loop” 5 Figure 13. The Arbor Knot (right) is used to tie fishing line to a reel. To tie an arbor knot: (a) thread the line through the reel’s line guide, around the spool and back out the guide. Tie an overhand knot around the standing end and in the tag end, (b) tighten both knots and pull standing end until knot is snug against spool. Figure 14. The Surgeon’s Knot (below left) and the Blood Knot (below right) are used to join two lines together. The surgeon’s knot is preferred when tying two lines of unequal diameter (such as tying a fly line to a monofilament leader). To tie a surgeon’s knot: (a) lay the two lines parallel, overlapping about 6 inches. As though the two were a single line, tie an overhand knot, pulling the entire leader through the loop. Pull both tag end of line and leader through again. (b) Moisten line and pull to tighten. To tie a blood knot: (a) overlap the two ends for about 6 inches, take tag end and make 6 turns around the other line, insert tag end between the two lines. (b) Repeat with other tag end so that the ends of both lines are drawn through the center loop. (c) Moisten line and pull tag ends to tighten knot. Figure 15. The Duncan Loop Knot (below), like the surgeons end loop, is used to tie a loop at the end of a line. 6. Rigging. Rigging is how you hook your bait and where you put your hook, snap or swivel, weight and float. The type rig that catches the most fish is the best rig. Some common riggings are shown in Figures 16-19. OTHER TACKLE Other tackle helpful in fishing (Figures 20- 21) includes a tackle box which holds all equipment. A sharpening stone keeps hooks sharp. A lure retriever frees lures. A rag keeps your hands clean. Fingernail clippers or scissors safely cut fishing line. A pair of longnose pliers with wire cutters is useful for holding and removing fish hooks. A floating fish basket keeps smaller fish alive until you finish your fishing trip. Some anglers land fish with a net after they are hooked; landing nets are more critical for large fish, fish with spines such as catfish, and fish with sharp teeth such as sauger and walleye. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh. A thin, flexible fillet knife makes it easier to clean fish. An inch ruler measures fish to verify their legal length. An angler’s diary helps you be a better angler by reminding you of how fish were caught, what the weather was like, and what the fish were eating. An angler’s diary also keeps the memories vivid. 6 Figure 16. Methods of rigging live bait. Figure 17. Method of rigging to keep bait near bottom. 3-way swivel swivel sinker 3 foot leader 6 inches to 1 foot Figure 19. Fishing rig for shallow or moving water. barrel or egg sinker swivel Figure 18. Bottom fishing rig. Fish can pick up bait and swim away without feeling weight of sinker. Swivel acts as stop and prevents excessive line twist. A floating jig head may be used to keep the bait off of the bottom. © © © © 7 Figure 20. Tackle that is helpful to the beginning angler: (a) tackle box, (b) plug retrievers can save lures, (c) finger nail clippers for clipping line, (d) needle-nose pliers are a useful all-around tool, (e) stringers or floating fish baskets can help keep fish fresh, (f) a landing net is useful with large fish, (g) a fillet knife is designed specifically for fish. Figure 21. You can improve your fishing by keeping a record of your fishing trips. © © SECTION 2. USING YOUR TACKLE CASTING Casting is the skill of propelling a lure from the angler to the water. For spincasting, spinning and baitcasting, the overhead cast is the easiest. First your lure should hang one to three inches from the tip of your rod (Figure 22). Then point your rod where you intend to cast (9 o’clock position; Figure 23 and 24). Check to be sure the area behind you and above you is clear of anglers and obstructions. In one fluid motion, move the rod to the 1 o’clock position and bring the rod forward releasing the fishing line at the 12 o’clock position, continuing your follow-through to the 9 o’clock position pointing at your target (Figure 24). If the lure went too high and fell short, you need to hold the fishing line a little longer. If the lure went too low and fell short, you need to let the fishing line go sooner. RETRIEVING Retrieving is the act of bringing a bait or lure back to the boat (Figures 25 and 26). After casting, live and prepared bait are often left in one spot until retrieved. Some baits and most artificial lures are most effectively presented while retrieving. The retrieve can be slow or fast; it can be steady or erratic. SETTING THE HOOK Once the fish bites the lure, the hook must be pulled into the fish to hold the fish. Then the fish can be brought to the angler (Figure 27). When the fish bites, the fishing rod should be quickly pulled up to force the hook into the fish. The force needed to set the hook depends on the rod, line, species of fish, and the lure or bait used. For example, a crappie caught on a light multifilament line and minnows will need only a gentle lift- ing of the rod to set the hook. A bass angler fishing with monofilament line and the hook buried in a plastic worm will need a vigorous rod sweep to force the hook through the worm and into the bony mouth of a bass. PLAYING THE FISH After setting the hook, the line should be kept tight so the fish will not shake the hook loose. The fishing rod should be held between a 10 o’clock and a 12 o’clock position. Large fish must be pumped; a large fish is repeatedly pulled toward the angler with the rod. Pulling is followed by reeling the fishing line when the rod is lowered slightly (Figure 28). 8 Figure 24. Proper spin-casting technique carries rod from 9:00 o’clock position to 1:00 o’clock and back to 9 o’clock. Line is released at approximately 12:00 o’clock. Figure 23. Begin the cast by pointing the rod tip directly at the intended target. Figure 22. The lure should hang 1 to 3 inches below the rod tip (a). Do not reel it completely to the top guide (b). (a) (b) © © © PREPARING YOUR CATCH Before your fishing trip begins, you should plan how you will care for your catch. Many fish are kept in floating fish baskets or stringers. These may work pretty well in cooler weather, but fish die quickly in warm weather. Fish are best kept fresh on ice. To keep your cooler clean and to keep fish out of the water, use a plastic bag to isolate your catch. Preparation of your catch for eating is called cleaning your catch. There are two different ways to clean your catch: filleting and dressing. Filleting (Figures 29-32) involves cutting the edible part of the fish away from the inedible part (no bones are left). Dressing (Figures 33-36) implies taking off parts that cannot be eaten, with most bones left with the edible portion. Some fish, like catfish, have a skin that must be removed (Figures 37 and 38). Other fish have to be scaled with a knife or a spoon. Filleting is a little more difficult, but filleting yields a more visually pleasing product to most people. In Alabama, you may not fillet your catch while fishing on public waters; the total lengths of fish are needed for length limit regulations. Fish may be dressed and gutted, if the heads are left on the carcass. Be sure to dispose of the wastes properly. Once fish are cleaned, they should be frozen immediately or prepared within three days. Frozen fish may develop freezer burn unless they are tightly wrapped or unless they are frozen in water. When freezing fish in water, you should use just enough water to cover them. Plastic freezer bags work well for fillets, if they can be sealed without leaking. Fish may be cooked by baking, boiling, broiling, frying, grilling, microwaving, and poaching. Three preparation methods are also preserving methods: canning, pickling and smoking. Fish are often cooked too long. Fish should be white and flaky, not dry and brittle. Some species cook more quickly than others. Thicker pieces of fish take longer than thinner. Trial and error is the best way to learn to cook fish. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries offers a game preparation class. 9 Figure 25. The proper way to hold the rod when retrieving. Figure 26. Gently pinch the line as you retrieve it. Figure 27. Setting the hook. Figure 28. Pumping the rod. © © © © 10 Figure 31. Flip the fillet over, skin side down, and insert the blade between the skin and the meat. With a sawing motion, follow the inside of the skin closely with the blade and cut the meat away from the skin. Figure 30. Without removing the knife turn the blade toward the tail, cut through the ribs, and continue on the tail, closely following the backbone as a guide. Do not cut through the skin completely at the tail, but leave a half to one inch intact. Figure 29. Filleting fish, such as bass, removes all bones from the meat. To fillet a bass, place the fish on its side on a firm, flat surface. Make a cut behind the gill plate from the top of the fish to the belly and into the flesh to the backbone. Do not cut through the backbone. Figure 32. Cut the ribs away from the skinless fillet. Repeat the steps for the other side of the fish. © © © © 11 Figure 35. Use a fillet knife to cut along both side of the dorsal fin. Grasp the dorsal fin and pull forward to remove. Spines should pull out with fin. Repeat process to remove the anal fin and spines. Figure 34. Cut off the head immediately behind the gills and remove the viscera. Figure 33. Small fish, such as sunfish, are usually dressed. Dressing a fish leaves some of the bones in the meat, but less meat is lost during the cleaning process. To dress a small fish, place the fish on its side on a firm, flat surface. Use one hand to hold it in place by the head. Scrape the scales from the tail toward the head by using a fish scaler, spoon, or dull knife. Remove the scales on both sides of the body. Figure 36. Wash in cold, clean water. The fish is now ready to freeze or cook. © © © © 12 Figure 38. Using a pair of pliers, pull the skin away from the meat, working from the head toward the tail. Break or cut the head away from the backbone and remove the viscera. Figure 37. Some fish, such as catfish, are usually skinned. To skin a catfish, first remove the spines to prevent puncture of a hand or finger. Cut through the skin around the head and pectoral fins. Do not penetrate the body cavity. © ©