Freshwater Fishing News

Photographing fish can be extremely rewarding and a great way to celebrate memorable catches. These tips may help anglers take high quality fish photos.

Know your camera

To successfully photograph fish in a variety of conditions, an angler must understand the basics of photography and be able to adjust camera settings. One of the best resources for novice to intermediate-level photographers is the camera owner’s manual or user guide. Most digital camera manuals not only explain basic photography terms, but also explain camera settings and offer advice on how to cure common problems.

Research the area

Most fish photography problems are related to lighting. By paying attention to conditions before a fish is landed, the photographer can anticipate problems and be ready.

Camera preparation

Essential preparations include charging or replacing batteries, cleaning the lens and doing a basic operational check of the camera before fishing.

Have tools ready

When landing fish, the angler may require equipment such as gripping tools, pliers, de-hookers, landing nets, gaffs, or other gear. A towel is also helpful for cleaning up after the fish is landed.

Use natural backgrounds

Streams, lakes, and other habitats often have excellent areas on the shore for photographing fish. If the fish must be removed from the water, Look for shallow bottoms, aquatic vegetation, areas of moss, soft grass or other attractive backgrounds.

Work quickly

Fish often display unique coloration when excited. Unfortunately, this usually lasts only a few seconds. The photographer must work quickly while the angler lands the fish. Fish that will be released must be handled with great care and returned immediately. Fish that are kept for the table should be treated humanely and chilled as soon as possible.

Hold fish carefully

Supporting the fish at the point if landing is important. Small fish can be supported by carefully cupping a hand beneath the fish and then lifting gently. Other fish may be held by the lip or restrained using a gripper tool. Some species must be led into in a landing net. In rare cases, such as sturgeon or monster catfish, the angler may even choose to enter the water and support the fish until it can be released.

Avoid “hanging fish”

Holding fish up by the hook can injure or kill the individual. When possible, avoid having fish hang vertically on the line while anglers fumble for equipment.

Document notable releases

Digital photography is a great way to document species of fish. Photographs can help identify species while recording an unusual catch. Whenever possible, take several photographs, capturing the fish’s physical attributes.

Sockeye are the most colorful of the Pacific salmon. Adults are an attractive silver while at sea. During their spawning migrations, these salmon undergo remarkable changes.

Their bodies become a rich shade of red which is contrasted by the olive-green coloration of their heads and tails. The bright red coloration seen during the spawning phase gives rises to their other common name; red salmon.

Sockeye salmon are found in North America from Alaska to Northern California. They are also found in parts of Asia. Individual fish usually weigh 4-10 pounds. Adults spend 1-4 years in the ocean. Eventually they return to freshwater streams to spawn.

Sockeye are prized by cooks for their deep red flesh and excellent flavor. They are extremely popular in wildlife art and are frequently photographed, painted or depicted in other media.

These are a few samples of sockeye salmon artwork:

Sockeye Salmon post card

Rental boats are a great way to enjoy freshwater fishing. Boat rentals are available seasonally on many lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other waterways.

Finding a rental boat provider usually starts with an online search or visit to an area visitor center. Local hotels and inns will usually have brochures as well as a local phone directory.  State and local chambers of commerce may also have listings for boat rentals.

In most areas, public marinas offer rental boats. State parks can be another source when looking for a fishing boat. Depending on the area serviced, types of boats may vary from simple kayaks to high-horsepower center console boats.

Types of Rental Boats for Freshwater Fishing:

- jon boats

- flat bottomed skiffs

- dories

- canoes

- kayaks

- open skiffs

- pontoon boats

- center consoles

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Rental Boat:

When are boats available? Do I need to reserve one in advance?

Are there any additional costs associated with renting a boat?

Are refunds available if the weather changes or other events cause the cancellation of my trip?

What limitations apply to the rental?

What are the capabilities and features of the boat?

What is the range of the boat?

How many occupants can the boat carry safely?

What types of weather would restrict using the boat?

What equipment is included? Do I need to bring anything?

What if we get lost or return late?

What do we do in case of emergency?

Is there cell service in areas where the boat will be used?

Things to Bring on a Fishing Trip

map, compass

hat, sunglasses, sunblock, jacket, rain suit, appropriate shoes

fishing tackle (use a small, organized container), bait, rods, landing net

cooler, drinks, lunch, snacks

optional: phone, handheld GPS unit or other electronic gadgets (stored in plastic zipper bags)

“Where are the fish?” and, “Why won’t the fish take my fly?” are among the most commonly asked questions by beginner and novice fly fishers. And until now, the answers have not been that easy to work out.

A new fly fishing book by fisheries scientist and avid fly fisher Dr. Robert Sousa helps simplify the process of finding and catching fish.

In The 24 Greatest Flies You Don’t Leave Home Without (ISBN: 978-0-615-32120-2),  the author outlines a clear  fly selection procedure and discusses extensively where feeding fish are likely to be found.

Sousa has a deep understanding of fish behavior: He has a Ph.D. in fisheries sciences and has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 30 years.  He is also known for initiating the Fly Fishing Merit Badge for the Boy Scouts of America.

In the book, readers will learn:

How to Select the Right Fly

What are The 24 Greatest Flies

How to Deliver Your Fly to a Spot

Where Are the Fish?

Common Fish Behaviors

Why a Fish May Take Your Fly

Why a Fish Refuses Your Fly

According to the author, “The book provides you with a simple process that will improve your catch rates.”

In the book, Sousa discusses his list of 24 of the highest performing flies for any fish in any situation. The premise of this new book is based on the fact that most expert fly fishers catch most of their fish on just a few flies, often as little as six patterns.

“If you got all of the best fly fishermen in the same room and asked them about their best flies, there would be a lot of commonality among them, and most of their favorite flies are in my group of 24,” says Sousa.

A variety of equipment is available for catching, holding and using live minnows and other freshwater fishing baits.

Equipment for Catching Wild Baitfish

Depending on the area, species, local regulations and other factors, minnows and other baitfish may be caught with cast nets, seines, minnow traps, fish traps, lures or by other methods.

Before harvesting baits such as minnows, suckers, shad or other forage species, it is imperative that anglers check with local regulations. In some areas such as the Great Lakes region, the harvesting and relocation of baitfish has been strictly regulated in order to curb the spread of dangerous diseases and aquatic invasive species.

Live Bait Tanks – Containers

Containers are important when storing minnows or other live baits for long periods. In most cases, anglers must keep minnows in closed systems such as live bait tanks, large aquariums or other containers. Regardless of the type of container, minnows and other fish require a clean, oxygen rich environment to remain healthy.

Some anglers have shoreline access to freshwater ponds, lakes or other bodies of water. In some cases, live baits can be stored in these areas, through the use of in-water pens or cages.

Live bait cages can be constructed by hand or purchased from aquaculture supply stores. Most models are designed to float and are often anchored to a dock or pier. Other designs lie on the bottom with a line attached for retrieval.

Live bait pens offer several advantages. Holding pens usually do not require aerators. Problems associated with feeding fish and waste are also reduced. Disadvantages of live bait pens includes their susceptibility to predators, theft and weather damage.

Aerators and Live Wells

Live wells are essential for live bait fishing. These containers are designed to keep fish alive and healthy while out fishing. Most designs incorporate some form of aerator. The simplest aerators use an air pump and bubbler stone to saturate the water with oxygen. Aerators can be either battery powered or powered by a boat’s electrical system. For containment systems, aerators are available that are powered by standard electrical outlets.

Other models of aerators use a flow of water, rather than pressurized air. These are often the best choice for larger applications. Smaller units simply pump water to a short outlet, which sets up a swirling current in the container. More elaborate designs sometimes use a bar with a series of holes to spray multiple streams on water down into the container.

When choosing a system for maintaining baits, the angler should consider the length of time it will be needed, amount of bait that must be kept healthy and other factors. For anglers that fish only occasionally, a simple battery powered aerator and 5 gallon bucket may be all that is needed. Other anglers might go a step further and maintain a dedicated live bait system on their boat.

Although most anglers simply visit their local bait and tackle shop to purchase baits, this option is not practical for everyone. In some areas, live baits are not available locally. In other cases, cost or convenience warrant the construction of a long term bait storage system. These are especially useful for fishing guides, tournament fishermen or other anglers that need a reliable supply of minnows or other live baits.