Fishing Methods

Still Fishing
With this technique, you suspend the bait at a chosen depth in the water using a bobber or float. Use split shot sinkers to sink the bait and balance the bobber. When a fish strikes the bait, the bobber moves (or disappears!) to alert you. Changing the suspended depth of the bait helps locate the exact depth of the fish so you stand a better chance of success.

Cast and Retrieve
Using artificial lures or spinners with bait lets you tempt the fish to bite a moving target. The depth you fish at depends on the weight of the lure and the speed with which you retrieve it. Fish may be found in all parts of the water column; by varying your retrieval speed and fishing depth you will cover all sections of the water and improve your chances of finding fish.

Tip: In streams and rivers, fish generally lie just off the edge of the current where it is easier for them to swim, yet they feel protected by the cover of the overhead current and can easily dart out to catch a meal as it passes by.