Freshwater Fishing Tips and Techniques by Gene Kugach

Freshwater fishing can be one of the most exciting sports one participates in just as it can be a most relaxing hobby for others. With the abundance of freshwater fisheries in almost every corner of the globe, there will be at least a few fishermen to fish those waters. That being said, by understanding the immediate environment and species you are fishing for, you have dramatically increased your chances of success. There are a few other tips and tricks to keep in mind when you are out on the river, lake, stream, or pond. Also, understanding what gear you will need for different circumstances is another great way to target fish with a purpose instead of blindly casting away. By keeping a few methods and tactics up your sleeve, your style and rate of success will increase over time making you a much better fisherman.

Ponds
For many people in the United States, a pond may be the easiest and most convenient way to get in a few casts each day or week. Pond fishing can be great depending on what types of species are present in the pond. For instance, larger ponds have the ability to hold larger fish such as large mouth bass and catfish. Catfish and large mouth bass will need some structure as well as depth, so smaller ponds may hold very small numbers of those fish. Smaller sized ponds hold bream, perch, crappie, and a few other fish. If the pond you are going to seems to be smaller than half of a football field, these are the fish you will encounter the most although it may contain a few smaller large mouth bass. When going to ponds such as these, be sure you have a few spoons, plastic worms, and spinners. For those who enjoy using live bait, earthworms should do the trick.
Rivers
There are many fish that can be caught in the larger rivers. Fish such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass, bream, crappie, large catfish, and even trout can be found in larger rivers. The tackle needed to catch these fish is very similar to those in a pond although your retrieve will be slightly different. Instead of throwing towards structure in ponds, river fishing requires the angler to fish currents and sloughs. Sloughs are impressions under the water that have been dug deep by a constant current running across them. Normally, in front of the slough is a waterfall of some degree. The water falling from the fall carves the slough over time and fish will tread deep in these sloughs waiting for bait fish to be swept over the water fall above. Areas such as these require a good deep diving plug such as a plastic crayfish. These crayfish have a lowered lip that when retrieved the water rushes over the lip and dives the plug deep into the water. The faster you retrieve them, the deeper they go, which can put them down where in the lower portion of the slough where fish may be waiting.
Lakes
Lake fishing is almost exactly like pond fishing if you do not have a boat. Lake fishing uses the same techniques as pond fishing although fish can be substantially larger. A great area to look for when fishing a lake on foot is to find a spot where trees have fallen or hang low over the water. Fish will seek shade to avoid hot temperatures and many times low over hanging trees have limbs submerged underneath the water. Be wary in these spots, however, because debris in the water can cause you to lose your rig.