Still Fishing

Perhaps the most classic style of fishing, still fishing is where most of us begin our angling careers. Still fishing is as simple as setting up, dropping your bait, and practicing patience until something bites. As the name implies, still fishing is done from a stationary location. This can be the shore, a boat, a dock or a jetty. You can still-fish at any time of day or night, and during most seasons of the year. Still fishing even allows you to make use of different fishing equipment that you may already have. Effective and versatile, still fishing enables you to catch the greatest variety of fish.

 

Technique

Always begin by setting up your equipment. You can still-fish with most types of tackle from a hand line to a fly rod. Most commonly, folks will use a bait casting outfit. If you like, you can prop your fishing rod in a holder or a forked limb so you are free to come and go. Anglers will use a variety of methods to cast lines, from limb lines to trot lines hanging into the water. Whatever your set-up, you want to make sure you choose the right water depth for your line; this will depend on the type of fish you are trying to catch.

Sinkers on your line will help you go deep, while floaters or bobbers keep your hook near the surface.
Next comes the waiting game. Be patient. As soon as that bobber jiggles, get ready to act. Small motions on the line could just be your live bait (if you have opted for it) or small fish taking nibbles. When your bobber ducks under water, you know that something is hooked. At this point set your hook by raising the rod sharply, then carefully reeling it in. Different species of fish will fight the line in different ways, so it helps to know your game.   

 

Tips

  • When still-fishing with a fly line, make sure it is old. New lines will become waterlogged.
  • Drop-offs and shoreline structures make great places to cast your line.
  • If your line needs weight, a few small split shot weights at least 30 cm (12 in.) above the hook will do the trick. Larger weights, or weights too close to your bait, will scare fish off.
  • The trick to baiting? Lighter lines, and smaller hooks.
  • Your best bait bets are worms, single eggs, roe, maggots and artificial baits, like powerbait.
  • Know your fish! Bass, for example, will hold bait in their mouths before devouring it, so with these guys you want to pause for a good ten seconds before setting your hook.
  • Safety first: always take set hooks out of the water after you finish.
  • Most fish feed during the morning and evening, as they prefer cooler water.
  • Follow entire schools of pan fish by catching one, marking it with a line through its lips attached to a floater, and releasing it. You now have a live marker tracking the school’s movements.
  • Still-fishing works best for catching swordfish, marlin, tuna, bass, pike, walleye, muskellunge, yellow perch, trout, salmon, catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish.