Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/606672
Setting the hook This action ensures that the fi sh is secured to your hook. To set the hook when you feel a bite, you need to have the rod and line prepared. The rod tip should be pointed on the same trajectory of the fi shing line and there should not be any slack on the line. Set the hook by sharply pulling the rod up so the tip is pointed away from the water. The action should be sharp and fast, but not so extreme that you send the fi sh fl ying out of the water over your head. Playing the fi sh Once the fi sh is on your hook, you need to get it to shore. You may want to loosen the drag on the line so that a strong, fast movement by the fi sh won't break your line. TECHNIQUES SKILLS TO PRACTICE You can use two primary techniques when fi shing from shore – still fi shing and retrieving. STILL FISHING This technique involves casting the bait and waiting for the fi sh to bite. Bobber fi shing: Attach a bobber that isn't so big the fi sh you target can't pull it under the water. Attach the bobber on the line so that the bait will hang suspended at a depth where you suspect fi sh are. A good place to start is to place the bobber about 18 inches from the hook. If you are fi shing deeper water, you may need to adjust the placement of the bobber on the line to allow it to sink to where the fi sh are. Attach a split shot about 6 inches from the hook, making sure to use a weight that is heavy enough to sink the bait, but not so heavy that it drags your bobber down. When bobber fi shing, remember to engage the line by turning the reel handle after you cast. Bottom fi shing: When fi shing the bottom, remove your bobber. Before tying on a hook, pass your line through a sliding sinker and then attach a split shot about 12–16 inches from the hook to keep the sliding sinker away from the hook. When bottom fi shing, allow the line to stay slack while waiting for a fi sh to bite. After completing your cast, you should not turn the reel handle to engage the line. This allows a fi sh to pull the line without feeling the resistance of the sliding sinker. To detect a bite, make sure there is not a lot of slack in your line, and keep a fi nger on the line against the rod to feel the vibration of the fi sh hitting your bait. Another option for bottom fi shing is to add a bait like a marshmallow or Powerbait to your hook that will fl oat the hook while the weight remains on the bottom. RETRIEVING This technique involves casting out the bait and then retrieving the line after the cast, pulling the bait through the water either near the surface, across the bottom or up and down in the water column. There are many variations on the retrieve that depend largely on the type of lure you are using and the response of the target species. See Chapters 2 and 5. Keep the rod tip up and keep the line tight. Reel in slowly to avoid breaking the line, and keep the fi sh from heading towards rocks or logs that could tangle your line. The key is to take your time bringing the fi sh to shore and keep the slack out of the line, so the hook stays secured in the fi sh's mouth. Landing a fi sh This stage in the process is often where the fi sh breaks free. Make sure you are prepared to bring the fi sh to shore. A landing net can make this task easy. Avoid lifting your rod to bring the fi sh out of the water and onto the bank. This can damage the rod and increase the likelihood that your fi sh will escape the hook. Instead, reel the fi sh ARTWORK BY TIM REIGERT 23 CHAPTER 4 ● FISHING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES