Some floating lures, like the flies used in fly fishing, rest on the surface of the water. Floating lures are often lightweight so they don’t sink too far, which can make them difficult to cast long distances.
Common suspending lures include crankbaits, slash baits, and jerk baits. Suspending lures are useful for catching freshwater fish such as bass, as well as saltwater fish such as redfish. Use a suspending lure in cold weather to attract slower moving fish.
Reel in the lure at a steady, slow pace to make it look realistic to predatory fish. Many subsurface lures are designed to mimic injured baitfish, which makes them seem like an easy target for larger fish. [4] X Expert Source Michael ReynoldsProfessional Fishing Instructor Expert Interview. 26 February 2021. You can catch both fresh and saltwater fish such as mullet, bass, redfish, and drum with subsurface lures.
Use sinking lures to catch large bass and other big freshwater fish.
When you’re casting your line, reel it in so your bait is hanging about 12 inches (30 cm) from the tip of the fishing rod. Look for areas with obstructions that fish will want to congregate next to such as logs, large rocks or structures, or small channels away from the moving water. Be careful not to accidentally hook onto any trees or shrubs behind you when you’re casting your line. [8] X Expert Source Kathy Sparrow, MAFishing Instructor Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.
If your lure or bait moves in the water and the line slackens, reel it in gently to make the line taut again.
Small bumps or nibbles may not be enough to successfully hook the fish, so don’t try to set your pole as soon as you feel a small bite.
If you’re using a bobber, wait until you see the bobber go completely beneath the surface of the water.
Avoid setting the hook multiple times or you could pull it out of the mouth of the fish. Use 1 snapping motion to set the hook rather than multiple jerks.
Keeping the rod at about a 45-degree angle with the tip pointed up keeps the line from dragging too much.
Don’t strain the line or it could break. Allow the fish to fight until it tires itself out and starts to build up slack in the line that you can easily reel in.
When the fish is close enough for you to see it, check to see if it looks tired and is rolled over on its side. It will be easier to take out of the water.
Hold the fish down with 1 hand and use the other to pull the hook from its mouth. [17] X Expert Source Michael ReynoldsProfessional Fishing Instructor Expert Interview. 26 February 2021. If you aren’t planning to keep the fish, gently release it back into the water after you remove the hook.
