This article is aimed at those looking to learn how to catch bigger fish and up their fishing game. Tired of catching the small fry? Then read on!
There’s nothing like the feeling of catching a fish. The time, patience and skill all pay off when the hard battle is won and the fish is caught. Then you look over and see the guy next to you is pulling in a fish twice the size of yours!
Your fish looks tiny in comparison and you’re left wondering if you’re ever going to land one of the big ones.
This is a problem I’ve encountered many times. So, to help myself, I collected some of the best pointers I could find on how to catch bigger fish, and I thought I’d share them with you.
They’ve helped me up my game and have resulted in catching some way bigger fish. I hope they do the same for you.
1. Pick your spot
First of all, think about where you will be fishing. The fish that live in a tiny mountain creak or shallow stream definitely won’t be as big as the fish in a deep lake or in the open ocean.
Most big fish get big by eating lots of little fish, and you will find that most of the fish that grow big are predators near, or at the top of, the local food chain.
This is worth remembering when you’re heading out to try to catch one of the big ones. Does the water you’re fishing have enough room for a large food chain and, therefore, large fish?
It’s always a good idea to talk to the people at the local fishing store. They can normally give you an idea of what fish are out there as well as the best spots to hit.
If you’re fishing offshore, then it can be considerably harder to find the best spots for fishing. If you really want to chase after the big ones, then you will need a fish finder.
2. Pick your fish
If you want to catch the big fish, it helps to target the big fish. Just throwing in any old bait blindly and hoping a monster will bite isn’t a likely path to success.
So, before you head out, it’s worth knowing what species of fish you’re going after because this will determine what kind of set up you use to catch it, as well as determine where you go fishing.
If you’re after trophy-size fish, you’re probably going to want to fish saltwater. Surf fishing or fishing from a boat are great ways to catch some of the bigger species out there like tarpon, tuna and billfish (swordfish, marlin and sailfish).
Some of the other species you’ll most likely target if you are going for bigger fish are bass, trout, pike, salmon and walleye as they all grow into good, 20-30lb fish.
3. Pick your gear
To retrieve bigger fish, you will need your gear to stand up to a battle. You want to make sure you get a rod, reel and line which are heavy duty and able to withstand the powerful runs of bigger fish as well as the heavier lures.
Shorter rods with heavy actions will have the strength not to break while fighting a big one. You’ll want a rod with a 50-100lb test. For big fish, you will also want a strong reel, something in the 5000, 6000, or 7000 range. You will also want to get a heavy mono line for big fish. Mono line doesn’t stretch. Get a 30-50lb test line and it should stand up to the big ones.
If you’re into crankbait fishing like me, then check out this article on the best crankbait rods to catch the big ones!
4. Pick your bait
Along with your gear, you’ll want heavy duty bait. Big bait spoons, bucktails, glide baits and swimbaits are all good bait for going after big predators. These bait mimic smaller fish swimming in the water, just what the big predators are looking to eat.
If you’re surf fishing, then check out our article on the best surf fishing lures. These will be sure to help you on your way to landing your next big one from the shore.
Or, if you’re up to a challenge, fly-fishing is a great way to target big game in freshwater. Big flies that mimic grasshoppers, mice and ducks can be used for a big species like pike in lakes and rivers. Pike attack prey in the water and on the surface, so using big dry flies is a great way to target them.
You will want to match your bait to your fish, but a general rule of thumb is the bigger the better. If in doubt, put a nice, big, flashy spoon on a spinner with some 30lb line and start casting. You’re guaranteed to catch something. Luck is one thing, but it’s much more satisfying if you know why you caught that particular fish.
5. Pick your hook
Big bait should be paired with a big hook. Fish hooks come in all shapes and sizes. When you’re buying hooks, look for 1/0 sizes and above (2/0, 3/0, 4/0, etc.).
But be careful; it’s tempting to go as big as possible with your hook, in hope of catching some deep-dwelling monster, but you’d be surprised at the size of fish you can catch on a relatively small hook. Hooks sized 6/0, 7/0 and above should be reserved for the most drastic cases.
6. Throw your line
Now you have your rod, reel, line, hook and bait, you’ve found your spot, and it’s a perfect day. Your buddy has already caught a 30 pounder. You’ve planned and prepared. Everything feels like it’s the right time for you to catch the big one.
Now all you have to do is cast and reel, cast and reel, cast and reel. Do that about ten thousand times and I guarantee you will catch a bigger fish. Try different sizes of everything as well as different fishing spots and techniques. Over time, you will figure out what works best for you as well as the species you’re going after.
One of the most important things to remember when you’re going after bigger fish is that it helps to think like a fish. Where would a big predator spend its day? Where would it find food? Where would its food be spending their time?
Maybe a big predator would be hunting for the small fish hiding in the branches of that half-submerged tree, or in the grass at the edge of the lake, or waiting for tasty bites to float in on the turbulent water where a tributary meets the main river. Think like a big fish and you’ll catch a big fish.
Going after trout, check out our article on the best fluorocarbon fishing line for trout.
7. Set the hook
When the moment comes and you feel that dart, dart, tug on the end of your line, it’s very easy to get over excited. It’s supremely important to keep calm and relaxed. Breathe. I can assure you, though, those first few times you’ll jump out of your skin!
If you don’t pass out from the excitement, the first thing you want to do is set the hook. This means you reel in some line to take any slack then lift the rod tip quickly and firmly. This will set the hook in the fish’s mouth. Don’t do it slowly, it should be a snapping motion. You don’t need to bring your arm above your head, just twitch the rod tip.
8. Land the fish
Now comes the time to play the fish. This is where you tire out a fish so you can eventually bring it in close enough to get into a landing net. It is often tempting to crank on the reel and drag the fish in using your superior human strength. If you do this, chances are, you will lose your fish.
When playing your fish, always keep the rod tip up. Keep the line tight. When the fish runs toward you (i.e. swims towards you), reel in the slackening line. When the fish runs away, let your reel’s drag do its job. You should set the drag before casting. By running against the heavy drag, the fish will eventually tire itself out.
By playing and pumping the fish – where you lift the rod tip then lower it and reel in the ensuing slack in the line, you should be able to retrieve fish of any size. Sometimes they take a while, especially the big ones. Be prepared for some white knuckle rides, but hey, isn’t that what it’s all about?
When it comes to playing and pumping, the trick is to pull hard enough to tire the fish out while not letting it slip the hook, but not so hard that the fish breaks the line when it makes a run. One of the most soul destroying moments in life is watching a fish you’ve hooked swimming down and disappearing in the dark water.
If and when you get the fish close enough, use a landing net to lift it out of the water. Be gentle with the fish, especially if you’re planning to release it. If not, enjoy your meal!
Catch the bigger fish
So now you should have all the information you need. The next steps are on you. Get your gear together, call your fishing buddies, plan where you’re going and what fish you’re going for then get after it.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be hauling in the big ones in no time. Just remember to stay safe and have fun out there.
Check out our article on whether or not fish can be spooked by loud noises, or whether it’s just another myth!
Good luck and happy fishing!