how to catch a fish

TITLE - How to catch a fish (outline)

1) Fish and their environments – generally speaking

1a. Saltwater fish; where they live,

1b. Freshwater fish; I’ll concentrate on these types of fish

2) Fishes of Pennsylvania’s lakes and streams – my topic for today

2a. Most Common species are

2aa. Bass

2ab. Perch

2ac. Trout

2ad. Other common types?

2b. Fishing locations: fishing on a lake; this means you will need a boat. This is reserved for another discussion; I’ll concentrate on fishing from the edge of a lake or a stream.

2bb. Fishing from the edge of a lake; Fishing the edge of a lake means you might spend several hours in one spot. It’s a good idea to take a selection of baits. You might also want to take more than one fishing rod to use more than one kind of bait or lure. Always bring water and a light snack as well, and don’t forget a folding stool or bucket in case you get tired of standing.

2bc. Fishing a stream; Stealth is required when fishing from the edge of a stream, as the fish are wary of predators and are easily frightened. Once they hear your footsteps or see your shape they will most likely dash under a rock or some other obstacle and will ignore any attempt you might make to catch them. Walk slowly and softly and stay away from the edge. Don’t lean over the bank and look into the stream because if you see the fish they will have seen you, too. Keep low to the ground while getting the fishing pole ready and try to minimize any motion except to cast the bait into the water. Another thing is to try and dress in drab colors, avoiding white to other bright colors.

You need some standard things for both lake and stream fishing – a rod, a reel and some bait. Bait can be artificial, such as lures; these include any kind of attractor bait. Sometimes the lures seem to be meant to attract fisherman, not fish, and these can cost several dollars each. Some artificial bait includes rubber worms, frogs, or even insects. The fish seem to know the difference in most cases, except in later summer months when the fish are more active due to the warmer water and the plentiful number of insects that fall into the streams and lakes during this time.

There is also live bait; these include minnows, worms of several types (red, maggots, fly larvae), and extend to frogs, crayfish, or even grasshoppers. Real bait works the best, especially in the early season when the water is cooler and the fish are especially hungry.

Once you have gathered your choice of bait, find your favorite rod and reel, some boots or shoes if you are going into a wooded area for stream fishing, then you are ready to catch a fish.

One final bit of information : The Pennsylvania Fish Commission has plenty of information on lakes and streams as well as what species of fish inhabit these waters. Consult the web site or other publications before you set out to catch a fish.