fishing · 2019. 7. 15. · fishing 3 3. demonstrate the proper use of two different types of...
TRANSCRIPT
FISHING
Fishing
BOY sCOUTs OF AMERiCAMERiT BADgE sERiEs
Requirements1. Dothefollowing:
a.Discussthepreventionofandtreatmentforthefollowinghealthconcernsthatcouldoccurwhilefishing,includingcutsandscratches,puncturewounds,insectbites,hypothermia,dehydration,heatexhaustion,heatstroke,andsunburn.
b.Explainhowtoremoveahookthathaslodgedinyourarm.
c.Nameandexplainfivesafetypracticesyoushouldalwaysfollowwhilefishing.
2. Discussthedifferencesbetweentwotypesoffishingoutfits.Pointoutandidentifythepartsofseveraltypesofrodsandreels.Explainhowandwheneachwouldbeused.Reviewwithyourcounselorhowtocareforthisequipment.
35899ISBN 978-0-8395-3231-6©2009 Boy Scouts of America 2009 Edition
BANG/Brainerd, MN10-2009/050876
fishing 3
3. Demonstratetheproperuseoftwodifferenttypesoffishingequipment.
4. Demonstratehowtotiethefollowingknots:clinch,Palomar,turle,bloodloop(barrelknot),anddoublesurgeon’sloop.Explainhowandwheneachknotisused.
5. Nameandidentifyfivebasicartificialluresandfivenaturalbaitsandexplainhowtofishwiththem.Explainwhybaitfisharenottobereleased.
6. Dothefollowing:
a.ExplaintheimportanceofpracticingLeaveNoTracetechniques.DiscussthepositiveeffectsofLeaveNoTraceonfishingresources.
b.Discussthemeaningandimportanceofcatchandrelease.Describehowtoproperlyreleaseafishsafelytothewater.
7. Obtainandreviewtheregulationsaffectinggamefishingwhereyoulive.Explainwhytheywereadoptedandwhatisaccomplishedbyfollowingthem.
8. Explainwhatgoodoutdoorsportsmanlikebehaviorisandhowitrelatestoanglers.TellhowtheOutdoorCodeoftheBoyScoutsofAmericarelatestoafishingsportsenthusiast,includingtheaspectsoflittering,trespassing,courteousbehavior,andobeyingfishingregulations.
9. Catchatleastonefish.Ifregulationsandhealthconcernspermit,cleanandcookafishyouhavecaught.Otherwise,acquireafishandcookit.
fishing 5
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TheNatureofFish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FreshwaterFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SaltwaterFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
BalancedTackle..................................39
FishingGearandCraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SafetyPractices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cleaning,Filleting,andCookingFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
ProtectingGameFishResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
FishingResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
6 fishing
introduction.
IntroductionThispamphletwilltellyoualotaboutfishandhowtocatchthem.Youmightcatchthemforfunand“sport,”ortoeat.Fishingcanbecomealifetimepursuit,likegolfortennis.Manykindsoffisharedescribedhere,alongwithmanyways
tocatchthem—therearealwaysnewchallengesinfishing,andalwaysmoretolearn.Thisisonemeritbadgeyouare
suretoenjoyearningfromtheverystart.Asforbeginnings,fishinghasalongandinteresting
history.Assoonasearlyhumansdiscoveredthattherewerefishinthewatersandthatthefishweregoodtoeat,theybegantodevisemethodsforcatchingthosefish.Theyquicklyfoundthatitwaseasiertospearfishthantograbthemwiththeirhands.Later,
theydiscoveredthattheycouldcatchevenmorefishbyusingwovennets.
Afterobservingfishwhiletheywerefeeding,theseearlypeoplesbeganmakingsportofcatchingfishbyputtingasliver
ofboneinsideabaitwithathongfastenedtothemiddleofthebone.Whenthefishgrabbedthebaitandswallowedit,thepieceofbonecaughtcrosswiseinsidethefish,allowingittobepulledin.Thisbirthofangling,longbeforehumansbeganrecordinghistory,ledtotheinventionoffishhooks,madefirstofboneandlaterofmetal.
Theinitialintentofcatchingfishwastogetfood.However,evenearlyhumansfoundthattryingtooutwitafishwithalineandbaitwasanintriguingpursuitwithconsiderableexcitementwhenabigfishlatchedontothehook.Eventually,fishingevolvedintoasport,andanglersdevisedfiner,lightertackle,makingitmorechallengingtohookafishandgivingthefishanopportunitytobeatanglersattheirowngame.Thuswasbornthesportoffishing,distinctfromcommercialfishingorfishingforfood.
fishing 7
.introduction
Baden-Powell’s Love of fishingRobertS.S.Baden-Powell,thefounderoftheScoutingmovement,claimedfishingasoneofhisfavoritepastimes.AstheChiefScoutofthegrowingScoutingmovementduringtheearly20thcentury,LordBaden-Powelltraveledtheworldtoattendjamboreesandprovideleadershipandinspiration.Everywherehewent,hisfishingrods,reels,andfishingkitwentwithhim.Baden-Powell’sbiographerE.E.Reynoldswrote,“Whenheneededtogetrightawayfromeverythingandeverybody,hewouldgooffforafewdays’fishing.”
InScouting for Boys,Baden-Powelloffersthisadvicetotheyoungfisherman:“EveryScoutoughttobeabletofishinordertogetfoodforhimself.Atenderfoot[beginner]whostarvedonthebankofariverfulloffishwouldlookverysilly,yetitmighthappentoonewhohadneverlearnedtocatchfish.”
It’snosurprisethatfishingremainsafavoritepastimeonScoutoutings.
In his book
Lessons From
the Varsity of Life,
Baden-Powell
declares, “Trout
fishing is the best
rest-cure in
the world.”
fishing 9
.The nature of Fish
TheNatureofFishFisharehighlyspecializedaquaticcreatures,amazinglyconstructedforlivinginwater.Herearesomeinterestingfactsaboutfish.
• Theyarecold-blooded—theirbodytemperatureisaboutthesameasthewateraroundthem.
• Notallfishhavescales,butallfisharecoveredwithathinskin.
• Scalesareprotectiveplatesthatarecoveredbytheskin.Whenascaleislost,its“pocket”canbecomeinfectedbeforetheskinhealsoverandanewscaledevelops.
• Scalesdevelopannualringsmuchlikethoseofatree.Afish’sscalescanhelpdetermineitsage.
• Themusclesandfinsoffisharedesignedtopropelthemthroughthewaterinsearchoffoodandtohelpthemescapefromenemies.
• Fishbreathemainlythroughgillsthattakeoxygenfromthewaterandsenditintothebloodstreamwhilesimultaneouslyremovingcarbondioxidefromthefish.
Mostfishreproducebythefemalelayingeggsthatthemalefertilizesinthewater.Thefemalesofsomespeciesmaylaymillionsofeggs,whilesomeotherspecieslayonlyafewhundred.Fishhavethesensesofsight,taste,smell,hearing,andtouch,aswellasotherspecialsensestohelpthemsurvive.
Some fish
species are
especially smart.
Any experienced
angler who has
tried to catch
the “old lunker”
that has lived in
the same pool
for years will
swear to that.
10 fishing
The nature of Fish.
Anal fin. Used for balance and swimming.
Caudal fin. Used in swimming, particularly when a fish needs a quick thrust of speed.
Eye. Most fish have monocular vision—each eye sees separately, offering a wide field of view.
gills. Respiratory organs used for breathing.
Jaws. Bony appendages that form a fish’s mouth. They may be equipped with teeth so that a fish can grip its prey while feeding.
Lateral line. A sensory organ that detects sound and movement.
Pectoral fin. Used for stability, locomotion, and steering.
Pelvic fin. Used for steering and stability.
scales. Transparent protective plates growing from the skin that can be replaced if lost.
soft dorsal fin. Used for balance and forward movement.
spiny dorsal fin. The forward fin, supported by sharp spines, is used for balance. The spines also protect the fish from its enemies.
Parts of a Fish
Gills (underneath)
Jaws
eye
spiny dorsal fin
soft dorsal fin
scales
caudal fin
anal fin
lateral line
pelvic fin
pectoral fin
scale
fishing 11
Toothy Fish Beware! Some common fish that you may catch, like the pike and pickerel in ponds, or bluefish in salt water, have very sharp teeth. Do not “land” them by grasping their mouth. Their teeth are there for snatching their prey—not your fingers.
The food ChainAsyoupracticethesportoffishing,youwilllearnaboutthewateryworldoffish,acomplexenvironmentthatprovidesthefoodfisheat.Atthebottomofthechainareplankton—minutecreaturesthatareeatenbyotherformsofaquaticlife,includingsomeofthefish.Infreshwater,therearecountlessinsectsthatcreep,crawl,andliveinthewater,eventu-allyclimbingorflyingoutofthewatertomate,droptheireggs,andstartanothercycleoflife.Fishandothercreaturesfeedontheseinsects.
12 fishing
The nature of Fish.
Crayfishhideunderrocksandeatanythingaliveordeadtheycomeacross.Tadpolesswimintheshallows,developingintofrogsthatliveontheshorelines.Smallfish,includingminnows,eatsmallerformsofaquaticlifeandinturnareeatenbylargerforms.Theluresyouusewillimitatetheseformsoffood.
Thefoodchainstartswiththesmallestbeingeatenbylargercreatures.Inturn,thosecrittersareeatenbysomethingelse.Atthetopofthechainarefishandthecreaturesthatfeeduponfish,includingeagles,ospreys,mink,otters,bears,and,ofcourse,humans.
Large predator
fish may eat
insects, frogs,
crayfish, and
other fish—even
members of their
own families.
fishing 13
.The nature of Fish
Reading nature’s signsLocatinglakesandstreamswheretherearefishiseasy.Everystateconservationdepartmenthaslistsormapsshowingallthefishingwatersandwhichtypesoffishareinthem.Tackleshops,sportingmagazines,andfriendlyanglersareyourmostconvenientsourcesofinformationonwheretofish.Don’tbeshyinaskingforinformationaboutlocalfishingspots.Butonceonthewater,wherearethefish?
fish MovementGamefishoftencometothesurface,sometimesleapingclearoutofthewaterforfood.Theexperiencedanglersearchesforsignsastohowafishisfeeding—whetherafishissurfacingorseekingfoodjustbeneaththesurface.Theanglerisalerttotheflashofsunonscalesunderwaterortothemovementofafish’sshadow.
insect ActivityInsectlifehatchescontinuallyyear-round.Theappearanceofinsectssuchasmayfliesandcaddisfliesindicatesthatanabundanceoflarvaeiscrawlingandswimmingbelow,whichmeansthatfishareprobablyfeedingonthem.
Fish feed on
insect larvae
year-round.
Larvae are the
mainstay of
their diet.
14 fishing
The nature of Fish.
Where to find fishFishcanbefoundjustaboutanywherethereiscleanwater.Fishliveinbodiesofwaterassmallasapondoraslargeastheocean.
PondsProperlymanagedpondscanbehighproducersoffish,providingexcellentangling.Mostpondscontaingamefishsuchasbluegillsandlargemouthbassalongtheshoreline,adjacenttoweedcover,orinthecolderdeepwaters.Pondsarerelativelyeasytofishbecausetheyaresmall.
Inhotweather,gamefishmayseekthedeeperareas.Fishingatvarieddepthsisonewaytolocateschoolsoffish.Manypondshavebullheadsorcatfishlivingatthebottom.Thesefisharerelativelyeasytocatchonlivebaitfisheddowntowheretheylive.
A pond can have many species of fish at all depths.
Some pond
owners plant lily
pads or other
vegetation to
provide shade,
cover, and places
for fish to
congregate so
they will be
easier to catch.
fishing 15
.The nature of Fish
LakesLakesarelargerbodiesofwaterandapopularplaceforsportfishing.Mostanglerscanfindseverallakeswithineasydrivingdistancethatprovideavarietyofenvironmentsforfish.
shallows.Mostofthefoodandmostofthecover,suchasweedsandsunkentrees,arefoundnearshore.Thus,mostfishattimeswillbefoundneartheshallows,movinginandouttofeed.Somespecies,suchaspanfishesandpike,tendtospendmostoftheirtimeinshallowwater.Others,suchasthebassandwalleye,moveinandoutatdifferenttimesofdayandunderdifferentconditionsofweatherandtemperature.
Breakline. Thebreaklineiswheretheshallowwatersdropofftowardthedeepwater.Itisaplacewheremanyspeciesoffishtendtocongregate,waitingfortheopportunitytofeed.
structure. Rocks,ledges,reefs,bars,andsunkenobstructions,foundinorneardeepwater,canbeholdingspotsforschoolsoffish.Thesehangoutsareusedbyvariousspeciesbetweentimeswhentheymoveuptothebreaklineorintotheshallowstofeed.
Rock bass
16 fishing
The nature of Fish.
streamsStreamfishingfortroutandsalmonhasaspecialattractiontoanglerswholearntofishmovingwaters.Theconstantmove-mentofastreampresentsanaturalchallengeforanangler.Dependingonthetimeofyear,streamscanbefulloftroutorsalmonreturningfromsaltwatertospawn.Thesefishdrawanglersfrommilesaroundtotrytheirluck.
Rapids. Wherewaterrushesintoapool,crashingdownoverthebouldersorthunderinginfromawaterfall,fishtendtogather.Theseareplaceswherefoodcollectsandcaneasilybecapturedbythefish.Rushingwaterishighlyaerated,whichcreatesacool,oxygen-filledenvironment.Somefishsuchastroutregularlyliveinsuchplaces,whicharehatchingsitesforavarietyofinsectsthattroutpreferforfood.
Cutaway Banks. Fishtendtohidewherestreamcurrentshavecarvedholesunderabendintheshore,particularlywheretherearetreesandexposedroots.Deep,quietchannelsalsoaregoodspotstolocatefishinstreams.
fishing 17
.The nature of Fish
Big WaterWithanenvironmentasbigastheocean,youcanexpecttofindbiggerfish.Deep-seafishingforsomeoftheworld’slargestspecieshasbecomeapopularsportingpastime.
surf.Somespectacularanglingisavailableontheedgeofthenation’stwooceansandalongthecoastoftheGreatLakes.Longcastsrequirespecializedtackle.
Surffishingtodayismostoftendonewithheavy-dutyspinningtackle,althoughsomesaltwatercastingisdonewithbait-castingoutfits.Luresorbaitsrequirealongrodwithplentyofbackbonetogetoutbeyondtheshallowstowherethefishlie.Surfrodsarebuiltwithlonghandlesforcastingwithtwohands,usingasweepingmotion,overheadandtotheside.
Hundredsofluresaredesignedtotakethevarietyofsportfishfoundinsaltwater.Varioustypesoflivebaitandcut-upbaitalsocanbebottom-fishedforsaltwaterspecies.IntheGreatLakes,surfanglingishighlyeffectiveforsalmonandtrout.Chest-highwadersorhipbootsmaybenecessarytogetintotheedgeofthesurf.
Extreme care
must be taken
when waves get
big, during tidal
movements
causing undertow,
or when slippery
rocks are present.
18 fishing
The nature of Fish.
Mostsaltwateranglersbeachsmallfishanduseanettolandthelargeronessothefishcanbereleasedalive.GreatLakesanglersmostoftenuselargelandingnets,preferablywithacompanionhandlingthenetwhiletheanglerconcentratesonthefish.
Offshore. Trollingandstill-fishingordriftingaretheusualusesofboatsinsaltwater,theGreatLakes,andthenation’sbigimpoundments.Offshoresaltwatertrollingforswordfish,tuna,sailfish,shark,andotherbigspeciesrequireslargefishingcraftandheavytackle.Mostofthistypeoffishingisoncharterboatswithexperiencedguides.
Avarietyofsaltwaterfishingcanbedonewithoutboardcraftandmedium-weighttackleforanglerswhomaytroll,cast,orbottom-fish.Partyboatswithexperiencedcaptainstakelargenumbersofanglerstoreefswheregamefisharetakenonbaitedhooksdroppedovertheside.
GreatLakestrollershavespecializedequipment—planingboardsandlead-weighteddownriggers—designedtogetluresouttothesidesoftheboatsordeepdown.Sometimestheboatsareallowedtodrift,withtheanglerssimplyjiggingluresupanddownorsendinglivebaittoswimaroundbelow.
fishing 19
.The nature of Fish
Where fish hideFishhidefortwoprincipalreasons:toconcealthemselvesfromenemiesandtoambushunwarypreyswimmingpast.Intheshallows,fisharefoundaroundweedbeds,underneathoverhangingtreesandbrush,neardocks,andwhererocksjutoutfromtheshore.Indeepwater,fisharequiteoftenfoundaroundclustersofbigboulderswheretheyconcealthemselvesintheshadows.
factors Affecting fish BehaviorSincebeforerecordedhistory,fishermenhavestudiedfish,tryingtodeterminewhatconditionscausefishtobitemorereadily.Thereisadefinitecorrelationbetweenweatherandfishaction,usuallywithaspurtoffeedingjustbeforeaweatherfrontarrives.Frontscanbeanticipatedbyadropinatmosphericpressure,measuredonabarometer.Normalbarometricpressureis30atsealevel.Lowisbelow30andhighisabove30.Anapproachinglow,withthebarometerdeclining,oftenindicatesanapproachingstorm.Similarly,arisingbarometeroftenindicatesclearingweather.
Watertemperaturehasadefiniteeffectonfish.Forinstance,troutcannotendurewatertemperaturesgreaterthan70degrees.Asuddendropintemperatureoftenwillcausefishtostopbiting.Thisisquitecommonafterastormpasses.Risingtemperatureoftencausesfishtobite.Incoastalareas,thetideshaveastronginfluenceonfishbehavior.
sunken trees that have fallen into the water are sure hangouts for almost all species of game fish.
20 fishing
The nature of Fish.
seasonsSpringusuallyfindsthewatercoldbutwarming,withthebestfishingonthewarmerdays.Springiswhenmanyspeciesarespawning,atimewhentheytendtostrikeluresquitereadily.
Morefisharecaughtinsummerthaninanyotherseason.Itisatimewhenmoreanglersarefishingandalsowhenthewatertemperatureisrising,speedingupthemetabolismoffishandcausingthemtofeedmore.
Fallcanprovidesomeexcellentfishing,particularlywhentherearewarmdaysandcoolnights.Coldfalldaysoftenarenotproductive.
Winterusuallyisassociatedwithicefishing.Watertemperatureundertheiceislowbutusuallystable.Somespeciesoffish—trout,pike,perch,walleye,andpanfish—bitereadilyinwinter.
fishing 21
.The nature of Fish
Why Fish BiteFish react to various stimuli, not all of which have been determined. But when a bait or lure sets off the “trigger,” the fish strikes.
All species of fish have certain times of the day when they feed. Some of the periods seem to coincide with phases of the moon and tides, some with weather, some with time of day. Early morning and late evening are usually times when fish are active, but there are other times, even after dark.
In most instances fish bite because they are hungry. As an angler, you will imitate the kind of food you believe will attract a feeding fish. Your lure may imitate a minnow or a mayfly; your style of fishing may be with a spinning rod, casting reel and rod, or fly-fishing.
School fish, such as white bass, go on feeding frenzies, chasing swarms of bait fish and gulping down as many as they can. Then they stop abruptly and cruise along ignoring the same bait fish they were chasing a few moments before.
Fish can be “spooked” or turned off by the intrusion of a noisy boat or a noisy wader, by a badly presented bait or lure, by too big a hook, by a heavy line or leader that may be visible, or by a shadow falling on the water. There is an old saying: “If you can see the fish, they can see you.” And sometimes they just won’t bite, period.
Rainbow trout
Arctic grayline
With experience,
the angler learns
when and where
each species is
more apt to take
a bait or lure.
fishing 23
.Freshwater Fish
FreshwaterFishLakes,ponds,rivers,andstreamsarehometomanyhard-fightingspecies.Fishingcanbedonefromtheshore,dock,whilewading,orbywatercraftsuchasamotorboatorcanoe.
Walleye and PerchWalleyeandperchareamongthefinestgamefishinNorthAmerica.Thewalleyeisparticularlyprizedbecauseitgrowstoalargesizeandisverytasty.Manyanglerstrollforwalleye,usingminnowlikeluresweighteddowndeep,jigstippedwithlivebait,spinner-and-baitcombinations,orjustlivebaitwithaslipsinker.Slowlytrollingoversunkenbars,alongsideledgesandweedbeds,andoversandflats(particularlythoseparalleltothebreakline)canbeeffective.
In early morning and evening, walleye may be taken by cast-ing lures; excellent catches of walleye can sometimes be made late at night on slowly retrieved floating-diving lures. Numerous walleye are caught every year by still-fishing live bait either on the bottom or with a slip bobber.
Walleye
24 fishing
Freshwater Fish.
Yellowperchareabundantandwillingtobitealmostanytime.Thesefishprovidealotofactionwhenaschool
islocated.Themostpopularmethodofperchfishingiswith
minnows,worms,orleechesonasmallhookbelowabobber.Tiny
jigs,1⁄8to1⁄16ounce,withapieceofwormonthehook,oftendothe
trick.Inthespring,perchgatherwherestreamsenterlakes
andwheretherearedamsinrivers.Theymaybetakeninlargenumberswithastreamerflyorasmallspinnerfishedonaflyrod.
Largemouth BassNofishwasmoreaptlynamedthanthelargemouthbass.Itsjawextendswellbackpastitseye,andwhenitopensitsmouthtoswallowsomething,itseldommisses.Becauseofitsabilitytotakeawidevarietyofluresandbecauseitoftenstrikesexplosivelyonthesurface,thelargemouthisoneofthemostprizedandhighlysoughtgamefishinNorthAmerica.ThefirstreelsandcastingrodsmadeintheUnitedStatesweretailoredtobassfishing.
While perch will never take any trophies as fighters, they are fun to catch in large numbers and they make a tasty fish fry.
White perch
Yellow perch
Largemouth bass
fishing 25
.Freshwater Fish
Largemouthcanbecaughtonbait-casting,spin-casting,spinning,andflytackle.Theywillhitfloatinglures,floating-divinglures,andbottom-bumpingjigs.Weedlessspoonsandspinnerbaitsthatwillnotsnagonvegetationwhenfishedthroughthelilypads,oftenareproductive.Porkrindlures,pork“eels,”andplasticwormsalsoareeffective.Largemouthalsowillhitbaitofliveminnows,frogs,leeches,andcrayfish,whicharelife-formsthatarenaturallyfoundintheirhabitatandarepartoftheiraccustomeddiet.
IntheSouth,largemouthgrowto20poundsormore.IntheNorth,10poundsisarecord-breaker.Largemoutharestructurefish,meaningtheyhangaroundbrush,fallentrees,weedbeds,andledges,usuallyinfairlyshallowwater.Wheretheyareheavilyfished,theybecomecagey,andtheanglermustbecareful,quiet,andskillfultobesuccessful.
smallmouth BassAveragingbetween4and6pounds,thesmallmouthbasshasbeendescribedas“poundforpound,thegamestfishthatswims.”Manyanglerswillargueforotherspecies,butthereisnoquestionthatthissnub-nosed,jut-jawedwarriorofthecoldwaterisafoetotestthetackleofanyangler.
The easiest way to distinguish the smallmouth from its largemouth cousin is by the upper jaw. In the smallmouth bass the jaw comes to a point just to the eye. In the largemouth, the upper jaw ends behind the eye. Also, smallmouth are yellow or tan with brown markings. The largemouth is a greenish-gray color with black markings. Both fish are known as black bass.
smallmouth bass
In areas where
fishing pressure
is heavy, many
anglers release
the bass they
catch, perhaps
keeping one or
two small ones
for supper. Small
bass are excellent
eating; big bass
are not as good.
26 fishing
Freshwater Fish.
SmallmouthoncewereconfinedtotheeasternUnitedStatesbuthavebeenstockedoverallofthenorthernstates,muchofCanada,andpartsofthesouthernUnitedStates.Nightcrawlers,leeches,minnows,frogs,andhellgrammites(atypeofaquaticinsectlarvae)areallnaturalfoodforthisfish.Italsowillhitawidevarietyofspinners,floating-divinglures,surfacelures,flies,plasticwormsandbugs,andjigs.
However,unlikethelargemouth,whichoftenwillhitafast-movinglure,thesmallmouthlikesitsbaitmovingslowly,withfrequentpausesandtwitches.Whenitdoesstrike,how-ever,itstrikeslikelightning.Thebattleisspectacular,playingoutasmuchabovethesurfaceasinthewater.Itspreferredhangoutsarefallentrees,underwatercabbagebeds,rockledges,anddeepboulderpiles.Inthespringthesmallmouthisupintheshallows,butinthesummer,itmaybedown10to30feet.Inthelatefall,thesmallmouthschoolsat40feet.
striped BassInsaltwater,stripedbassrangealongtheEastCoastfromMainetoNorthCarolina,andareafavoriteofanglerswhofishinthesurf.Originallyasaltwaterspecies,severalhundredsofthesefishweretrappedwhilespawningintheSanteeRiverwhenthedamwasbuiltforSouthCarolina’sSantee-Cooperhydroelectricprojectin1938.Surprisingly,thestripersadaptedtofreshwater,spreadoverthereservoir,andgrewrapidly,sometomorethan40pounds.
Sincethen,theyhavebeensuccessfullystockedinanumberofreservoirs,creatinganewinlandgamefishsport.Stripedbassarestrongfightersandusuallyaretakenonlightsaltwatertackle.Moststripersarecaughtonliveshadminnows,although
castingheavyjigsandspoonscanworkwellwhenthefisharefeeding.
Anglerslocateschoolsofstripersbywatchingthe
seagullscirclingswarmsofbaitfishchased
tothesurfacebyfeedingbass.
striped bass
fishing 27
.Freshwater Fish
PanfishThisyear,amillionAmericanyoungpeoplewillbeintroducedtothesportoffishing,andmostofthemwillcatchaspeciesofpanfish.Aptlynamed,themanyspeciesthatmakeupthiscategoryaresomeofthetastiestinthefryingpan.Theyalsoarefuntocatch,andsomeareferociousbattlers,despitetheirrelativelysmallsize.
Rock Bass and Bluegill.Therockbass,amemberofthesunfishfamily,isabrassy-coloredfishwithrowsofblackscalesanddistinctiveredeyes.Astubbyfightergrowingto2poundsthatwillstrikealmostanykindoflivebaitorartificiallure,itlikestohangoutaroundoldbridgepiers,docks,boulders,andweedbeds.Exceptinthelatefallwhenitgoesdeep,therockbassisashallow-waterfeederthatlikestotakeminnowsandbugsnearthesurface.
Thebluegill,likemanyofthesunfishes,hasashiny,darkbluepatchontheedgeofthegillcover.Also,likeitssunfishcousins,itisbrightlycolored.Thebluegillhaspurplishsideswithblackbandsandabrightyellowororangethroat.Ithasasmallmouth,andsmallhooksarerequiredtocatchit.BluegillarefoundjustaboutallovertheUnitedStatesandgrowto2pounds,although1-poundersareconsideredgoodcatches.Theyareoneofthetoughestfightersamongthesunfishclan.
While panfish may be taken on almost any kind of pole, line, rod, and reel, catching these bantamweight warriors on a fly rod or ultralight spinning tackle is great sport. Panfish are highly susceptible to flies and tiny jigs. They also bite small panfish popping bugs, size 10 or 12, during the warm months when insects are hatching.
Rock bass
Bluegill
28 fishing
Freshwater Fish.
Crappie. Silverandblack,thecrappiegrowsto4pounds,althougha2-pounderisconsideredatrophyinmostareas.Itfeedsmainlyonsmallminnowsandinsectsandwilltakesmallspinnersandlureswithouthesitation.Thecrappieisoftenfoundclosetostructure.Beawarethatthecrappiehasapaperlikemouthandmustbecarefullyhandledsothatthehookdoesnotpullloose.Itisexcellenteating.
CatfishSmooth-skinnedandscaleless,long,lean,andbuilt
forpower,thecatfishfamilyiswidespreadinNorthAmerica.Catfisharefoundinclear,icywatersoftheNorthaswellasthewarm,muddystreamsandbayousoftheSouth.Theyarehighlytolerantofwatertemperaturefluctuationsandcanwithstandturbidwater,evensomepollution.Theyarerelativelyeasytocatch,arefiercefighters,andmakeforfine
eatingwhenproperlyprepared.Becareful:Allcatfishhavesharpspinesinthepectoral
anddorsalfinsthatcancauseapainfulwoundtotheunwaryorcarelessangler.
Channelcatfisharesleekandhighlyprized.Theycangrowto30poundsormore,buttheaverageis2or3pounds.Flatheadcatfishandbluecatfishregularlygrowtomorethan40pounds,somereaching100pounds.Themostcommoncat-fishisthemuchsmallerbullhead—adwellerofsmallstreams,ponds,andsloughs.Thousandsofbullheadsarecaughteachyearbyanglerswithnomorethanahook,line,andbait.Largercatfisharefoundbelowdams,inriffles,beneathundercutbanksandlogjams,andindeepholesandchannels.Thebestwaytocatchthemistofishthebaitonbottom.
Catfish
fishing 29
.Freshwater Fish
Pikes must be
carefully handled
to avoid contact
with their teeth.
The Pike familyBig,sharp-toothed,andmean-tempered,thefishthatmakeupthepikefamilyhaveacommontrait:Theystrikefirstandaskquestionslater.
Catfish BaitNearly any bait, alive or dead, will take a catfish. Channel cats, at times, will strike a lure as savagely as a walleye. Some favorite catfish baits are cut-up smelts or other small fish, worms bunched up on a hook, clam meat that has been allowed to mellow in the sun, and crayfish tails. Catfish also like liver, chicken entrails, and cheese. Commercial “stink baits,” which have a strong odor, also are good.
cut-up smelts clam meat crayfish tailsworms
30 fishing
Freshwater Fish.
northern Pike. Mostcommonisthenorthernpike,foundoveralargepartofNorthAmerica.Theymaygrowto50pounds.Allofthepikespreferlarge,flashyluressuchasspinners,spoons,silveryfloating-divingplugs,andnoisysurfacebaits.Theystrikebigminnowsandwillreadilytakestripsofsuckermeatorfrozensmelts.
Muskellunge (Muskies). Biggestofthepikefamily,thesefishgrowtomorethan60pounds.Thetruemuskieislightolivewithbrownspots.Hybridmuskiesarelightolivewithbrownishstripes.Thehybridsaremuskie–northernpikecrosses.Muskiesarenotnearlyascommonasnorthernpikeandarenotaseasytocatch,sotheyaremuchsoughtafterastrophies.
Members of the
pike family are
excellent eating
but are bony.
northern pike
Muskellunge
fishing 31
.Freshwater Fish
stream TroutTroutareacold-waterfish,needingwateroflessthan70degrees.Forsheerbeauty,themembersofthetroutfamilyarehardtobeat.Theyaresleek,withoutlargescales,colorful,anddesignedtoswiminmovingstreamwaters.
Brook Trout (Char).Adark-greenbackwithyellowishtracks,spottedsideswithbright-redspots,redfins,andawhiteundersidemarkthisall-Americanwarrior.BrooktroutarefoundanywherefromtinybeaverbrookstothegreatriversoftheNorth.Inlakesitgrowsto7or8pounds,buttheaveragebrookieweighslessthanapound.
Rainbow Trout.Aptlynamedforthebrightredstreakdownitssilverysideanditsbluish-greenback,therainbowtroutisnotonlyahandsomefishbutalsooneofthemostspectacularleapersamongfreshwaterspecies.Therearemanyvarietiesofrainbowtrout,somegrowingtomorethan20pounds.Themigratorysteelhead,afishthatspawnsinstreamsbutspendsmostofitslifeinsaltwaterortheGreatLakes,isacousin.
Brown Trout.ThisEuropeanimporthastakenholdinmanyofthewarmerstreamsthatwillnotsupportnativeAmericanspecies.Itisstubbierthanmosttrout,yellowish-tanwithbrownandredspots,shy,andsometimesdifficulttocatch.PlantedintheGreatLakes,itcangrowtomorethan20pounds.
All types of flies, small spoons, and spinners are effective for trout fishing. Where regulations permit, live bait for trout includes worms, minnows, and insects. Salmon eggs also can be good bait. When caught, trout should be either released or killed and kept in a creel (a special bag or basket), not in warm water where they will turn soft and deteriorate quickly.
Brook trout
Rainbow trout
32 fishing
Freshwater Fish.
Lake Trout and salmonWhilesalmonalwayshavebeenapopularsportfishinsaltwaterandinthecoastalrivers,newfisheriesoccurredintheGreatLakeswhencohosalmonwerefirststockedinLakeMichigan.TherearenowchinookandpinksalmontocatchinthisGreatLake,alongwithnativelaketrout.
TrollingThisisthemostpopularmethodoftakingbothlaketroutandsalmon.Heavy-dutyspinningtackleismostoftenusedwithlurespulledbehindtheboatnearthesurfaceordowndeep,dependingonwherethefishare.Spoonsandlarge,minnowlikeluresinavarietyofcolors—fromblazeorangetofluorescentgreen—arepopular.Downriggers,wirelineswithheavyleadweights,are
usedtogettheluresdeep.Planingboardsthatfloatandrunparalleltotheboatoftenareeffectiveingettinglures
outtotheside.Troutandsalmonalsomaybetakenbydriftingwhilejiggingheavyjigsbelowtheboat.
CastingAnglerswithoutboatstakelargenumbersofsalmonandlaketroutby
castingoffshoreonpointsandatthemouthsofrivers.Inlatesummer,the
salmonbegintheirfallspawningrun.Laketroutfollowashort
timelater.Longrods,9to10feet,areusedwithlight
saltwaterreelstocasttheluresfarfromshore.
fishing 33
.Freshwater Fish
Thin ice can
be dangerous.
Your merit badge
counselor can
tell you more
about the hazards
associated with
ice fishing. Before
you go ice fishing,
check with
local conservation
officers for ice
conditions if
there is doubt
about safety.
Ice FishingWhen winter comes and the lakes freeze over, a different type of fishing begins. Some species of fish—bluegill, crappie, perch, pike, walleye, and trout—may be caught readily through the ice.
The bulk of ice fishing is for species of panfish and is done with lures. The lures are bits of chromed metal, painted lead, or plastic designed to look like flickering minnows or struggling insect larvae in the water. They are used in conjunction with real insect larvae or tiny minnows and are jigged near the bottom.
Pike, walleye, and trout usually are taken on larger metal spoons, lures, and jigs baited with live or dead minnows. Most anglers use regular spin- or bait-casting reels on special, short ice rods. The drag is usually set on the light side so that a large fish can be played with-out the line snapping. Fish caught through the ice in the winter can be put in the bucket or box seat to take home. No fish, bait, or other trash should ever be left on the ice.
The standard outfit for an ice fisherman includes short rods; monofilament line; ice flies; spoons, lures, jigs, and bait; an ice auger to drill holes; a skimmer to dip the slush and ice chips out of the fishing hole; a bucket or box to sit on; and plenty of warm clothing.
fishing 35
.saltwater Fish
SaltwaterFishTheoceancoastline,includingtheestuariesofriversflowingin,offersavarietyofsportfishingfrompiers,wadingthesurf,castingfromoutboardskiffs,andtrollingorbaitfishingfrombigwatercruisers.Someofthelargertrophyfish,suchasthetarpon,arewildacrobatsandfuntocatchbutshouldbereleasedbecausetheyarenotparticularlygoodtoeat.
shallow-Water speciesThepompanoandspottedseatroutaretwoshallow-waterspeciespopularwithanglers.Pompanoareamongthetastiestsaltwaterfish.Theyalsoarefranticbattlersandmaybetakenbycastingortrollingsmalljigs,eitherplainorbaitedwithsandbugs.Spottedseatrout(sometimescalledweakfish)areabundantandeasilycaughtwheretheyswarmincoastalbaysandlagoonsandatrivermouths.Usingdriftingorcastingjigsbaitedwithfreshshrimpisasurefiremethod.Troutalsowillhitspoons,surfacelures,andflyrodstreamerflies.
Tarpon
Pompano
spotted sea trout
36 fishing
saltwater Fish.
California YellowtailThisexcitingfish,alsocalledtheamberjack,maygrowtomorethan60pounds,buttheaverageis10to20pounds.Livesardines,castortrolled,arethemostpopularbaits,althoughyellowtailsometimeswillhittrolledlures.Theyareconsideredafairlygoodtablefish.
snapperAshallow-waterfishthathangsaroundcoralstructuresandofteninvadessoutherncoastalstreams,themuttonsnapperrunsfrom5to20poundsandisratedhighlyforfoodqualities.Goodfightersonlighttackle,theystrikejigs,floating-divingplugs,andsurfacelures,alongwithshrimpandotherlivebait.Theyhavesharpteeth,andmostanglersusewireleadersforthesefish.Theredsnapper,adeep-watercousin,livesfarthernorthandusuallyiscaughtonstill-fishedcutbait.Itissuperbeating.
fishing 37
.saltwater Fish
Catch and Release—With CareWhy catch and release a fish unharmed? There are many reasons, one of which is to prevent overfishing. Catch and release also helps lengthen the fishing season and with conservation of the fish. Here are tips on how to catch and release the right way.
• Use artificial lures with barbless single hooks. Fish tend to swallow live bait more deeply, and barbless hooks are easier to remove and do less damage than barbed hooks.
• Play the fish, then release it as gently and quickly as possible. Do not play the fish to exhaustion, or it may not recover.
• If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut off the line as close to the hook as possible. Never try to remove a deeply embedded hook because you may damage the fish beyond recovery or make it a more vulnerable prey.
• Avoid stainless steel hooks. If swallowed, they will not dissolve over time.
• Whenever possible, avoid removing the fish from the water. Prepare your camera for pictures first; hold up the fish for a quick photo, and release it immediately.
• If you must use a landing net, make sure it is made of soft nylon and not hard mesh, which can damage the slime that covers the fish and helps protect it from disease.
• If you must handle the fish, wet your hands first. Support the fish horizontally—never vertically—in the water across the back and head, avoiding the eyes and gills. Before releasing, revive the fish gently by moving it back and forth in the water until it swims away.
fishing 39
.Balanced Tackle
BalancedTackleWhentherod,reel,andlinearecorrectlymatchedtohandlelureorbaitofagivenweight,theyareconsideredtobeinbalance.Wheninproperbalance,theyallowthefishermantodeliverthelureorbaitwithaccuracywithinthedesireddistance.Moderntacklemanufacturersarecontinuallyexperimentingandupgradingtheirrods,reels,andlinestocreatemoreefficienttackleforeasiercasting.
Fly-fishingrequiresthattherodbeequippedwithproperline,thereelmainlyhavingthefunctionoflinestorage.Flyrodsareusuallymarkedwithnumbersindicatingwhichlineworksbestonthatparticularmodel.
hand Grip
reel seat
ferrule
rod tip
Butt Guide
tip top Guide
Butt cap
reel screw and clamp
forward Grip
Guide
extra fast
fast
moderate
slow
40 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Equipmentusedinsaltwaterfishingismuchthesameastheequipmentusedinfreshwaterfishingexceptthateverypieceoftackledesignedforsaltwaterfishingismoreresistanttocorrosionandisusuallybuiltonalargerscale:reelsarehuskier;rodscanmeasurefrom8to11feetlong;andlinesandluresareheavier.
Tacklecatalogslistrodsandreelsbyweightandfunction,allowingtheanglertomakeinformedchoices.Tackledealers,tacklerepresentativesatsportshowsanddemonstrations,andexperiencedanglersareallgoodsourcesofinformationonsuitabletackleforthefishingofyourchoice.
Thefourgeneraltypesofreelscommonlyusedbyfishermenarethebait-castingreel,closed-facespin-castingreel,open-facespinningreel,and,forfly-fishing,theflyreel.
Bait-casting reel
reel pillars
free spool lever
riGht side plateleft side plate
reel spool
level wind
reel footstar draG
Quick takedown screws
Closed-face spin-casting reel
reel housinG
triGGer
star draG
reel handle
reel foot
orifice
nose cone
fishing 41
.Balanced Tackle
Before casting,
always check
behind you—
you want to
catch a fish, not
another angler!
Bait-Casting and spin-CastingBait-castingandspin-castingaresimilarinthatthelureisflippedfromthetipoftherod,pullingthelinefromthereel.Castsof60and70feetareeasilymade.Thelureisthencrankedinbyturningthereel’shandle.Thereelisontopoftherodandcontrolofthecastisthroughuseofthethumbonthecastinghand.
However,bait-castingreelshavearevolvinglinespoolthatmustbe“thumbed”lightlyduringthecasttopreventthelinefromoverrunningandcreatingabacklash.Spin-castingreelshavefixedspoolsmountedsideways.Thelinecomesofftheendofthespool.Duringtheretrieve,apincausesthelinetowindbackontothespool.Withabait-castingreel,thelinewindsdirectlyonthespoolwhenthereelhandleisturned.
Allspin-castingandmanybait-castingreelshaveadjustabledragsthatallowahookedfishtotakelineoutunderpresetpressuresothatquickrusheswillnotbreaktheline.Thesereelsareextremelyaccurateandusefulinhittingsmallopen-ingsinweedbedsoraroundsnags.However,learninghowtomastertheseskillstakespreactice.
Bait-castingisdonewithawristandforearmmotion.Therodisheldsothatthereelhandleisup,withthethumbholdingthelinesecure.Therodisbroughtupsharplyuntilvertical,theweightofthelurebringingthetipbacktoaoneo’clockposition.Withanalmostcontinualmotion,therodiswhippedforwardandthethumbreleasestheline,allowingtheluretoshootforward.
Bait-casting
42 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Spinning outfits
also may be
used for trolling.
The preset drag
holds the line at
a tension that will
release on a strike
from a heavy fish
but will not
release because
of the motion of
the boat or the
pull of the current.
spinningAlthoughalmostnonexistentintheUnitedStatesbefore1940,spinninghasbecomeapopularformofcasting.Thefixed-spoolreelismountedundertherod.Thelineiscontrolledwiththeindexfingerofthecastinghand.Thefingertippicksupthelineasthefreehandmovesthespring-operatedpickuparmtooneside.Therodtipisraisedtohorizontalthensweptforward,theindexfingerpreciselyreleasingthelineasthelureshootsout.
Tostopthelure,thetipoftheindexfingertouchesthelineandthefreehandbeginsturningthereelhandleforward,engagingthebailpickupautomaticallywiththeline.Arolleronthebaillaysthelinebacksmoothlyonthespoolasthereelhandleturns.Adragadjustmentcontrolsthetensionnecessarytopulllinefromthereelwhenfightingafish.
Spinningtacklerangesfromheavy-dutybig-wateroutfitsthatrequiretwohandstocasttoultralightcombinationsthatweighonlyafewounces.Becausethereisnomovablespool,longcastscanbemadeeffortlesslywithspinningtackle.Tinyluresmaybecastaccuratelyonthreadlikelinesandlargeluresmaybecastlongdistancesontheheavieroutfits.
spinning
line Guide
spool
Bail pickup
rotatinG head reef foot
reel stem
reel housinG
antireverse
reel handle
draGadJustment
Open-face spinning reel
fishing 43
.Balanced Tackle
fly-fishingWhenfly-fishing,theanglerusesalong,flexibleflyrodwithwhichhecastsaplastic-coatedline.Theweightofthelinecarriestheflyout.Theflyimitatesthesmallinsects(mayfly,caddis,stonefly,etc.)uponwhichfishregularlyfeed.fly-fishingisaformofanglingdatingbackhundredsofyearstoitsorigininEurope.Earlyfishermenhadlimitedresourcesandusedalinetiedtothetipofalong,thinrod.Asystemofguides,tiedalongtherod,wasdevisedsothatextralinecouldbereleasedatthecast,allowingthebaitorflytosailoutmuchfarther.Areelwasfastenedtothelower,buttendoftherodasaplacetostoreextraline.
Forthecast,aminimumof15feetoflineplustheleaderisstrippedoutinfrontoftheangler.Therodisbroughtupwardsharplyandtheslacklinegrippedfirmlyandheldinthefreehand.Thelineandleadersailupwardandabovetheanglerinaloop.Astheloopstraightensout,therodisbroughtquicklyforward,thelineandleaderflyingaheadinaforwardloop.Atthelastmoment,theforwardmovementisstopped,thelinepausesbrieflyoverthewater,theleaderstraightensout,andtheflydropsgentlytothesurface.
Many anglers tie their own flies for fly-fishing, like this Mickey finn fly. You can learn more about fly-tying in the Fly-Fishing merit badge pamphlet.
reel foot
reel frame
release Button
adJustaBle draG knoB
handle
standard fly reel
Fly rods are
limber and light,
weighing only a
few ounces. The
fly rod provides a
maximum amount
of leeway to a
fighting fish.
However, with
skill, even large
fish can be
played and
captured on
lightweight
fly tackle.
44 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
fishing LinesVarietiesoflinesofdifferentweights,diameters,andconstructionareavailabletoday,madespeciallyfordifferenttypesoffishing—fly-fishing,spin-fishing,orbait-casting.Monofilamentisasynthetic,single-strandlinevaryingfrom1-poundstrengthtolinesthatwilleasilyhold40to50pounds.Lighterlinesaremorepliableandeasiertocastwithfinetackle.Monofilamentistransparentandalmostinvisibletofish.Itisusedinspin-fishing.Braidedlinesareusedinbait-casting.Fly-linesforfly-fishingarecoatedwithaplasticfinishtoaddweight.Theycomelevelortaperedtofacilitatecasting.
Nomatterwhattypeoflineyouchooseforyourrig,keepitingoodshapebyfollowingthesetips.
• Storefishinglineatroomtemperature.Toomuchheatorcoldcanweakentheline.
• Ifaknotformsinmonofilamentlinenearthelure,cutthelineabovetheknotanddiscardtheknottedpiece.
• Frequentlycheckthelast10to12feetofcastinglinefornicksandabrasionsbyrunningthelinebetweenyourfingers.Ifthelinefeelstoorough,cuttheroughpiece,retieyourrig,andresumefishingwithfreshline.
• Disposeofusedandbrokenlineresponsibly.Manytackleshopsofferrecyclingbinsspecificallyforusedfishingline.
fishing 45
.Balanced Tackle
Knots for fishingContrarytothethinkingofmanynovicefishermen,asimpleoverhandknotwillnotdoinmostfishingsituations.Althoughaknotmayseeminsignificantandhardlynoticeabletotheobserver,itcanbe,andquiteoftenis,thecrucialfactorbetweensuccessandfailure.
improved Clinch Knot. Thisistheuniversalknotfortyingmonofilamenttoahookorfortyinghooksandswivels—anyobjecthavinganeye—totheline.Becausemonofilamentisslippery,itneedsaknotthatwilljamagainstitselfandholdtight,yetnotcutitself.Runtheendofthelinethroughtheeye,doublethelineback,andmakefivetwistsaroundthelinethroughtheeye,leavingaloop.Runtheendofthelinethroughtheloopwherethelinejoinstheeyeandthenpassthelinethroughthelargeloop.Partiallyclosetheknotandmoistenitalittlewithwaterbeforesecuringittightlyagainstthehookeye.
Palomar Knot. Thisbasicknotservesthesamepurposeastheimprovedclinchknot.Doublethelinetomakea3-to4-inchloop,thenpasstheendoftheloopthroughtheeye.Holdthestandingpartbetweenthumbandforefingerandtiealooseoverhandknotinthedoublelinewiththeotherhand.Thenpassthehookthroughtheloopandpullonthedoubledlinetotightentheknot,guidingtheloopoverthetopoftheeyelet.Clipthetagend.
Wire Line or Wire LeaderTo get lures down deep, such as when trolling for lake trout or saltwater species, anglers sometimes use braided wire lines. These are expensive and heavy, but they sink fast, keep the lure deep, and are nearly impossible to break.
1 2 3 4 5
46 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Turle (or Turtle) Knot. PopularwithAtlanticsalmonfishermen,theturleknotmakesastraightconnectionbetweenthehookshankandleader.Sincetheknotissmallandsimple,itworkswellfortyingafineleadertoasmallhook,suchasthatofafly.
Beginbypassingtheendoftheleaderthroughthehook’seyefromthefront;thenslidethehookuptheleadersothatitwillbeoutoftheway.Makeaslipknotintheendoftheleaderbybringingthefreeendaroundtwice,likeadoubleoverhandknot.Drawtheknottightandpasstheloopoverthehook.Pulltheleaderandmanipulatetheloopsothatittightensaroundthebackofthehook’seyeandnotintheeyeorontheleaderitself.
Blood Loop or Barrel Knot. Thisknotisusuallyusedtojointwosectionsoflineorleader,eveniftheyareofslightlydifferentdiameters.Laptheendsofthelinesorleadersseveralinches.Thentwistonearoundtheother,makingatleastfiveturns.Placetheendbetweenthestrandsandholdthemtogetherbetweenthumbandforefinger.Windthesamenumberofturns(five)intheoppositedirection,usingtheendoftheotherline.Thenpullonthetwoendstodrawtheturnsclosertogether.Whentheyhaveclosedupsnugly,pulltightontheendstomaketheknotassmallaspossible.Cliptheends.
Double surgeon’s Loop. Adoublesurgeon’sloopisaneasywaytoformaloopintheendofalineorleader.Doubletheendofthelineandmakeasingleoverhandknot.Thenpassthelooparoundandthroughtheoverhandknotagain.Holdtheloopinonehandandthestandingpartandtagendintheotherhand.Moistentheknotwithwaterandpulltotighten.Clipoffthetagend.
1-2
3
4
pull
pull and trim
1 2 3 4
fishing 47
.Balanced Tackle
Loop Knot. Thisisusedtotieonluresthatrequirefreedomofmovement.Thefrontknotispulledtight,thenthebackknot,whichleavesalooseloopinfrontofthelure,allowingtheluretoswingbackandforth,withaminimumofresistance.
nail Knot.Thisisagoodwayoftyingmonofilamenttolead-corelinebackingtoaflyline,oraleadertoaflyline.First,positionthenail(oranysimilarobject)alongtheleadcore.Thenlayaloopofmonofilamentonthenail.Withthefreeendofmonoline,takefiveorsixturnsoverthatloopandthenailandleadcore.Next,runtheendofthemonothroughtheloop.Tightentheknotbypullingonbothlines,slipthenailout,andtightentheknotalltheway.Cliptheprotrudingendsshort.
Wire Line to Mono Knot.Holdingthewirelineinyourlefthand,fold4inchesoftheendbackoverthestandingpartoftheline.Runmonofilamentthroughthemiddleofthebendinthewire,passingitbehindthewireandthenoverit.Makesevencloseturnsaroundbothlines.Passtheendofthemonofilamentoverthecenterstrandofmonofilamentandunderthetopstrandofthewire,andthendrawupsnugly.Cuttingthefreeendofthewirewouldleaveaburrthatcouldcutfingers.Instead,benditbackandforth.Itwillbreakclosetotheturnsofthemonofilament,leavingnoburr.
2
3
4
48 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Arbor Knot. Lockingthelineonthereelspooltakesaknotthatwillcinchuptightandnotslipifafishtakesthelinetotheend.Theknotattheterminalendispulledtightfirst,thentheother,andtheloopsnuggedupagainstthespool.
Tucked sheet Bend. Whenfasteninglinetoaleaderlooportyingasnelledhooktotheline,thetuckedsheetbendisquick,tidy,andstrong.Itcanbeundonewithoutcuttingthelineorleader.
Snelling a HookThis is a neat and simple way of attaching a hook to monofilament for certain types of bait fishing. To make a double-gang hook rig, leave the free line end long and tie in a second hook behind the first. This is a popular way of hooking worms for trolling or drifting.
to fly line
taG end
loop around spool
fishing 49
.Balanced Tackle
Hooks must be
kept sharp to be
effective. And
care must taken
that they get
stuck only in fish,
not in people.
hooksfishhooksaremadeofsteelwire,bentbyamachinetoadesiredshape,hardenedbyheat,andgivenarust-resistantfinish.
Hookscomeinawiderangeofsizes.Differenthooksaredesignedforbait-fishing,lures,andflies.Thehookyouchooseshouldbesuitableforthefishyouwishtocatch.Itcanbeconfusingtryingtofigureouthooksizes,butonesimplewayistostartwithsize1.Thelargerthenumber,thesmallerthehook.Thusasize2issmallerthan1,andasize4issmallerthanasize2.Size28hooksaresosmalltheyarehardtosee!
Goingtheotherway,theadditionof/0meansthebiggerthenumber,thebiggerthehook.A1/0isbiggerthan1,a2/0isbiggerthan1/0,andsoon.A12/0hookisverylargeandisusedtocatchbigfishsuchastunaandshark.
Hooksalsocomeinavarietyofshapes.Straight-eyehooksareusedmostoftenwithsnapsandleaders.Turned-down-eyehooksareusedforbaitfishingandflies.Somehookshaveslicedshankstobettergriplivebait.Circlehooksarebecomingincreasinglypopularbecausetheyarelessdamagingtoafish.
Somefliesaretiedonturned-up-eyehooks,providingmorespacebetweenthehookpointandtheleader.Turned-up-orturned-down-eyehooksallowtheleadertoliestraightwiththehookshank,makingiteasiertohookafish.Anglerswhopracticecatchandreleaseusebarblesshooks,whichdolessdamagetothefish’smouth.
Jighooksaremadesothatthewirewillnottwistinsidetheleadhead.
shank
eye
12/0 tuna
Bend
Bite
BarB
point
2/0 1 6 2/0sliced shank
2 turned-down-eye
162/0 JiG hook
10 circleBarBless
50 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
sinkersManytypesofsinkers,eachdesignedforspecifictypesoffishing,areusefulingettingthebaitdowntothefish.Someofthemorecommonsinkersincludethefollowing:
• Trollingsinkers,whichmovethroughthewatereffectively
• Split-shotsinkers,whichcomeinavarietyofsizesandaredesignedtobepinchedonthelineorleader
• Wormsinkers,whichareeffectiveinweedbedswhereplasticwormsmightsnagortear
• Dipseyandpyramidsinkers,whichusuallyareusedwhenalotofweightisneededontheline
• Barrelsinkers—namedfortheirshape—haveaholesothelinecanrunfree
Othertypesofsinkersinclude:
• Clinch-onsinker,whichhastwowingsthatcanbebentoverthelineorleaderandsqueezedtight
• Saltwatersinker,popularwithanglerswhoneedaweightthatwillgripthebottomintideandsurf
• Heavybanksinker,usedfordeep-seafishing
• Slidingsinker,whichhasaholeinitsothelinecanslidethroughwhenafishstrikes,andwhichcanslideoverthebottomwithoutsnagging
• Keelsinker,whichisusedfortrolling,becausethekeelkeepstheweightfromtwistingtheline
pyramid sinker
Barrel sinker
split-shot sinker worm
sinker
dipsey sinker
trollinG sinker
sinkers
fishing 51
.Balanced Tackle
swivelsManyluresandbaitshaveatendencytotwisttheline,causingittokinkandsnarl.swivelsaredesignedtoallowthebaitstorevolve,helpingtoeliminatethetwisting.Manyswivelsarebuiltwithsnaps,whichallowahook,lure,orleadertobeclippedonwithoutusingaknot.
Usingathree-wayswivelallowsano-twistconnectiontotheline,ano-twistconnectionwithaleadertothehookorlure,andanotherno-twistconnectiontoaseparateleaderandasinker.Somespeciesofsaltwaterfishareextremelypowerful,requiringspecialsteelswivel-snapcombinations.
Despite the best intentions, anglers sometimes lose sinkers. Sinkers are often made of lead, and lead is toxic to wildlife. Scientists have discovered that lead sinkers have been responsible for the deaths of a number of loons and other water birds that accidentally ingested them. Wildlife experts are urging anglers to consider sinkers made of environmentally friendly materials such as rock, ceramics, iron, steel, and bismuth. Some states have instituted a lead-sinker exchange program in which anglers may exchange their lead sinkers for lead-free alternatives.
snap three-wayBarrel
swivels
52 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
BobbersWhiletheirtechnicalnameis“floats,”thesemarkersbobonthewaterandsoearnedtheirpopularnickname,bobbers.Bobbersalsoletanglersknowwhenafishbites;asafishtakesthebait,itcausesthebobbertodip.
Thesimplestkindofbobberhasawirelooponthetopandbottomthatoperatesonaspringsothatthelineorleadercanbeclippedonandanchoredinplace.Thedepthofthehookispredetermined,andthebobberissettoholdthehookatthatpoint.
Bobbersaremadeofplasticandareinexpensive.Besidesthesimple,roundversion,uniquelyshapedbobberscanservedifferentpurposesfortheangler.
Pencil Bobber. Long,thin,andlight,thepencilbobberisusedforfishthatbitelightly.Theadvantageofthepencilbobberisthatafishwillfeelnodragorresistancewhenitpullsonthebait.Thelineisheldagainstthebobberbyanadjustablerubberband.
slip Bobber. Theslipbobberhasahollowstemthroughwhichthelinepasses.Aslidingknotistiedabovethebobberontheline,andtheknotwillnotgothroughthetinyholeinthestem.Anydepthcanbeset.Whenthebaitisreeledin,thebobberwillslidedowntothesinker,whichmakesiteasytocast.
Weighted Bobber.Thesetransparentplasticbobbersaremadesothattheycanbepartiallyfilledwithwatertogivethemcast-ingweight.Withtheaddedweightitispossibletocastalightbaitorevenaflyagreatdistanceonregularspinningtackle.Thetransparencyallowstheanglertoseehowmuchwaterisinsidethebobbersothatitdoesn’tloseallitsflotation.
Years ago, many
fishermen made
their own bobbers
from corks,
balsa wood, or
porcupine quills.
Pencil bobber
slip bobber
simple bobbers
Weighted bobber
fishing 53
.Balanced Tackle
Live freshwater BaitNaturalfoodsareeasytofish,requireaminimumoftackle,andarehighlyeffective.Anglersmayseekouttheirownbaitorpurchaseitinspecializedbaitshops.
Beawarethatreleasinglivebaitandbaitwatercanintroduceundesirablefish,parasites,ordiseasestonativefish.Toensurethatyoudonotaccidentallymakeanunwantedbiologicalintroduction,trytoobtainlivebaitsthatarenativetothewatersyouintendtofish.Attheendofthefishingday,donotreleaselivebait(regardlessoforigin)intothewater.Disposeofunusedlivebaitandanywaterinthebaitbucketonlandwellawayfromanywater.
Worms.Redworms,gardenworms,andnightcrawlersallaregoodbaits.Asmallhook(size8to12)embeddedintheheadofawormworkswell.
Minnows.Anglersusedozensofminnowvarietiesasbait.Onecommonmethodistohooktheminnowthroughbothlips,fromthebottomup.Anotheristoputthehookthroughthebodynearthetail.
Crayfish.Ascrayfishgrow,theyshedtheirhardoutercoatseveraltimesinthesummer.Wheninthe“soft”statetheymakeanexcellentgamefishbait.
Leeches.Theribbonleech(Nephelopsis obscura) isanexcellentbait.Mostfishwillrejectbloodsuckingleeches.
hellgrammites.Theselarvaeofthedobsonflyarefoundunderrocksinriffles.Theyareexcellentbaitbutmustbekeptoffthebottomortheywillsnagthehook.
Before you make your live-bait choice, be sure to check the local fishing regulations regarding the use of live bait. Some classes of live bait may be permitted in your area only during certain times of the year or not at all.
54 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Live saltwater BaitAllpopularspeciesofsaltwaterfishcanbetakenonlivebait.Anglerswholivenearthecoastoftencatchtheirown.Otherspurchasetheirsinbaitshops.Ittakesconsiderableknowledgeofeachfishspeciestoknowwhichbaittouseandhow.
Eels. TheseareacommonbaitalongtheEastCoast,particularlyforstripedbassandbluefish.Anglersoftenplaceeelsonadouble-hookrig,usuallywithaweightedhookinthehead.
Crabs. Severalspeciesareusedasbait,thefiddlercrabbeingthemostcommon.Thelargerclawispulledoffandthehookembeddedinthecrabatthatpoint.
sandworms. Alongwithblood-worms,sandwormsareapopularbait.Forlargefish,thewholewormishookedon.Forsmallerfish,thewormmaybecutupandjustapieceused.
shrimp. Usedwholeorwithjustthetailsonthehook,shrimpareexcellentforawidevarietyoffish.Apieceofshrimponajigishighlyeffective.
squid.Cutintostrips,squidwilltakemanyspeciesofsaltwaterfish.Othercutbaitsuchasmulletormenhadenareusedforweakfish,bluefish,channelbass,andstripedbass.
Killifish. Thispopularbaitforbottomspeciesisfishedlive,hookedthroughthenose.Killiesaretoughanddurableifgivenreasonablecare.
Clams.Thesecomeinmanysizes.Smallclammeatsareusedwhole;largeonesmaybecutup.Clammeatsareobtainedbypushingaknifebetweentheshellsandseveringthemuscles.
fishing 55
.Balanced Tackle
Artificial LuresWhilesomeanglerspreferthenaturalattractionprovidedbylivebait,othersfavorartificialluresthatcanbeboughtinsportinggoodsstoresormademeticulouslybyhand.
Jigs. Hookswithleadweightsmoldedintothehead—calledleadheadsorjigs—arethebasisforawholerangeofpopularartificiallures.Theadvantageisinhavingasingle-hooklurethatiscompactbutthatcancarryenoughweighttobeeasilycastbyabaitrodorspinrod.Jigsalsoareadaptabletoavarietyofstylesthatallowthemtoimitatefoodthatfishrecognize.
Amongtheseveralstylesareplastic-bodiedgrubsimpaledonajighook;bucktailhairtiedtocreateaweightedstreamerfly;weedlessbucktaildesignedforfishinginbrush;a“twister”-typeplasticbodythathasawigglingtailinthewater;anda“Canadian”minnow-typejigmadewithasoftchenillebody,featherhacklefrontandback,andafeathertail.
Tips for Using a Jig• Jigs are meant for slow, patient fishermen. Retrieve them
especially slow in cold weather or when ice fishing.
• Retrieve jigs with “action”—jerks or pulls imparting a swimming motion.
• When a fish strikes a jig, it may be detected as only a twitch in the line. Be aware, and set the hook immediately.
• Fish with the lightest jig that allows you to feel when the jig is on the bottom.
• Be sure to keep jig hooks sharp so they are not easily dislodged.
56 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
Plastic Worms. Madeofsoft,pliableplastic,theseartificialbaitscanbemadetoswim,wiggle,anddanceunderwaterwithanactionfishcannotseemtoresist.Fourgoodwaystouseplasticwormsareworm-and-jigwithanartificialnightcrawlertrailingoutbehindabarehook;aplasticwormimpaledonthehookofaregularbucktailhairjig;aTexasrig,whichusesaslidingsinkerwiththehookstuckthroughtheheadofthewormandthepointburiedbackinthewormbody;andaplasticwormonaweedlesshookwithasplitshotclippedonthelineforcastingweight.
spoons.Whenfishermennoticedthatminnowsandcertainotheraquaticcreaturesglistenedinthesunlight,theideaofmakingluresoutofshinymetalwasborn.Spoonsaremadebycuttingpiecesofmetaltoshape,hammeringthemoutsothattheywobbleinthewater,andpolishingthemtoahighshine.Variouscolorsofenamelareaddedtosome;othersaregivengoldorsilverfinishes.Theyarecalledspoonsbecausemostofthemareshapedlikethelowerpartofateaspoon.
spinners. Aspinnerismadebyhammeringapieceofmetalverythin,drillingaholeinoneend,andmountingitonastripofwire.Themetalbladespinsaroundthewireshaft,glintinglikealiveminnowswimminginthesunlight.Spinnersmayberiggedwithhairflies,featherstreamers,orlivebait.Sometimestheyareusedalonewiththebladeandhook.Mostspinnersworkbestifretrievedslowly,justfastenoughforthebladetorevolvewithoutbeingablur.Spinnersaresometimesriggedwithjigsfordeepfishing.Thesemighthavesnapsthatcanbeclippedtotheeyeofthejig.
In trolling,
fishermen use
“cowbells,” a
large variation of
the single spinner.
Plastic worms
are fished slowly,
on or near the
bottom. With
the Texas rig or
weedless rig, the
fish is allowed to
mouth the bait
before the
hook is set.
fishing 57
.Balanced Tackle
Most plugs have
several treble
hooks, and
anglers must take
care not to stick
themselves or
their fishing
companions on
the barbs.
Plugs.Thefirstplugs—minnowlikereplicas—werecarvedoutofwood.Somestillare,butmostaremadeofplasticbyluremanufacturers.Floating-divingplugsrestonthesurfaceuntilreeledin.Theyaredesignedtowiggleinthewaterlikeaminnow.
Someplugsaremadetorundeep.Thesemaybeeitherallmetalorweightedwithmetalandplastic.Somehavealongbillinthefrontthatcausesthemtoheadforthebottomwhenreeledin.Theyalsoareeffectivelureswhentrolledbehindaboat.
Surfaceplugsaremadetoimitateeitherafroghoppingacrossthetopofthewateroralarge,injuredminnowthatisfloppingaroundindistress.Bass,pike,andmuskellungearespeciesmostoftencaughtonthesegurgling,popping,andsputteringlures.
floating-diving plug
Deep-running plug
surface plug
Flashing MinnowsFish often pursue schools of minnows up to the surface, causing the minnows to skip from the water in a desperate attempt to escape. These surface eruptions, called boils, show that there are game fish below on the feed. Casting minnowlike lures into these spots is often a surefire way of catching the game fish that are chasing the schools of minnows.
58 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
flies.Fliesaretiedtorepresentinsects,crabs,shrimp,mulberries,andtinyminnows—thepreferredfoodoftrout,salmon,andmanyothergamefishsuchasbass,panfishes,carp,andpike.Thefisharedeceivedintotakingtheimitationoftheirfood.Somefliescanalsosimulatehatchinginsects.Fliesaremadeofhair,feathers,wool,chenille,andmanyothermaterials,allheldtogetheronthehookwiththreadandglue.
Dry fliesaretiedonlightwirehooksandareconstructedsothattheywillfloatlikeanewlyhatchedinsect.Castingadryflysothatitlandslightlyandfloatsnaturallyrequiresskill.
Wet fliesaretiedsothattheysinkandarefishedbeneaththesurface.Theyaremeanttoimitatethemanyinsectsthatswiminthecurrentbeforetheygetairborne.Troutandotherspeciesfeedontheseingreatnumbers.
Longerhooks,wispsofhair,andsoftfeathersmakethelong,slimstreamer fliesappearlikeshiners,chubs,darters,andotherminnows.Sometimestheycanbesunkwithasplitshottogetintothedeepholeswherebigtroutlie.Moststreamersarefishedrapidlyinswiftjerkstoimitatefrightenedminnowsracingforfreedom.
Larvaethatwilllaterhatchintowingedinsectscrawlinthemudandgravelonstreamandlakebottoms.nymphs aretiedtorepresentthesedifferenttypesoflarvae.Nymphsridetothesurfacetohatchasmatureinsects.
Bothlargemouthbassandsmallmouthbassareeveronthealertforbigbugs,frogs,mice,oranythingelseediblethatmightfallintothewater.Bass bugs aretiedwithcorkorhairbodiessothattheywillfloateasily.Somehaveconcaveheadsthatmakeanoisy“pop”whenjerkedonthesurfacewithaflyrod.
Sickorinjuredminnowsoftenstruggleonthesurface.Bassspotthesecork minnowsasaneasymealandarequicktogulpthemdown.
fishing 59
Tiedofhollowdeerhair,the hair mouselurelookslikealittlemousethatstumbledandfellintothewater—allabassneedsforaquicklunch.
Usuallytiedwithhairylegsandpaintedwithgreenspots,thesehigh-floatingcork-bodied frogsappeartothefishjustliketherealthing.
Corkbugscanbemademorelifelikebyaddingstrandsofrubber legsthatstickoutofthesidesandwiggletomimicswimming.Smallcork-bodiedlures,calledpanfish bugs,aresometimesthebestbaitsforbluegills,rockbass,andcrappies,particularlyinthespringwhenthesefishareintheshallows.
RigsWhenbaitisusedwithanycombinationofbobbers,line,sinkers,andhooks,afisherman’srigiscreated.Therigusuallyisconnectedtoorfashionedfromtheendofthefishingline.
freshwater Live Bait RigsTherearemanycombinationsoffreshwaterrigs,andeachonehasaspecialfunction.
slip sinker.Designedtogetthebaitdowntothebottomwhilealsoallowingthefishtorunfreewithoutanydragontheline,theslipsinkerhasaholethroughwhichthelinecanrunfreely.Aswivelandsnapbelowthesinkerkeepthesinkerfromslidingdowntothehook.
Jig-and-Bait. Thisisanoldstandbywithmostfreshwateranglers.Theleadheadedjiggetsthebaitdowntothefishwhereitcanbedriftedorretrievedinshortjerks.Minnows,worms,leeches—alllivebait—workwellwiththismethod.Whenafishstrikes,itmustbeallowedtorunwiththebaitbeforethehookisset.
slip sinker
JiG-and-Bait
60 fishing
Balanced Tackle.
slip Jogger. Withtheslipjoggerrig,thehollowstemontheslipbobberallowsthelinetoslidethroughtoapresetdepth.Butwhenthebaitisreeledin,thebobberslidesdowntothesinker.Thustheanglercancastthebaitsomedistanceaway,yetthebaitandsinkerwilldroptotheproperdepth.Awispofheaviermonofilamenttiedtothelinemakesaknotthatstopsatthebobbertop.
floating Jig head. Insteadofaleadhead,thefloatingjigheadismadeofbalsawoodorhollowplastic.Thisrig,withlivebait,isusedwithaslipsinkerandisdesignedtogetdowntothebottombutwillkeepthebaitandhook18to24inchesofftherocks.Itisaneffectiveandrelativelysnap-freemethodoffishingallvarietiesoflivebait.
saltwater Bait RigsSurfanglersgenerallyusetwobasicrigswhenfishingwithnaturalbaits.Thefirst,thestandardsurfrig,usesathree-wayswiveltiedafewinchesaboveapyramidsinker.Thehookandleaderaretiedtooneeyeonthethree-wayswivel,andthelineisattachedtotheremainingeye.
Theotherrigisknownasthefish-finderrig.Thefish-finderhasaringononeendandasnapontheother.Alarge-sizedsnapswivelmaybeusedasasubstitute.Abarrelswivelisinsertedbetweentheleaderandthelinetoactasastop.
Bothrigscanbeusedwithdifferentleadersandvarioussizesandtypesofhooks,dependingonthefishyouareafter.Nylonmonofilament,wire,orstainless-steelwiremeasuringabout18incheslongisrecommended.Eitherrigcanbeusedforstripedbass,channelbass,blues,weakfish,andothersurf-feedingfish.
fish-finder riGslip JoGGer
floatinG JiG head
surf riG
You can attach a cork to a surf rig or a fish-finder rig to float the bait off the bottom and help keep it away from crabs and bottom snags.
fishing 61
.Balanced Tackle
Pacific salmon Rig.Thisisanidealrigforslowtrollingordriftingwhenfishingforkingandcohosalmon.Aplug-cutorawholeherringisattachedtoatwo-hookrigona3-footleader.Theleaderisattachedtotheeyeofacrescentsinkerweighingfrom2to6ounces,dependingonthecurrentandthedepthyouwanttofish.Lettheriggodowntothebottom,andthenreelbackslowly.Whenyougetyourfirststrike,markyourlinesothatyoucanlettherigdowntothesamedepthagain.
summer flounder Rig.Torigforfluke,attach2or3feetofleadertooneeyeofathree-wayswivel.Attachasinkertoanothereyewithonlyaninchortwoofleaderline.Then,attachalong-shankedhooktotheendoftheleader.Useastripofsquidorclamforbait.Tofurtherenhancetheriganddrawtheattentionofmorefish,addaspin-nerbladeortwototheleader.
Winter flounder Rig.Thistwo-hookedrigusesawirespreadertokeepthetwohooksapartsothattheycanlietogetheronthebottomwheretheflounderwillbefeeding.Thesinkerisattachedtoasnapinthemiddle.Thesingle-hookedrighasitshooktiedafewinchesabovethesinker.Bothrigsusealong-shankedhook.
crescent sinker
Pacific salmon rig3 feet
riG for fluke
two-hooked riG
enhanced riG
sinGle-hooked riG
Winter flounder rigs
62 fishing
Fishing gear and Craft.
Inexpensive tackle
carriers can be
adapted from
plastic boxes
that are sold in
hardware stores
to hold bolts,
nuts, and other
small items.
FishingGearandCraftBeforeyouheadouttofishalakeorstream,you’llneedtopackatackle box,alandingnet,andothernecessarygear.Toensureanenjoyabledayoffishing,besureyoudressfortheweatherconditions.
Tackle BoxesCarryingcasesforlines,leaders,hooks,lures,reels,andotherpiecesofequipmentcomeinawiderangeofsizes.New,rugged,noncorrosiveplastictackleboxeshavelargelyreplacedtheoldmetalboxesusedyearsago.Alltackleboxesaredesignedtokeeptheitemsseparatedsothattheydonotbecometangled.Someanglerskeepalltheirtackleinalargebox,usingsmallerboxestocarrywhatevertheywillneedforoneday.Somehaveseparateboxesforspinning,spin-casting,bait-casting,saltwater,andfly-fishingequipment.Awell-orderedtackleboxmakesfishingeasierandisthemarkofanexperiencedangler.
Overtheyearsmanyitemsworthalotofmoneymayaccumulateinatacklebox,someofthemdifficulttoreplace.Smartanglersarecarefulnottodroptheirtackleboxintothelakeorstreamnortoleaveitontheshoreunattendedandvulnerabletotheft.
Many fly fishermen prefer plastic or aluminum boxes to hold individual flies. All the flies needed for one trip can easily be carried in a small box that fits in a jacket pocket.
fishing 63
.Fishing gear and Craft
Landing netsLandingnetscomeinavarietyofsizesfromsmall,light,troutnetsthathangfromacordaroundthebodytohugeboatnets.
Thetypeoffishingananglerwillbedoingdeterminesthetypeofnettobeused.Youcanlandsomefishbyhand,butusingalandingnetensuresthatthefishwillnotslipandgetloose.Ifthefishistobereleasedunharmed,itisbettertoreachdownwiththefingersorwithpliersandslipthehookloosewhilethefishisinthewater.
stringersIncoolweatherwhenthewateriscold,somespeciesoffishmaybekeptaliveonastringeruntilthedayisover.stringerswithindividualsnapsarebest,keepingthefishseparatedandallowingthemmorebreathingroom.
Tackle Box ItemsAmong the usual lures, line, and other necessities, consider storing a few of the following items with your tackle.
■ A pair of gloves
■ Sunglasses
■ A disposable camera
■ A first-aid kit
■ Hand towels
■ Insect repellent
■ Sunscreen
■ A compass
■ A boot repair kit
64 fishing
Fishing gear and Craft.
Accessories
fillet Knife.Agood,sharpknifewithalong,thin,flexiblebladeisessentialforcleaningfish.Itshouldbekeptsecureinasheathwhennotbeingused.
sharpener.Asharpeningsystemcapableofhoningarazor’sedgeshouldbeavailableathome.Forfishingtrips,asmallsteelordia-mond-edgesharpenerwilltouchupthebladewhenworkneedstobedone.Suchasharp-eneralsocanbeusedtotouchuphookpointsthatgetdull.
Line Clipper.Anglersalwaysshouldusesometypeofcutterorknifetocutmonofilamentline,nevertheteeth.Afingernailclipperonanelasticcordisahandyitem.
Long-nosed Pliers.Usethesepliersfortakinghooksoutoffishandforstraighteningbenthooks.Pliersshouldbeequippedwithsideedgesforcuttinghooks.
Reel Oil.Acanofoilandasmalltubeofgeargreasewillkeepreelsrunningsmoothlyandmakethemlastyearslonger.
CreelsTrout deteriorate rapidly when left in the water on a stringer. Creels are willow baskets made to hold trout that have been gilled and gutted. Damp moss or grass in the bottom of the creel will keep the trout cool.
fishing 65
.Fishing gear and Craft
ClothingSincefishingisanoutdoorpastime,wearclothingsuitablefortheseasonthatwillprotectyoufromtheelements.
Rain gear.Fishermendiscoverquicklythatrainoftenaccom-paniessomeofthebestfishing.Thebestoutfitsarematchingrainparkasandpantsinearthtones,madeofwaterproofandwindprooffabric.Lightweightraingearcanberolledintoasmallpackageandstowedinthepocketofajacketorpack.Ponchoswilldoagoodjobofsheddingrain,buttheyprovidepoorcoverageonwindydaysandmakecastingdifficult.
66 fishing
Fishing gear and Craft.
fishing Vest.Thishandymany-pocketgarmentisusefulforcarryinghooks,leaders,flies,lures,
bait,andotheritems.Thefishingvesthelpskeepanangler’shandsfree.Whileitisnot
anecessity,itisconvenientfortheanglerwhocanaffordone.Whenshoppingforafishingvest,thinkabouttheweatherconditionsyouwillencounter.Beawareofthebulkyourfilledpocketsmaycreate.Youmightwanttoconsideravestthatcomeswithapersonalflotationdevicebuiltin—
itwillinflateifyoupullacord.
footgear. Sneakersorleatherbootsaresuitablefootwearforboatfishermen,butthewadinganglerneedstopaycarefulattentiontothefeet.Incoldweather,orinicytroutstreamsorsurf,hipboots—orbetteryet,chest-highwaders—helpkeepthelegsdry.Inwarmstreamsduringsummer,itmaybetemptingtowadebarefoot,butwadingwithbarefeetinvitesinjuriesfrombrokenglass,rustynails,orevenaspinyseaurchin.Toavoidfootandleginjuries,wearapairofoldshoesandoldjeans.
fishing 67
.Fishing gear and Craft
Canoes and
kayaks are handy
for getting into
those hard-to-
reach rivers and
lakes that seldom
see many anglers.
fishing CraftAlmostanykindofwatercraftcanbeusedforfishing.Someboatslendthemselvesmorereadilytoanglingthanothers,andsomeboatsaredesignedspecificallyforfishing.
Bass BoatsThesecraftareuniquetoaspecialkindofangling.Theseatsarehightomakecastingeasier.Theyhavealargemotortogetfromonespottoanother,andasmallerelectricmotorthatmaybeusedtoguidetheboatstealthilyalongtheshoreline.
Canoes and KayaksTheseareattheotherendofthewatercraftspectrum—light,portable,lowinprice,andnonmotorized.Theyareexcellentfishingcraft,becausetheymakeitpossibletostalksilentlyandtomaneuverquicklywhenatrophyfishishooked.Remember,however,thatitisunsafetostandandcastincanoesandkayaks.
During any Scouting activity afloat, your group must abide by the BSA’s Safety Afloat procedures. Remember to always wear a personal flotation device whenever you are afloat. Your Scout leader can review the Safety Afloat guidelines with you.
fishing 69
.safety Practices
If the water is
too high or too
fast, go fishing
elsewhere. Try a
lake or a pond.
SafetyPracticesWhenfishing,youmightaddtotheBoyScoutmotto,“BePrepared,”theadvice“BeCareful.”
Trip itineraryAlwaysfishwithatleastoneotherpersonandalwaystellyourparentsorguardianswhereyouaregoingandwhenyouexpecttoreturn.Iffishinginaremotearea,leaveyourtripplanwitharesortownerordockoperator.Ifnothingelse,leaveyourwrit-tenitineraryunderthewindshieldwiperofyourcar.Ifyourunintotrouble,trainedsearcherswillknowwheretolookforyou.
WadingWadingcanbetreacherous,particularlyinthespringwhenwaterishighorlateinthefallwhenwateriscold.Itisbesttostartwadinginshallowwaterbeforeventuringfartherout.Thiswillhelpyougaugewatercurrentanddepth.Itwillalsohelpifyouwadediagonallyratherthanlaunchingintothecurrentstraighton.
Rock-bottomstreamsoftenareslippery.Experiencedanglerstakesmallstepsandwadeslowly,movingonefootaheadandfeelingthebottomwhilesupportingthebodyweightontheotherfoot.Steelcleatsorfeltbootsolessometimeshelp,aswillwalkingaroundslipperyrocksratherthanoverthemwheneverpossible.
Awadingstaff,tiedtoawadingbeltwithathong,canbeahandyaidinfastwater.(Awadingbelthelpskeepwaterfromfloodingyourwaders.)Ifyouloseyourfooting,youmaywanttofloatdownstreamtohelpyouregainyourfootingandbal-anceuntilreachingslowerwater.
70 fishing
safety Practices.
BoatingWeatherisachiefconcernwhenonthewater.Itpaystochecktheforecastbeforeventuringoffshoreandtokeepaneyeoutforgatheringclouds,thesignaltogetbacktoshore—fast.Aresponsibleanglershouldlearnthewaterandcarryanaccuratedepthmaporchart,compass,andothersafetygear.
Aserviceableboatrepairkitisessentialforemergencies.Checkrunninglightstomakesuretheyoperateproperly.LearntheboatinglawsofyourstateandthoseoftheU.S.CoastGuard.Knowbeforeyougo!
Canoe TravelThecanoeisasuperbcraftforfishingbuthasspecialrequire-mentsforuse.Whenfishinginheavywavesorinfastcurrents,itusuallyisbestforthebowanglertodothecastingandforthesternpaddlertokeepthecraftundercontrol.Itmaybedesirabletohaveananchormadeoutofameshbagfilledwithrocks.Instreams,anglerssometimesuseacanoepole,fittedwithpointedsteel“shoes”onthebottom.Thepoleallowsthecrafttobemovedupstreameasilyandalsocanbeusedtosnubupagainstrocksgoingdownstreamtoholdthecanoeinplacewhenfishingaparticularspot.
Always be aware of the tides changing and of rapidly rising water.
Avoid alcohol at
the waterfront.
Despite the fact
that it is illegal for
anyone under 21
to drink alcoholic
beverages, alcohol
is a factor in half
of all drownings
among teenagers
and adults. The
death rate is
especially high
among young men
ages 15 to 24.
fishing 71
.safety Practices
It’s always a good
idea to carry an
extra paddle in
case one breaks
or is lost.
Sometimesitisadvisablenottolandanespeciallybigfishinthecanoe.Instead,takeittotheshoreandbeachit.Oncethebowiseaseduponasandorgravelbar,youcangetoutintheshallowwaterwherethefishgraduallycanbebroughtincloseenoughtonet.Becarefulwhenlandinganyfish,becausespinyfins,sharpteeth,andsharpgillcovers(suchthoseonthewalleye)caninflictnastycutsthatmaygetinfected.Anysuchcutshouldbecleanedandcoveredwithanadhesivestrip.
Wisecanoeanglerskeepallextragearlashedtothethwartsincaseofaspill.Inflatablecamerabagsandfloatablecontainersfortacklemayhelppreventanexpensiveloss.Agoodflashlightorlanternwillhelpyoufinddirectionsinthedarkandisessentialforsignalingoncomingmotorboats.
Inanywatercraft,eithercanoeorboat,youshouldalwayswearaU.S.CoastGuard–approvedpersonalflota-tiondevice(PFD).NewerPFDsarelessbulkythantheyusedtobeanddonotinterferewithcasting.Therearefishingvestswithinflatablepouchesthatdonotlooklikelifejacketsbutservethepurpose.
near-DrowningDrowningisthethirdleadingcauseofaccidentaldeathintheUnitedStates.Youcanpreventanear-drowningsituationbyfollowingafewimportantsafetypractices.
Shouldyourboatcapsize,staywiththeboat.Itwillbeeasierforrescuerstospotsomethingthesizeofaboatthanapersontreadingwater.Inaddition,youmightbeabletoclimbontotheboattoawaitrescue.
BesureyoufollowtheBSA’sSafeSwimDefenseplanonallScoutoutingsthatincludewateractivities(youradultleadercanreviewthiswithyou).SeetheSwimmingmeritbadgepamphletformoreinformationaboutsafeswimmingskills.Informationonhowtorespondtoanear-drowningvictimcanbefoundintheFirst AidandLifesavingmeritbadgepamphlets.
Whenever you are afloat or in the water, remember to practice the buddy system. Doing so will make your out-door adventure safer and more fun.
72 fishing
safety Practices.
first Aid and fishingTypicalfirst-aidconcernswhilefishingarecoveredhere.Formoredetailedinformation,seetheFirst AidmeritbadgepamphletandtheBoy Scout Handbook.
hypothermiaHypothermiaistheloweredinternalbodytemperaturethatoccurswhenthebodylosesheatfasterthanitcanproduceit.Waterorairtemperatureslowerthan70degreesposehypother-miarisks,andrain,movingwater,wind,andwetclothingsub-stantiallyincreasethelossofbodyheat.Anycombinationofcoolweatheranddampclothing,wind,exhaustion,orhungercanleadtohypothermia.Infact,mostcasesofhypothermiaoccurwhentheairtemperatureiswellabovefreezing.
Thebestwaytodealwithhypothermiaisprevention.Dressappropriatelyfortheweather;alwayscarryraingeartokeepyourselfandyourclothingdry.Wearahatandproperfootwear,eatplentyofenergy-boostingfoods,drinkanadequateamountoffluids(hypothermiaincreasestheriskofdehydration),anddonotpushyourselftoadangerouspointoffatigue.SeetheSwimmingandFirst Aidmeritbadgepamphletsformoreinformation.
DehydrationWhenwelosemorewaterthanwetakein,webecomedehy-drated.Symptomsofmilddehydrationincludeincreasedthirst,drylips,anddarkyellowurine.Symptomsofmoderatetoseveredehydrationincludeseverethirst,drymouthwithlittlesaliva,dryskin,weakness,dizziness,confusion,nausea,cramping,lossofappetite,decreasedsweating(evenwithexertion),decreasedurineproduction,anddarkbrownurine.Formilddehydration,drinkaquartortwoofwaterorsportsdrinkovertwotofourhours.Restfor24hoursandcontinuedrinkingfluids.Seeaphysicianformoderatetoseveredehydra-tion,whichrequiresemergencycare;thevictimwillneedintravenousfluids.
heat ReactionsProtectyourselfagainstheatreactionssuchasheatexhaustionandheatstrokebystayingwell-hydrated.Drinkplentyofwater;don’twaituntilyouarethirstytodrinkoritmaybetoolate.
Monitor a
hypothermia
victim closely for
any change in
condition. Do not
rewarm the
person too quickly
(for instance, by
immersing the
person in warm
water); doing so
can be dangerous
to the heart.
fishing 73
.safety Practices
Consult the Boy
Scout Handbook
for advice on what
to include in a
first-aid kit.
Inhotweather,watchforsignsofheatexhaustion(pale,clammyskin;nauseaandfatigue;dizzinessandfainting;headache,musclecramps,weakness)andheatstroke(veryhot,redskinthatcanbeeitherdryordampwithsweat;rapidandquickpulse,noisybreathing;confusionandirritability;unwillingnesstoaccepttreatment;unconsciousness).Ifyouorsomeoneinyourgroupshowssignsofaheatreaction,gettoacool,shadyplace.Havethepersonliedownwiththefeet,head,andshouldersslightlyraised,andremoveexcessclothing.Coolthevictimanywayyoucan(coverthepersonwithcool,wettowels,orspongethepersonwithcoolwater;fantheper-son;placethevictiminastream).Keepaclosewatchoverthevictim.Ifyoudonotseearapidrecovery,seekmedicalatten-tionrightaway.
Minor injuriesItisagoodruleofthumbtokeepafirst-aidkitwithyourfishinggear.Useittotreatminorinjuriessuchascuts,scrapes,andinsectbites.Forinjuriesinwhichtheskinisbroken,washtheareawithsoapandwaterorcleanitwithantiseptictohelppreventinfection.Severewoundsneedimmediatemedicalattention.
SunburnSunburn is a common injury among people who enjoy being outdoors. Most sunburns are first-degree burns, but prolonged exposure to the sun can cause blistering— a second-degree burn.
If you or one of your companions gets sunburned, prevent further injury by getting the person out of the sun and into the shade. If no shade is available, have the person put on a brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt that will afford protection from the sun. Treat painful sunburn with damp cloths. Remedies containing aloe vera might also provide relief.
Sunburn is easy to prevent by applying plenty of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15. Reapply if you are sweating and after you have been in water. A broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants provide even more protection.
74 fishing
safety Practices.
Thebitesorstingsofinsects,spiders,chiggers,andtickscanbeitchyandpainful.Somecancauseinfection.Applyingcalaminelotionmaybringrelief,butthemostimportantthingtorememberistotrynottoscratch.Applyinganicepacktotheseinjuriescanhelpreduceswelling.
Forabeeorwaspsting,scrapeawaythestingerwiththeedgeofaknifeblade.Donottrytosqueezeitout.Thatwillforcemorevenomintotheskinfromthesacattachedtothestinger.Icealsowillhelpeasetheswellingofstings.
Ifatickhasattacheditself,graspitwithtweezersclosetotheskinandgentlypulluntilitcomesloose.Donotsqueeze,twist,orjerkthetick,asthatcouldleaveitsmouthpartsintheskin.Washthewoundwithsoapandwaterandapplyantisep-tic.Afterdealingwithatick,thoroughlywashyourhandsandanyaffectedareatohelppreventLymedisease,abacterialinfectionthatisspreadthroughcontactwithinfectedticks.Ifrednessdevelopsinthebitearea,seeadoctor.
Many spider bites
can be dangerous.
Victims of spider
bites should be
treated by a
doctor as soon
as possible.
Puncture WoundsPuncture wounds can be caused by pins, splinters, nails, or bits of broken glass. The sharp spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins of catfish and some other species also can cause puncture wounds. All can be dangerous, because they allow germs into a wound that is hard to clean.
To treat a puncture wound, encourage the wound to bleed to help flush out dirt or other particles that might have been forced inside. Use tweezers sterilized over a flame or in boiling water to pull out the object that caused the wound. Clean the injury thoroughly with soap and water and rinse well with clear water. Allow the wound to air dry, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Tetanus is a very real danger with puncture wounds, so be sure to see a physician about the possible need for a tetanus booster shot.
fishing 75
.safety Practices
Fishhooks also can cause a nasty puncture wound. Always be aware of the path of your fishing rod and line when you cast to prevent the hook from catching on anything—especially another angler! If a fishhook wound does occur, never try to remove a hook that is lodged in the face or near an eye, artery, or other sensitive area.
If only the point of the hook enters the skin and does not go deep enough to let the barb take hold, you can safely remove the hook by backing it out. If the barb becomes embedded, it’s best to let a physician remove it. If medical help is not available, try this method:
1. Tie a length of strong string to the bend of the hook.
2. Press down on the shank of the hook to free the barb.
3. While maintaining pressure on the shank, pull firmly on the string in the direction in which the hook entered.
If the hook has lodged so that the barb is visible above the skin, try this method:
1. Cut off the barbed end with wire cutters or pliers.
2. Back the shank of the hook out through the entry wound.
After removing the hook, wash the area with soap and water and cover it with a dry adhesive or gauze bandage. Be sure that the injured person consults a physician.
Back out hook if barb has not taken hold.
1
2
3
1
2
76 fishing
Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish.
Cleaning,Filleting,andCookingFishThereareasmanyrecipesforcookingafreshlycaughtfishasthereareanglers.Propercleaningandpreparationofafishbeforecookingwillhelpensuresuccesswithwhatevercookingmethodyouchoose.
Cleaning fishFollowingthesestep-by-stepinstructionsforcleaningafishwillmakethismessytaskmoremanageable.
step 1—Covertheareawithbrownpaperornewspaper.Keepaplasticbaghandyforanywaste.Makesureyouhaveasharpknife.
step 2—Rinsethefishunderclean,coolwater.
step 3—Skinthefish,orremovethescalesusingascaleremoverorsharpknife.(Holdthefishfirmlybytheheadandrunthedulledgeofyourknifefromtailtoheaduntilthefishfeelsslick.)Ifyouskinthefish,itwon’tneedtobescaled.Toskinthefish,cutdownthebacksideandloosentheskinaroundthefins.Removetheskinwithpliers;pulltheskindownfromheadtotailandcutitoffatthetail.
step 4—Startingattheanalopeningnearthetail,cutthroughthebellytothegills.
step 5—Openthebellyandremovetheentrailsandgillsfromthefish.(Don’tburstthestomach.)Scrapeoutthekidneyline(itisreddish-brown)alongtheundersideofthebackbone.
step 6—Ifyouwant,removetheheadbycarefullycuttingdownthroughthebackbone.
step 7—Removethetailandpulloffthedorsalfin(alongthetopofthefish)withaquicktug.
step 8—Rinsethefishwellundercoolrunningwater.
Responsibly
dispose of all
fish entrails,
skeletons, and
other remains.
If you are on a
camping or
hiking trip, follow
Leave No Trace
principles, and
treat this waste
as you would
human waste.
fishing 77
.Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish
filleting fishKeepinmindthatnotallfishshouldbefilleted.Atrout,forinstance,needsonlytobecleaned.Removingthemeatofsomefishfromthebonesandskinmakesiteasiertocookandtoeat.Hereisonewaytodoit.
step 1—Laythefishonitssideandmakeacutjustbehindthegillsdowntothebackbone,butnotthroughit.
step 2—Startatthecutmadeinstep1andrunthepointoftheknifealongsidethebackbone,downtowhereitstartstoclickalongthetopsoftheribs.Cutalongsidetheribs,workingbacktowardthetailuntiltheentiresideofthefishisfreefromtheribsandbackbone,butleaveitattachedtothetail.
step 3—Laythesideflatandhookaforefingerundertheskinnearthetail.Runtheknifeintothemeatnexttotheskinandholdthebladeagainsttheinsideoftheskinatanangleofabout45degrees.Holdingthebladesteady,gentlylifttheforefingerholdingtheskinandpull.Theskinwillslideout,leavingaboneless,skinlessfillet.Repeatontheothersideofthefish,andyouwillhavetwofillets.
Removing Bones from a PikeAllmembersofthepikefamilyareexcellenteating.However,theyallhaverowsofY bonesembeddedinthemeatalongtheback.Gettingthesebonesouttakessomefurtherworkwiththefilletknife.
step 1—Intheillustration,apikefilletiscutintofoursections.ThetailsectionhasnoYbonesandissetaside.ThearrowpointstothetopsoftheYbonesthatcanbefeltbyrunningafingertipalongthefillet.
step 2—Thesideviewintheillustrationshowsacut(dottedline)alongsidetheYbones.Thispieceofbonelessmeatissaved.
step 3—ThesecondcutisjustbehindtheYbones,severingthemfromtherestofthefillet.Thepiecewiththebonesisdiscarded.Allthatremainsisgood,bonelessmeat.
1
2
3
1
2
3
78 fishing
Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish.
Cooking fishTherearedozensofwaystocookfish.Thefollowingrecipescanbepreparedathomeoronthetrail.
fish ChowderTomakefishchowder,beginbycuttingabout2poundsoffilletsintopiecesaninchorsosquare.Brownhalfapoundof
dicedbaconinalargepot,thenaddacoupleofdicedonionsandfourtosixdicedpotatoes.Saltandseasonthefillets,
andlaythefishontopofthemixture.Fillthepotwithwaterjustuptothetopofthefishandbringittoaboil.Place2teaspoonsofpicklingspiceinacheeseclothbag,tieastringaroundit,andhangitinthepot.Allowtheliquidtosimmerforonehour.Thenremovethespicebagandaddaboutaquarter-cupofmargarineorbutterand2cupsofmilk.Stirtomixalltheingredientsandthenserve.
foil-Baked fishPlaceawholefishorlargefilletinsideasheet
ofheavyaluminumfoil.Saltandpepperthefish.Laytwostripsofbaconoverthetopofthefish.Add
asliceoflemon,ifyouwish.Foldthefoillengthwiseintoapouch,thenfoldovertheedges,sealingthem.Takeanothersheetoffoilanddothesame,givingthefishadoublelayer.Bakeinanovenoronhotcoalsfor20to30minutes,dependingonthesizeofthefish.
Get rid of that
fishy smell on your
hands by rubbing
them with half a
lemon and then
washing with
soap and water.
fishing 79
.Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish
fried fishAllowthefilletstodrainonapapertowelorsimilarabsorbentmaterialuntiltheyarefairlydry.Saltthefillets,thenmixapancakebatterorbattermadeofoneeggand1cupofself-risingflour.Addabitofmilktothinthebatter.Donotmakethebattertoothin.Youalsocanbreadthefishbydippingthefilletsinbeateneggsthinnedwithmilkandthenrollingtheminseasonedcrackercrumbsorcornmeal.
Tocookthefish,makesuretheoilinthefryingpanissizzlinghot.Thendipeachfilletinthebatteranddropitintotheoil,beingverycarefulnottosplatterthehotoil.Whenonesideofthefilletisbrown,flipitoverandbrowntheotherside.Removefromtheoilandallowthefishtocoolalittleonapapertowel.Servehot.
Poached fishPoachedfishiseasytocookandeasyonthedigestion.Saltsomefreshfishfilletsandsetthemaside.Thenmeltalittlebutterinafryingpan.Addahalf-inchofmilktothebottomofthepan.Heatthemilkuntilitsteams,butdonotboilit.Addthesaltedfishfillets,coverthepan,andletthefishsimmerfor10minutes.Removeanddrainthefish.Adashofpaprikaisanicefinishingtouch.
The trick to turning out tasty fried fish is to have enough hot cooking oil and some type of batter or breading to seal the meat so that the fish cooks quickly without absorbing the oil.
fishing 81
.Protecting game Fish Resources
ProtectingGameFishResourcesTheUnitedStateshasawell-runandhealthyrecreationalfishery.Combinedwithstatefishinglicenserevenue,morethan$1billionisinvestedeachyeartosupportarecreationalfishingindustrythathasacombinedannualvalueofmorethan$100billion.
Obeying fish and game LawsWithmillionsofanglersfishingthenation’swaterways,itisnecessaryforthetakingoffishtoberegulatedsothatfishpop-ulationsdonotdecline.Stateconservationdepartmentsseeklawsthatwillbalancefishproductionwiththeharvest.Trainedconservationofficerspatrolthewaterwaystoseethatthelawsarefollowed.
Limits. Eachstateputsalimitonthenumberofgamefishofeachspeciesthatmaybetakenbyanangleratonetime.Limitsvaryindirectproportiontotheavailabilityofthefish.Morescarcespecieshaveamuchlowerlimit.Muskellunge,forinstance,inmanystatesarelimitedtooneaday.Panfishes,whichareprolificandnumerous,havemuchhigherlimitsornolimitsatall.Someareasmayhaveregulationsforthecatchandreleaseofsomespecies.Anethicalanglerwilladheretoboththeletterandthespiritofthelaw.
82 fishing
Protecting game Fish Resources.
Methods. Asfishinghasevolvedfrombeingmainlyamethodforgatheringfoodintoasport,rulesofsportsmanshiphavebeenincorporatedintotheregulations.Gamefishmustbetakenonhookandlineandcannotbespearedornettedexceptwithalandingnet.Insomeareas,troutmaybetakenonlyonartificialflies.Wheresalmonandsteelheadtroutmigrateupstreamstospawn,onlysinglehooksmaybeusedonlurestopreventunscrupulousfishermenfromtryingtosnagfishwithtreblehooks.Inmanyareas,onlyonelureorbaitmaybeusedononeline,andonlyonelineisallowedforeachangler.
seasons. Toprotectfishwhilespawning,seasonsaresetsothatgamefishcanlaytheireggswithout
interference.Forspeciessuchasbass,pike,andwalleye,theseasonsopenafterspawning
endsinthespring.Forlaketrout,brooktrout,andotherfall-spawningspecies,theseasonsareclosedinlateautumn,justbeforespawningstarts.Whenfisharespawning,theyareparticularlyvulnera-blebecausetheysavagelystriketoprotecttheireggs.
Failuretoknowandobeythefishandgamelawscanleadtoanarrestandastifffine.Truesportsenthusiasts
neverpoachorconsiderbreakingtherules.ManystateshaveaTIP(TurnIn
Poachers)hotlinetelephonenumberthatcanbecalledtoreportviolations.Peoplewho
breakthefishandgamelawsarestealingfromtheirfellowoutdoorenthusiastsanddemonstrating
alackofconcernforwildlifeandtheenvironment.
information.Mostmarinedocksandshopsthatselltackleandbaitandissuefishinglicensesalsosupplyinformationaboutlocalfishingregulations.Youmightalsocheckwithlocalordis-trictfishandgameofficesortheirWebsites.Beawarethatinsomecasesyoumayneedtoobtainaspeciallicenseinadditiontoabasicfishinglicense.
Many states offer online purchase of fishing licenses and other required permits.
fishing 83
.Protecting game Fish Resources
fish Resource ManagementAllstatesmaintainastaffoftrainedfisheriespersonnelwhoconductresearchontheresourcesanddeterminehowtobestspendthesportsenthusiast’sfishinglicensemoneytogetthebestresults.Todeterminefishpopulations,testnetsaresetandcaptured.Thenfisharetalliedastonumbers,age,andgrowthrates.Wherefishnumbersarelow,eitherthroughheavyfishingorfornaturalreasons,stockingtakesplacewithfry,fingerlings,andyearlingfishfromstateorfederalhatcheries.
However,itwasdiscoveredthatmerelyaddingfishtomanylakesandstreamsdidnotimprovethefishing,thusresearchhasbecomeanimportanttool.Thenation’sfishingtacklemanufacturersandsportspeople,actingtogether,gottheU.S.Congresstopassataxonallfishingtacklemadeandsoldinthecountry.NamedforitssponsorsinCongress,theDingall-JohnsonSportFishRestorationtaxmoneygenerateshundredsofmillionsofdollarseachyearandisapportionedamongthestatesforscientificstudiesandotherrelatedfishing-managementpractices.
Skilledaquaticbiologistsusechemistry,electronics,andotheraidstodeterminewhichspeciesoffisheachlakeandstreamcanbestsupport.Asthesportoffishinggrows,ourabilitytoprovideadequatepopulationswilldependmoreandmoreonresearchstudiesandprogramsprovidedbyskilledtechnicians.
84 fishing
Protecting game Fish Resources.
The future of sportfishingAllanglerssoonerorlaterdiscoverthatitisnotenoughtoenjoythesportoffishingandthetastyfishdinnersthatgowithit.Allfishermenfindthattheyhavearesponsibilitytotheirsportandtotheenvironmentinwhichthefishlive.Inourmodern,complexsociety,humanshavelife-and-deathcontroloverthewaters.Howwetreatthosewatersandtheirresourcesdeter-minestheabundanceofgamefishandthefutureofthesport.
Entireriversandlakeshavebeenemptiedofpreferredgamefishbecauseofhuman-causedpollutionorconstructionofsmall-andlarge-scaledams.Likewise,therehavebeenmanyinstancesofriversandlakesreclaimedbecauseanglersandotheroutdoorenthusiastsbandedtogetheranddemandedit.BoyScoutshavebeenactiveincleaninguptrashfromriversandinassistingstatefisheriespersonnelintherehabilitationofstreamsforgamefishspecies.BecauseScoutingisbasedonoutdoorexperiences,Scoutshavealwayshadahighregardformaintainingaqualityenvironment.
Aslongasweasanationtakecareofourwaterresources,wewillalwayshavegamefishforsportandforthetable.Inarealsense,whenweprotectthewaterwayswealsoareprotectingourownfuture.Ourfateandthefateoffishareinseparable—butonlyweareabletodosomethingaboutit.
fishing 85
.Protecting game Fish Resources
Outdoor CodeThe BSA’s Outdoor Code helps stimulate awareness by Scouts of the need for every user of the outdoors to be a responsible patron of outdoor resources.
As an American, i will do my best to—Be Clean in my Outdoor Manners.I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.
Be Careful With fire.I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only when and where they are permitted and appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out. I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.
Be Considerate in the Outdoors.I will treat public and private property with respect. I will follow the principles of Leave No Trace for all outdoor activities.
Be Conservation-Minded.I will learn how to prac-tice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.
86 fishing
Protecting game Fish Resources.
Leave no TraceToensureahealthyfutureforourselvesandourenvironment,wemustdomorethansimplypickuplitter.Wemustlearnhowtomaintaintheintegrityandcharacteroftheoutdoors.LeaveNoTraceisasetofrulesbutitisalsoanawarenessandanattitude.AlongwiththeOutdoorCode,thesevenLeaveNoTraceprinciplesofferguidelinestofollowatalltimes.Theseguidelinesapplytofishingaswellashiking,camping,oranyotheroutdooractivity.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.Properplanningandpreparationforafishingtriphelpsensureasafeandenjoyableexperi-encewhileminimizingdamagetonaturalandculturalresources.Anglerswhoplanaheadcanavoidunexpectedsituationsandminimizetheirimpactbycomplyingwithareagameandfishlaws,suchassizeandcatchlimits,tackleandbaitregulations,andseasonalrestrictions.Failuretoknowandobeytheselawscanleadtoanarrestandafine.Besuretoobtainafishinglicenseifnecessaryandanyotherneededpermitsorpermissionbeforeheadingoutonyourfishingadventure.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable surfaces.Whetheryoufishforafewhoursoranentireday,oryouplantocampandfish,itisimportanttominimizeyourimpactontheland.Damagetolandoccurswhenvisitorstramplevegetationorcommunitiesoforganismsbeyondrecovery.Theresultingbarrenareasdevelopintoundesirabletrails,campsites,andfishingspotsandcausesoiltoerode.Iffishingfromshoreinhigh-useareas,concentrateactivitywherevegetationisalreadyabsent.Minimizeresourcedamagebyusingexistingtrailsandselectingdesignatedorexistingfishingareas.
Obtain information concerning geography, water levels, and weather where you plan to fish so that you are not caught off guard by a storm or rugged terrain. Allow ample time to travel to and from your desired fishing spot, whether on the water or the shore. Take along the proper equipment and tackle for the type of fishing you plan to do. It is also helpful to schedule your outing to avoid times of high use.
If fishing on
the water, be
sure to use the
appropriate boat
launch location.
fishing 87
.Protecting game Fish Resources
Using a float tube
or waders is a
good way to
minimize your
impact. These
devices leave little
or no lasting
impact and allow
you better access
to the fish.
Ifcampingovernight,alwayscampatleast200feetfromshorelines.Keepcampsitessmallbyarrangingtentsincloseproximity.Ifyouarecampingandcookingthatday’scatch,dispersetentsandcookingactivities.Movecampdailytoavoidcreatingpermanent-lookingcampsites.Alwayschoosethemostdurablesurfacesavailable:rock,gravel,sand,compactedsoil,drygrasses,orsnow.
Itisespeciallyimportanttoavoidimpactingstreambanksandlakesides.Theareathatisimmediatelyadjacenttoastreamorriveriscalledtheriparianzone.Thesezonessupplyfood,cover,andwaterforadiversenumberofanimals,bothinandoutofthewater.Theyalsoserveasmigrationroutesandforestconnectorsbetweenhabitatsforavarietyofwildlife,especiallybirds.Inaddition,riparianzonesgenerallycontainmorediversityandaremoreproductiveinplantgrowthandanimalspeciesthanlandfartherawayfromthewater.
These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Leave No Trace techniques for your specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique.
88 fishing
Protecting game Fish Resources.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly. Packitin;packitout.Thissimpleyeteffectivesayingmotivatesoutdoorvisitorstotaketheirtrashhomewiththem.Inspectyourfishingspot,boat,orcampsitefortrashorspilledfoods.Acceptthechallengeofpackingoutalltrash,leftoverfoodorbait,andusedorbrokenfishingline.Usedesignatedfishcleaningareasor
checkwiththelocalgameandfishofficialsifyouwillbefishinginamoreremotearea.
Youmustproperlydisposeofanyfishentrailsorbodilywasteinsolidwastefacilitiesorbyburyingtheminacathole.Acatholeshouldbedug6to8inchesdeepinhumussoilandshouldbeatleast200feetfromwater,trails,andcampsites.
Ifcookinginthebackcountry,strainfoodparticlesfromthedishwateranddispersethewastewateratleast
200feetfromsprings,streams,andlakes.Packoutthestrainedfoodparticles.Usebiodegradablesoap200feetormorefromanywatersource.
Remember that
you should never
release live bait
or bait water
into a lake or
stream. You might
unknowingly
introduce
nonnative species
or disease.
Never leave used fishing line to decompose. Monofilament line can persist in the environment for many years, so make every effort to retrieve broken line and snagged hooks. Dispose of used or broken line responsibly by packing it out with the rest of your trash.
fishing 89
.Protecting game Fish Resources
4. Leave What You find. Allowothersasenseofdiscovery,andpreservethepast.Leaverocks,plants,animals,archaeologicalartifacts,andotherobjectsasyoufindthem.Examinebutdonottouchculturalorhistoricalstructuresandartifactsthatyoumaystumbleacross.Itmaybeillegaltoremoveartifacts.
Goodfishingspotsarefound,notmade.Avoidalteringasite,diggingtrenches,orbuildingstructures.Neverhammernailsintotrees,hackattreeswithhatchetsorsaws,ordamagebarkandrootsbytyinghorsestotreesforextendedperiods.Replacesurfacerocksortwigsthathavebeenclearedfromthefishingspotorcampsite.Onhigh-impactsites,cleantheareaanddismantleinappropriateuser-builtfacilitiessuchaslogseatsortablesandmultiplefirerings.
Never transfer
fish from one
watershed to
another. This can
cause the spread
of disease and
invasive species.
90 fishing
Protecting game Fish Resources.
5. Minimize Campfire impacts. Ifyouplantocookwhatyoucatchwhileonafishingtrip,considerthepotentialforresourcedamage.Somepeoplewouldnotthinkofcookingorcampingintheoutdoorswithoutacampfire.Yetthenaturalnessofmanyareashasbeendegradedbyoveruseoffiresandincreasingdemandforfirewood.Alow-impactalternativeistousealightweightcampstove.Stovesarefast,eliminatetheneedforfirewood,andmakecleanupaftermealseasier.
If you build a fire, keep it small. Whenever possible, use an existing fire ring and dead and downed wood that can be broken easily by hand. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce, and when possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is cold out.
Practice
catch-and-release
fishing to help
ensure quality
fishing for future
anglers. The motto,
“Limit your kill;
don’t kill your
limit” should be
part of every
Leave No
Trace experience.
fishing 91
.Protecting game Fish Resources
6. Respect Wildlife. Helpkeepwildlifewild.Whilefishing,chancesareyouwillencounterotherwildlifeaswell,ontheshoreorinthewater.Avoiddisturbinganimalsbyobservingthemfromafarandgivingthemawideberth.Youaretoocloseifananimalaltersitsnormalactivities.Neverfeedwildlife(exceptthefishyou’retryingtocatch,ofcourse!).
Storefoodandgarbagesecurelytoavoidattractingwildlife.Berespectfulofanycatch-and-releaseareas,andreturnunharmedtothewateranyfishthatyoudonotplantoeatorthatexceedthedesignatedlimit.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Thoughtfulanglersrespectothervisitorsandprotectthequalityoftheirexperience.Thefollowingareafewtenetsofoutdoorethics:
• Travelinsmallgroups.Ifcamping,dosoingroupsnolargerthanthatprescribedbythelandmanagers.
• Letnature’ssoundsprevail.Keepthenoisedownandleaveradios,musicplayers,andpetsathome.Fishcanbespookedbysuchinterruptions.Inbearcountry,however,beingabittalkativeonthetrailmighthelppreventasurpriseencounterwithabear.
• Selectfishingspotsandcampsitesawayfromothergroupstohelppreservetheirsolitudeandtheirchancesofcatchingfish.
• Alwaystravelquietlytoavoiddisturbingothervisitors.Iffishingfromawatercraft,takecarenottodisturbotheranglers’effortsonthewater.
• Respectprivatepropertyandleavegates(openorclosed)asfound.
TheLeaveNoTraceprinciplesmightseemunimportantuntilyouconsiderthecombinedeffectsofmillionsofoutdoorvisitors.Witha750percentincreaseintheuseofdesignatedwildernessareasoverthelast30years,leavingnotraceiseveryone’sresponsibility.Usejudgmentandexperiencetotailoroutdooractivitiestotheenvironment.Forest,mountain,seashore,plains,freshwater,andwetlandenvironmentsallrequiredifferentminimum-impactpractices.Whetheroutdoorsforsportorleisure,youarenature’sguest;remembertoactaccordinglywhilethere.
92 fishing
glossary.
Glossaryauger.Atoolusedinicefishingtoboreholesintheice.balance.Thestateinwhichtherod,reel,andlinearecorrectlymatchedtohandleagiven-weightlureorbait.Balanceallowsananglertodeliverthelureorbaitwithaccuracywithinanydesireddistance.
bass bug.Atypeofbassluremadetoresemblebugs,frogs,mice,oranythingelseediblethatmightfallintothewater.Itistiedwithcorkorhairbodiessothattheywillfloateasily.bobber. Knownformallyasafloat,abobberusuallyismadeofplastic.Itisclippedtothelineandholdsthehookandbaitatapredetermineddepth;itbobs,ormoves,whenafishbites.boil. Aneruptiononthewater’ssurfacecausedbyminnowsskippingfromthewaterinanattempttoescapefishbelowonthefeed.Boilsareasignalofthepresenceofgamefish.
creel. Acanvasbagorwillowbasketmadetoholdtroutthathavebeengilledandgutted.downrigger.Awirelinewithheavyleadweightsusedtogetluresdeepwhentrollingforlaketroutandsalmon.fishhook.Abarbedorbarblesssteelwirehookusedtocatchfish.fly.Atypeofluremadeofhair,feathers,wool,chenille,orothermaterialsandheldtogetherwiththreadandglue.Aflyishand-tiedtorepresentinsects,baitfish,orothernaturalfooditems.fly-fishing.Amethodoffishinginwhichanartificialflyandalongflexiblerod,reel,andlineareused.jig.Ahookwithaweightmoldedintothehead.Alsocalledaleadhead.landing net.Anetusedtoland,orbringin,afish;ithelpsensurethatthefishwillnotslipandgetloose.level fly line. Inexpensiveflylinethatmaybeusedfortrolling.Generallynotrecommendedforflycasters.
Creel
Bobber
Landing net
fishing 93
.glossary
lure. Artificialbaitusedforcatchingfish.plug.Atypeofartificiallurethatusuallyresemblesaminnoworfrogandismadeofplastic.Itisavailableinthreedifferentstyles:floating-diving,deep-running,andsurface.poach.Tokillortakegameorfishillegally.rig.Theterminaltackleusedforlivebaitfishing.sinker. Aweightusedtosinkthebaitdowntothefish.Therearevarioustypesdesignedfordifferenttypesoffishing.Sinkersaretypicallymadeofleadbutenvironmentallyfriendlyversionsaremadeofalternativematerialssuchasrock,ceramics,iron,steel,andbismuth.spinners.Atypeofthin,metallurethathasaholedrilledinoneendandismountedonastripofwire.Itisusuallyriggedupwithhairflies,featherstreamers,orlivebait.spinning. Aformofcastingthatusesafixed-spoolreelandaspring-operatedpickuparm;thelineiscontrolledwiththeindexfingerofthecastinghand.Longcastscanbemadeeffortlesslybecausethereisnomovablespool.Alsocalledspin-casting.spoon. Ashinymetallurethatimitatesminnowsbycreatingwobblingactionsinthewater;itisshapedlikethelowerpartofateaspoon.stringer.Astring,wire,orchain(oftenwithsnaps)usedtostringfishonthesideofaboatandkeepthemaliveinthewater.swivel. Adevicethatconnectstoahook,lure,orleaderandallowsthebaittorevolvewithouttwistingtheline.tackle.Ageneraltermforfishingequipmentsuchastherod,reel,line,lures,etc.tackle box.Acarryingcaseforlines,leaders,hooks,lures,reels,andotherpiecesoffishingequipment.tapered fly line.Usedforfly-fishing,thistypeoflineisthickerinthemiddleandtaperedontheends.Thetapereddiameteraidsincastinglightfliesandhavingthemlandlightlyonthewater.weight-forward fly line.Usedforfly-fishing,thistypeoflineisheaviestneartheterminalend,justbeforetheleader.Itgivesaddedweighttocastlargestreamerfliesorcork-bodiedbassbugs.Y bones.Thebonesthatlieembeddedinthemeatalongapike’sspine;theyareshapedliketheletterY.
stringer
spinners
Tackle box
Lure
94 fishing
Fishing Resources.
scouting LiteratureBoy Scout Handbook, Conservation Handbook, and Fieldbook; Camping, Cooking, Environmental Science, First Aid, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fly-Fishing, Lifesaving, Soil and Water Conservation, andSwimmingmeritbadgepamphlets
Visit the Boy Scouts of America’s official retail Web site (with your parent’s permission) at http://www.scoutstuff.org for a complete listing of all merit badge pamphlets and other helpful Scouting materials and supplies.
BooksBaron,FrankP.What Fish Don’t Want
You to Know: An Insider’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing. RaggedMountainPress,2004.
Bashline,Sylvia.The New Cleaning & Cooking Fish: The Complete Guide to Preparing Delicious Freshwater Fish.CreativePublishingInternational,1999.
Circle,Homer.Bass Wisdom. TheLyonsPress,2000.
Earnhardt,Tom.Boats for Fishermen. TheLyonsPress,2001.
Kaminsky,Peter.Fishing for Dummies. IDGBooksWorldwide,1997.
Maas,Dave.Kids Gone Fishin’. CreativePublishingInternational,2001.
NationalAudubonSociety.National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fishes.Knopf,2002.
Pfeiffer,C.Boyd.The Complete Book of Tackle Making. TheLyonsPress,1999.
Rosko,Milt.The Complete Book of Saltwater Fishing. KrausePublications,2001.
Schultz,Ken. Ken Schultz’s Fishing Encyclopedia: Worldwide Angling Guide. IDGBooksWorldwide,2000.
Sousa,RobertJ.Learn to Fly Fish in 24 Hours. RaggedMountainPress,2006.
Vick,Noel.Fishing on Ice. HumanKineticsPublishers,1999.
Wilson,Geoff.GeoffWilson’s Complete Book of Fishing Knots and Rigs.AustralianFishingNetwork,2006.
DVDJoan Wulff’s Dynamics of Fly Casting.
MiracleProductions,2001.
FishingResources
fishing 95
.Fishing Resources
PeriodicalsField and Stream and Outdoor Life magazinesTelephone:800-289-0639(Field and Stream);800-365-1580(Outdoor Life)Website:http://fieldandstream.comorhttp://outdoorlife.com
Organizations and Web sitesAmerican sportfishing Association and future fisherman foundation225ReinekersLane,Suite420Alexandria,VA22314Telephone:703-519-9691Websites:http://www.asafishing.org and http://www.futurefisherman.org
The Catch and Release foundation19ParmaleeRoadNewtown,CT06740Toll-freetelephone:800-63-CATCHWebsite:http://www.catchandreleasefound.org
Catskill fly fishing Center and MuseumP.O.Box1295LivingstonManor,NY12758Telephone:845-439-4810Website: http://www.cffcm.net
federation of fly fishersP.O.Box1688Livingston,MT59047Telephone:406-222-9369Website: http://www.fedflyfishers.org
izaak Walton League of America707ConservationLaneGaithersburg,MD20878Telephone:301-548-0150Website:http://www.iwla.org
national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries1315EastWestHighwaySilverSpring,MD20910Telephone:301-713-2334Website:http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov
national Park service1849CSt.,NWWashington,DC20240Telephone:202-208-6843Website:http://nps.gov
Trout Unlimited1300N.17thSt.,Suite500Arlington,VA22209-2404Telephone:703-522-0200Website:http://www.tu.org
U.s. fish and Wildlife serviceMainInterior1849CSt.,NWWashington,DC20240-0001Website:http://www.fws.gov
The Federation of Fly Fishers, International Game Fish Association, and Trout Unlimited have each signed a memorandum of mutual support with the Boy Scouts of America that emphasizes an ongoing relationship to promote mutually beneficial programs for recreational fishing.
96 fishing
Fishing Resources.
AcknowledgmentsTheBoyScoutsofAmericathanksDouglasPrecourt;RobertJ.Sousa,Ph.D.,U.S.FishandWildlifeService(retired);andBenJelsema,volunteerScouter,forpreparingthisrevisedversionoftheFishing meritbadgepamphlet.Whileallthreeareavidanglers,SousaandJelsemahaveputincountlesshoursoverthepastseveralyearsascoordinatorsofthefishingexhibitsatthelastthreenationalScoutjamborees.ThanksalsotoHowardKern,MasterLeaveNoTraceTrainer,forhisvaluableassistance.
WearegratefultoHowardE.Evans,Ph.D.,andEdwardBrothersofIthaca,N.Y.,fortheirexpertiseandinvaluableinput,andtoBobCary,whowroteandillustratedthepreviouseditionofthepamphlet,uponwhichthiseditionwasbased.Severalofhisillustrationsremaininthisedition.ThanksalsotoTroutUnlimitedforitssupport.
Photo and illustration Credits
BrandXPictures,BugsandInsectsCD—page74(top)
HAAPMediaLtd.,courtesy—cover (background)
Jupiterimages.com—page11
Photos.com—cover (bobber); pages2–5 (all), 8–9 (both),12(top),13(both),14(left),16(both),17 (top),18,22,23 (bottom two),25 (top), 26 (top), 28 (top),31(bottom),32 (top),36,44,51(top), 62,66 (top), 71 (top),72,78(both), 79(right), 80–82(all), 84–85(all),87,89(both), and92(center)
USDAAgriculturalResourceService/ScottBauer,Bugwood.org,courtesy—page74(bottom two)
U.S.FishandWildlifeService,courtesy—cover(fish, bottom left);pages15,21 (both),and83
U.S.FishandWildlifeService/DuaneRaver—pages23 (top),24 (all), 25(bottom),26 (bottom),27 (bottom), 28(bottom),31 (top two),and35(all)
U.S.FishandWildlifeService/TimothyKnepps,courtesy—cover(fish, bottom left);page30(both)
Wikipedia.org,courtesy—page27 (top)
Wikipedia.org/GunterKüchler,courtesy—page29(bottom)
AllotherphotosandillustrationsnotmentionedabovearethepropertyoforareprotectedbytheBoyScoutsofAmerica.
DanBryant—cover(stringer, landing net, pencil bobber, floating dive plug, spoon, three-way swivel, tackle box, jig); pages43(bottom), 50 (all), 51 (bottom three),52(all), 55–58(all), 59(top three),63–64(all), 88 (top),92(top, bottom),and93(all)
JohnMcDearmon—allillustrationsonpages10 (both),39–43,45–49,60(surf rig, fish-finder rig), 61(all),75 (all), and77(all)
BrianPayne—pages17 (left),20,32(bottom),34,38,65,66(bottom), and70
RandyPiland—pages79 (top) and88 (bottom)
JulieZickefoose—illustrationsonpages11–12 (both), 14,and19
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