How to Behave at a Fishing Spot When Spinning Fishing?

Behavior Towards Fish

Respect for fish is a key element of angling ethics. Anglers should always strive to minimize stress and damage to the caught fish. Here are some basic rules.

Catch and Release

More and more anglers are adopting the practice of “catch and release,” which helps protect fish populations and ensures their long-term presence in fishing spots. To properly release a fish, you should:

• Avoid excessive handling and minimize the time the fish is out of the water. Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its delicate slime layer.

• Release the fish gently and use barbless hooks or crush the barbs before fishing. This facilitates quick and safe release.

• Reanimate caught fish: If the fish appears weak, hold it in the water, supporting it by the tail and gently moving it forward to allow water to flow through its gills.

Following Regulations

Adhering to local regulations regarding size, quantity, and fishing seasons is essential. This information is usually available in local fishing regulations or on the websites of relevant organizations.

Fishing Tactics

The effectiveness of spinning fishing largely depends on thoughtful tactics. The right approach to selecting spots, lures, and fishing techniques can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch.

Choosing the Spot

Spinning fishing often requires actively searching for fish:

• Analyze maps and gather information: If you are going to an unfamiliar fishing spot, seek information online and analyze satellite maps. You can observe interesting details such as bridges (view the river on street view), shoreline characteristics, and access to inaccessible places.

• Analyze the fishing spot in the field: Observe the fishing spot for signs of fish activity, such as waves on the water’s surface, jumping fish, or moving schools of small fish.

• Seasonality of the fishing spot: Consider seasonal changes in fish behavior. For example, in spring, fish often gather in shallow, warm waters, while in summer, they may be in deeper, cooler areas.

Choosing Lures

Choosing the right lure is crucial:

• Imitation of natural prey: Choose lures that best imitate the natural prey of fish, such as small fish, insects, or frogs. The color, size, and type of lure should be adapted to the conditions of the fishing spot.

• Changing lures: If fish do not respond to a particular lure, do not hesitate to experiment and change it. Often, small modifications can bring significant results.

Fishing Techniques

The variety of fishing techniques is another important aspect:

• Varying the speed of retrieving the lure: Fish may respond to different retrieval speeds. Sometimes slower, sometimes faster can catch their attention.

• The “stop and go” technique: This involves retrieving the lure with pauses, which can imitate a wounded or fleeing fish, often very effective.

• Combine in your own way: Sometimes the most unobvious solutions bring the best catches. Observe what happens by the water and draw conclusions.

General Behavior Guidelines at the Fishing Spot

In addition to rules regarding fish and fishing tactics, there are some general guidelines to make fishing enjoyable for everyone:

Quiet and Discreet

Noise can scare fish away, so it is advisable to stay quiet:

• Avoid loud conversations: Speak quietly, especially near the water.

• Move gently: Avoid sudden movements and noise when moving around the fishing spot.

Clothing Matters!

Dress to blend in. We are hunters, and a good hunter can approach prey unnoticed even at the closest distance. Pay attention to this, and you will improve your results.

Take Care of the Environment

Take all trash with you and keep the fishing spot clean:

• Take trash with you: Do not leave any waste at the fishing spot. Use trash bins if available, or take the trash with you.

• Pick up others’ trash: If you see trash left by others, collect it and dispose of it properly. Your actions can inspire others to take care of the environment.

• Do not damage nature: In the natural environment, everything has its purpose. Leave it as undisturbed as possible.