Almost every angler that I've ever come across is interested in catching more fish. There are a few simple techniques that can be employed that will enable every able-bodied angler to catch more fish. Remember: fishing isn't rocket science; it's just trying to catch a fish! Before I get into the specific things that can be done to help you catch more fish, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that there is nothing that will help you catch more fish like practice will. The more time you can spend honing your craft, the more fish you will catch, there's no question about that. With that being said, the points mentioned below will help you catch more fish as well.

Pay Attention To Your Hands - Many anglers don't realize this little tidbit, but it's nonetheless true. The scents from your hands transfer to whatever baits you happen to be using, and fish can smell it. If they smell foreign substances such as tobacco or gasoline, fish are less likely to bite. This is especially true when fishing with live bait. You want a worm to smell like a worm and a minnow to smell like a minnow, it's as simple as that. Something I do before baiting up is to grab a handful of grass or dirt and rub it into my hands for 30 seconds or so. This helps eliminate any unnatural odors that may be on your hands.

Use The Proper Sized Fishing Line - I'm referring mainly to monofilament fishing line here, because that's my area of expertise. When it comes to monofilament fishing line 6 pound test means that at its weakest point the line can withstand 6 pounds of pressure! And this obviously doesn't take into account the drag and rod, which both help to take pressure off of the line. In most fishing situations, not involving trolling, downriggers, or exceptionally large fish, 8 pound test is plenty large enough. I personally land trout and small mouth bass in the five to six range, on 4 pound test monofilament all the time! Use fishing line that matches the fish your fishing for and you will catch more fish.

Present Live Bait Naturally - When live bait is employed, it need to be presented as naturally as possible. For example, your bait needs to look as much like, as it would appear in nature as is possible. I see this mistake all the time with live worm fishing. Many anglers create a "worm ball" by hooking a worm over and over again onto a hook that's much too large. This costs them bites! When fishing with live worms a set of gang hooks should be used. A set of gang hooks enables the angler to present a live worm outstretched and naturally. As a matter of fact when size 10 gang hooks are used, the hooks are barely visible to the naked eye! Present live bait naturally and you will catch more fish.

Begin employing these simple tips and you will begin catching more fish, there's no doubt about it. Using these simple techniques will help you get more bites, which will result in you catching more fish. Couple these simple techniques with practice and you'll be an expert angler before you know it. Remember what Steven Wright said of us anglers, "There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore looking like an idiot." I'm afraid no truer words have ever been spoken.

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