Here are some of the dos and don’ts of fishing
Fish do swim — where they were yesterday may not be where they are today
Some Fishing DOS and DON’TS
DO have a fishing licence. Anyone over 18 or younger than 65 MUST have a licence (with them) to fish.
DO practice catch and release whenever possible.
DO be aware of the size and amount limits of the fish species in your area.
DO dress in layers when on the water. You can’t put on what you don’t have.
DON’T use game fish as bait – it’s against the law.
DO bring a spare rod in the boat. There is nothing worse than having your only rod break when you’re in the middle of the lake.
DO bring plenty of water, hat and sunglasses in the boat.
DO be aware that the days are starting to get shorter and night’s cooler now.
DON’T fish from a boat under a bridge or tie off to a marker buoy. It’s against the law to impede navigation.
DO be a responsible angler and DON’T leave your garbage on shore or in the water.
DO take children fishing but remember, especially in a small boat, they have a limited attention span.
DO be aware of the mandatory safety gear you are required to carry in your boat. There are substantial penalties.
DON’T be an irresponsible angler by fishing right on top of someone else’s boat or space.
DO have your camera ready if you’re practising catch and release so you’re not fumbling around for it while the fish is suffocating on the bottom of the boat.
DO freeze your plastic bottled water on hot days for a little longer lasting cooling.
DO bring measuring tape fishing. Many fish species have length restrictions.
DON’T use just any minnows for fishing, many are prohibited. It’s best to buy from a licenced bait shop.
DO remember; fish swim, where they were yesterday may not be where they are today.
DON’T stay in the same spot all day if the fish aren’t biting; move around – the fish do.
DO remember; fish have been eating other fish (minnows), worms and bugs for hundreds of thousands of years. So, they’re a good start for bait.
DO set your reel drag correctly. Incorrect drag setting, along with faulty line is a major cause of lost fish.
DON’T handle your catch excessively; you can damage the fish’s protective slime coating.
DO remember as a general rule
of thumb; in the spring and fall, fish are usually in the shallower water. In the middle of summer, they usually move to the deeper, cooler water.
DON’T fish in brown, decaying weeds – they emit carbon dioxide. Look for green oxygen emitting weeds.
DON’T be afraid to use all different kinds of lures but for best results; the line has to match the rod and reel and the rod and reel
has to match the lure and, keep your terminal tackle to a minimum (except for Muskie).
DON’T rely too heavily on your fish finder to find fish. Use it more as a guide to the different depths and structures in the lake.
Happy fishing!