Fishing Tips for Beginners From Experienced Anglers
Fishing in a competition like the Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby often sees absolute novices snagging big prizes—usually with a bit of luck. However, these beginners often benefit from having a knowledgeable charter captain or an experienced angler guiding them. These seasoned fishermen can share valuable insights that help newcomers land impressive catches on Lake Ontario.
One essential tip from professional anglers is to familiarize yourself with the local waters. Understanding the specific fishing conditions, including water temperature, depth, and current, can significantly enhance your success rate. Additionally, learn about the types of fish you’re targeting and their feeding habits; this knowledge can influence your bait selection and fishing techniques.
Another crucial piece of advice is to practice your casting and retrieval techniques. Effective casting is key to reaching those prime fishing spots, and a smooth retrieval will help mimic the natural movement of bait. Spend time honing these skills before hitting the water to increase your chances of a successful outing.
Beginners Fishing Tips
I wish I could say there was a secret lure or special presentation to tell you exactly how to catch a big fish, but there isn’t,” insists Capt. Matt Yablonsky of Youngstown, a skilled fisherman and operator of Wet Net Charters on the Niagara River and the Niagara Bar. Here are some of the most important lessons he has learned for consistently catching large fish:
The Details Matter for Successful Fishing
Follow The Fish
Who hasn’t heard the old fishing tip, “never leave fish to find fish”? Capt. Matt Yablonsky turns this advice around, saying, “Once you find the fish, don’t leave them!” He emphasizes the importance of observing water currents, surface temperatures, wind direction, and the speed of your lure. By identifying a pattern, you can consistently locate the same school of fish throughout the day and on subsequent trips. This approach is particularly crucial during spring and early summer when fish tend to school tightly and pockets of warm water are limited.
Keep Quality Tackle In Your Box
To reach the water, you often need a substantial investment in equipment: a boat, motor, trailer, electronics, downriggers, and a truck to tow everything. This initial setup can already cost a significant amount. Capt. Matt Yablonsky advises against cutting corners when it comes to purchasing fishing tackle. He points out that the least expensive items, such as hooks, line, and swivels, are often the most critical. These components are the ones most likely to fail when a fish strikes, so it’s essential to invest in quality. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Hard Work and Persistence
Once you have the right gear—whether it’s a spinning reel, fishing pole, lures, soft baits, terminal tackle, or live bait—and have located the fish, it’s crucial to focus on the details of angling.
Start your search early for that trophy salmon or trout. Don’t miss the morning bite, and be sure to pack an extra sandwich (and perhaps some rain gear!) to avoid missing the early afternoon bite. This is where the law of averages comes into play: the more fish you catch, the greater your chances of landing the big one while lake fishing.
“Put your time in and get the net wet,” emphasizes Capt. Matt Yablonsky, a multiple Grand Prize winner in the LOC Derbies with both salmon and lake trout. For him, it’s a numbers game, especially when it comes to lake trout. “During the spring derby, I’ll catch over 500 lake trout in 10 days. Out of those, we typically land three to five fish over 20 pounds on average—that’s less than one percent.”
To check LOC Derby dates for this year, and for details on weigh stations and registration outlets visit: www.loc.org.
Fish Doctor Offers Big Fishing Tips for Beginners
At the extreme eastern end of Lake Ontario, one of the most consistent performers in competition fishing is Capt. Ernie Lantiegne of Oswego, operator of Fish Doctor Charters (www.fishdoctorcharters.com; 315-963-8403). Erinie offers beginner fishing tips for curious anglers of all experience levels.
Some might say he has an inside track on salmon and trout fishing tips, having served as a Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries biologist for 22 years. Capt. Matt Yablonsky spends a tremendous amount of time on the water, and some even claim he thinks like a fish. He is, in essence, a “doctor of fish.”
Preparation Makes You A Better Fisher
Fishing Gear for Lake Fishing Big Kings
Just a Few Copper Lines to Catch Fish
With the rising popularity of copper lines in recent years, they provide an effective way to extend your bait offering away from the boat. “Copper lines run from a planer board or down the chute consistently catch my biggest kings every year,” says Lantiegne. He has also observed that running fewer lines in the water can increase the chances of landing bigger fish over time.
No Flopping Fish
When you finally land that big fish, handle it with care. Avoid actions that could cause it to lose weight, such as bleeding from the gills. Keep the fish wet and get it to the scales as quickly as possible. Additionally, wait for the weigh master to be ready before placing the fish on the scale—every ounce counts and can determine whether you end up with a grand prize or a divisional win.
Go All In
You have to be in it to win it. Every year, there are heart-wrenching stories of derby-winning fish that never made it to the scales because someone believed they couldn’t compete against seasoned anglers or didn’t want to invest the money. If there’s a derby happening, take the time to enter—follow these expert fishing tips, and you could cash in!
Keep these tips in mind as you head out on the water. For most anglers, catching fish isn’t just about luck; it’s about following proven methods and tracking what works and what doesn’t on each trip. By applying these fishing tips for beginners, you’ll be well on your way to landing fish in just a few casts, demonstrating that you know how to catch the big ones!
Original Article By Bill Hilts Jr.
About The Author
Bill Hilts, Jr. has been Niagara County’s Sportfishing Promotion Person and Outdoor Sports Specialist for Niagara County Tourism and Convention Corporation. He has also been the president of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council.
