The Best Ways to Set Up Fishing Poles for Lake Fishing

When lake fishing, your technique may depend on the type of fish you are going after, weather conditions or simply what makes you the most comfortable. In the end, there is no right or wrong way to set up your fishing pole. It's all about feeling comfortable and relaxed so you can have an enjoyable and productive day on the lake.

  1. Still Fishing

    • When still fishing, select a spot where you think you will be able to find fish and anchor your boat. Then rig up your tackle and make sure you include a float or a bobber on your line. Cork, balsa wood and plastic bobbers are usually quite effective. Flip your line out and wait. Many lake fish will hit your line hard, so be ready to battle when the fish goes after the bait.

    Trolling

    • When you are trolling, you are fishing from a slow-moving boat. Standing near the rear of the boat, you will hold your rod at a 45-degree angle while your fishing partner rows the boat. If you are alone in the boat, set your rod in a secure area and row slowly. If you see the rod bend, stop rowing and pick up your rod and set the hook. This is a subtle maneuver. Do not jerk your rod hard because you may have hit an underwater obstruction like a log.

    Bait Casting

    • This maneuver requires you to constantly cast your line out, retrieve it and begin the process over again. You will have a lure on the end of the line that the fish will find attractive and go after it while it is in motion. You can alter your casting technique while you are fishing. You may cast longer or shorter or faster and slower as your fishing day progresses.

    Skittering

    • If you don't have a lot of expensive fishing equipment and you are using a piece of bamboo and a fishing line with a hook and live bait, try skittering your line across the surface of the water. The fish will be attracted to the moving bait and hook itself when it bites. Flip your line to the spot where you think you will be successful and skim the line at a medium pace.