Choosing the right type of fish for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
If you need to catch fish, don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it sounds. There are simple ways of catching fresh fish and it tastes better that way too!
The easiest way to load up on freshwater fish is by using worm bait.
Spending an hour flipping logs or digging up the compost pile will provide you with enough worms to last a whole week. Get a small fishing pole with a line rated 4-8 lbs. and size 8 eagle claw baitholder hooks. You can skip bobbers, it is not necessary for the beginners.
First tie a clinch-type knot to the end of your line, thread half of a worm (for bass or trout) or a piece of a worm (for panfish) onto your hook. Cast that on in so it sinks and watch your line carefully.
When the line is tight, suddenly jerk the rod backward or to one side in order to set the hook. This can be done by quickly jerking it back and then letting it go, but moving quickly is key. You should target a smaller fish during these events because they’re easier to reel in and less work than larger ones.
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Panfish
These fish are usually the easiest ones to find in a pond and can make for some pretty good table eats if you’re into that sort of thing – find them by the banks of a pond, near docks and also under fallen trees. You should also be on the lookout for circular depressions in the sand – these can be their bed, which is also where they like to spawn.
Cleaning panfish to prepare for dinner can be done by using a knife or scalar to remove scales, slicing a small filet off while running a knife down the back and side of the fish.
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Trout
Trout is a kind of fish that usually lives in streams or large ponds and lakes. They’re related to salmon, but they usually come in smaller sizes. They’re great to eat, and it’s easy to find stocked trout water.
Trout usually swim behind rocks in a river to get out of the strong current of the water. Fish or worms floating by will attract their attention, so that is what your bait should look like. Let out a bit of line and see if you notice any bumps or an increase in speed. If you do, set yourself up with properly placed masking tape and continue fishing!
Trout can be fileted, or also gutted and cooked whole. Using a small knife, cut the anus to the belly of the fish, only using the tip of the knife so as not to go through its guts. Run it all the way up to its gills.
Reach into the cavity, and rip out the inside – being careful to watch out for hooks they may have swallowed. Break the membrane running the length of the spine and clean out that area. Once all of the stomach content has been removed, wash it.
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Walleye
Walleye are a little harder to catch, but they have the tastiest meat and are my personal favorite freshwater fish. They’re not as easy to find as the other two fish mentioned, but if you’re willing to put in some extra work for an excellent dish, they’ll be worth it.
If you want to catch a walleye, it’s best to look for them early in the morning or at night. You’ll need to use a jig instead of a bait holder if you’re fishing in deep water. Walleyes don’t much like the sun, so they come out earlier rather than later as it gets closer to sunset.
Fish is a healthy food that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
It also has a lower fat content than many other meats. You can even find some varieties of fish that are considered heart-healthy because they contain little or no cholesterol. However, it is important to make sure that the fish you are eating is safe so that you can avoid getting sick from eating contaminated seafood.
Author Bio:
Hi, I’m Rana and I blog at ranasrecipe.com. My passion for food began very early in my life. And after managing a cafe, a granola business and helping other food businesses scale up, I found my true calling in creating wonderful recipes so that everyone can enjoy cooking as much as I do! Don’t forget to follow me on my social channels- instagram and pinterest.
