Pick your spot wisely
Determining the right fishing spot is the first step to landing the type of catch you want. This will drastically influence how large or small the fish will be in any given area. A general rule to adhere to is that smaller and more shallow bodies of water will yield smaller catches, but this can still be a fun and fruitful experience if you're looking for a relaxed time. A deeper lake or ocean environment will yield some monster catches if you're utilizing the proper equipment to handle larger fish. This can be incredibly exciting if you're in a spot with a lot of little fish to feed the bigger ones which results in an incredible catch!
Choose which fish to catch
The species of fish you decide to go after is an important decision you need to make beforehand because the equipment needs to be adjusted accordingly. Blindly throwing bait in and hoping for the best is not the way to go about things. This will result in disappointment most likely and won't be a targeted approach to finding the right type of fish. Make sure you do adequate research about the particular species you want to target be it largemouth bass or Karp. If your aspirations are to catch a trophy fish then it's best to search in ocean waters for an incredible result. Fishing from a boat will yield highly positive results if you're going after that elusive monster. This gives you a stable location to find these amazing fish while staying informed regarding the right heavy-duty equipment for the job.
Use the correct gear
If larger fish is your aspiration then it will require a much heavier duty level of equipment including a rod, line, reel, and heavier lure to make sure it can withstand the weight of a sea monster. However, if you're embarking on a casual endeavor then it might be best to use lesser equipment. Nevertheless, it should still be high quality and ready to withstand any surprises that may swim your way. A rod with a 50-100 pound test and strong reel at 7000 would be optimal to ensure that it doesn't break and cost you money in the long run. Generally speaking, a mono line is more advantageous for catching larger fish because it doesn't stretch and is much stronger. Consider these specifications when seeking to catch that elusive trophy fish. Staying patient is part of the process too and sometimes things simply don't go your way. Persistence is key so that you don't give up and waste your hard-earned heavy-duty equipment.
Find the right bait
Different bait tends to attract various species of fish so it's important to stay informed regarding the many options on the fishing market. Try options like big bait spoons, bucktails, or glide baits to attract some hungry predators seeking a meal. You generally can't go wrong with using bigger bait, and some people utilize other smaller fish as bait to attract larger catches. If you decide to use smaller bait then it will inevitably result in a smaller catch because larger fish tend to seek prey that is worthwhile instead of meager meals. Getting inside the mind of your prospective species is the key to understanding what types of bait they like. You may be surprised how effective larger bait can be and some brave people even go after sharks. Knowing what bearing the bait has on your catch is essential for understanding how to land them and come home victorious!
Implement effective hooks
If you're using big bait then it's important to pair it with a large and sturdy hook and fish hooks are extremely versatile in their variety. It can take a while to settle on which is best for you but it's important to not get discouraged along the way. Deliberation between these options takes skill, but you can consult with the local tackle shop to see what works best and they may give you some valuable insight on particular waters. Sizes should range from 2.0 and above if you want an effective hook for a larger catch. It's common for people to go for the biggest hook possible, but this isn't always necessary. A sturdy medium-sized range can land some incredible catches with reliable results and you'd be surprised at the catch size with some seemingly minuscule hooks at your disposal. Never underestimate the power of the lower-end spectrum and give everything a shot to gain experience and perspective.
Throw the line correctly
Properly casting and reeling may seem like a repetitive endeavor but you can rest assured that the fish are there and paying attention to disturbances on the surface. They are much more aware than any fisherman realizes and this process will aid you in catching a larger species if you're patient and persistent. Troubleshooting various fishing spots, lines, and techniques is key to discovering your unique style, and there are many ways to go about handling the situation. It's easy to get discouraged and it can be a distinct psychological battle that every fisherman has to go through eventually. Implementing different sizes of equipment and practicing throwing the line will sharpen your skills and make you more confident in landing that amazing catch that will make it all worthwhile. Each person is different, and you will eventually find your groove and what works best so you can settle on a particular strategy.
Set the hook and stay calm
Whenever you feel that first nibble it will come as a shock and it's easy to panic and lose control of the situation out of excitement. Remain calm and continue to take deep breaths while executing the next step of setting the hook. This means that you essentially reel in to reduce any slack and then yank upwards to secure the hook into the fish's mouth. This should be a swift motion that is performed quickly and professionally with confidence or you risk losing the fish which can be a major let down. It should be a quick jerking motion because if you move too slowly it won't work properly and the fish will get away. There is a learning curve involved here so don't get discouraged if you fail the first few times. Eventually, you will land it and they will be hooked to reel in for you viewing pleasure and a feeling of great accomplishment after a long day's work!
Wear out the fish and catch it!
Some fish are stronger than others and if you plan on tackling a larger catch then expect a greater fight. There are some incredibly large species out there and if they have been bigger then have been feeding and swimming for a long time. This means they are accustomed to pushing against currents and have the stamina that makes them immensely powerful. The key is to not get worn out before them and this can be tricky if you have never been fishing or have weak arms.
Training modules are available to simulate a large catch to help you gain endurance and it's worth looking into before you catch that monstrosity waiting for you. Generally, people will catch smaller fish to get a feel for it before they try large bait for a bigger catch. This will help you gain endurance much like a bodybuilder does in conditioning themselves before a competition. Once you are ready for a thrilling battle then head out to sea and prepare for the fight of your life that can last longer than expected in many instances.