If you want to get outdoors to enjoy nature, fishing is an excellent hobby. Fishermen of every skill level can always benefit from learning something new. Continue reading for tips that can help you be better at fishing.

If you can’t reel in fish with your favorite lure, check the integrity of your hooks. People will often forget that over time fish hooks can become dull or twisted and impact any success while fishing. If you want to be sure of setting your hook cleanly and quickly every time, be sure to change out your hooks frequently.

Serious fishermen should always pack a scale. This is especially true for people who release their catches; they may need to measure them quickly.

Make as little noise as possible while fishing. Loud sounds will send fish scattering in the opposite direction. If it is possible for you to sit in silence or speak in a low whisper, it is more likely that a nearby fish will become snagged on your line.

Try fattening up live bait the night before your fishing trip. Simply place a handful of worms on a flat container inside the refrigerator and remove them the next morning. The cool air and humidity causes the worms to plump up.

Colored Grubs

Lots of bass fishermen use light-colored grubs. Yellow, chartreuse, white or smoke colored grubs can be extremely effective. Translucent grubs often include reflective flecks which can attract more fish. Using a grub which matches the color of the water can help you catch fish.

Keep your eyes out for surface fish to find the bigger fish below in deep waters. Maybe you might see wood or other debris floating in the water. You will often discover big game fish in these areas. In addition, if you see seagulls consuming small fish, there is a good chance that large fish are just below the water’s surface.

Don’t overlook the smell of your hands. If your hands are heavily perfumed, or in some other way scented with an unnatural odor, that odor might transfer to the bait that you handle. If the fish you are trying to catch get a whiff of your scent, they will likely be more evasive.

When using a net to catch fish, make sure the head goes in first. There will be less likelihood of escape from your net, because the fish won’t be able to move around as much. For the most part, you only want to use a net when absolutely necessary.

Bass and Walleyes can often require special lures and bait. Keep your bait options diverse by bringing along a few dozen leeches in case you need them. Leeches can be kept alive overnight in ventilated Styrofoam containers that have an inch or two of water in them.

The information you’ve gathered here should give you a good idea of how you can improve your fishing skills. On your next fishing outing, keep the advice in this piece in mind. The next time you go fishing, these tips will help you land more fish than previous fishing trips.