What Advanced Anglers Use

As anglers progress from beginners to advanced fishing enthusiasts, their approach to the sport becomes more refined. Advanced anglers understand that catching more fish—and bigger fish—requires specialized tools, tactics, and a deeper knowledge of fish behavior. From cutting-edge equipment to highly effective techniques, experienced anglers are always equipped with the best. This article dives into the gear and methods that advanced anglers use to take their fishing game to the next level.

1. High-Quality Rods and Reels

One of the first things that separates advanced anglers from beginners is their investment in high-quality rods and reels. These tools are specifically designed to offer better sensitivity, power, and control.

Key Features of Advanced Rods and Reels:

• Custom Rods: Many experienced anglers choose custom rods that are tailored to their specific fishing style. This allows for a perfect balance between strength and sensitivity, which is critical when fighting large fish.
• Baitcasting Reels: These reels offer precision casting and greater control over the lure, especially when targeting larger species. While they take some practice to master, they are favored by advanced anglers for their power and accuracy.
• Spinning Reels for Light Tackle: For lighter line or finesse fishing, spinning reels are still widely used. Advanced anglers often carry both baitcasting and spinning setups, depending on the situation.

Pro Tip: Invest in rods made from high-quality materials like carbon fiber or graphite for increased strength without added weight. This helps when casting all day or fighting a heavy fish.

2. Advanced Fishing Line

The type of fishing line you use can have a significant impact on your success, especially when targeting more elusive or larger fish. Advanced anglers don’t just grab any old line—they choose the one best suited for their target species and fishing environment.

Key Types of Fishing Line:

• Braided Line: Known for its strength and durability, braided line is perfect for fishing in heavy cover or for catching big fish that require extra power to bring in. It also offers a smaller diameter for the same strength, allowing longer casts.
• Fluorocarbon Line: Nearly invisible underwater, fluorocarbon is often used as a leader material. Advanced anglers use this line to avoid spooking fish in clear waters.
• Monofilament Line: Although not as durable as braided or fluorocarbon, monofilament is still popular among advanced anglers for its stretch and forgiveness, especially in topwater fishing situations.

Pro Tip: Always carry multiple types of line. For example, using braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is a common combination that offers both strength and invisibility in the water.

3. Fish Finders and Sonar Technology

Technology plays a huge role in modern fishing, and advanced anglers take full advantage of tools like fish finders and sonar to locate fish faster and more accurately.

Key Features of Advanced Fish Finders:

• GPS Integration: Advanced fish finders often come with built-in GPS, which allows anglers to mark hotspots and return to them later. This is crucial for big-water fishing or when targeting schools of fish that move throughout the day.
• Down Imaging and Side Imaging: These features provide a detailed view of what’s below and to the sides of your boat, making it easier to locate structure and fish that may not be directly beneath you.
• Real-Time Scanning: Some of the newest fish finders offer real-time sonar, which gives you up-to-the-second data on fish movement and behavior in the water.

Pro Tip: Use a fish finder with side imaging when fishing near structures like underwater ledges, rock piles, or sunken trees. Big fish often hang around these areas.

4. Specialized Lures and Baits

Advanced anglers don’t just rely on basic worms or spinnerbaits. Instead, they use a wide variety of specialized lures and baits tailored to specific species and conditions.

Popular Lures for Advanced Anglers:

• Soft Plastic Swimbaits: These versatile lures mimic the movement of real baitfish and can be rigged in various ways. Advanced anglers often use them when targeting larger predatory fish like bass, pike, or snook.
• Jigs: Jigs are highly effective for both freshwater and saltwater species. The key to using jigs effectively is knowing how to work them. Whether it’s slow dragging along the bottom or quick hops, jigs can catch fish in tough conditions.
• Topwater Lures: For advanced anglers, topwater fishing is all about timing. They know when to cast these lures to entice explosive strikes from big fish, especially during dawn or dusk.

Pro Tip: Carry a variety of lures that mimic the natural prey in your fishing area. Match the hatch, as they say, by choosing lures that resemble what the fish are feeding on.

5. Casting and Retrieving Techniques

Casting distance, accuracy, and retrieval speed all make a difference in the world of advanced fishing. Seasoned anglers have perfected their techniques to maximize success.

Key Casting and Retrieving Techniques:

• Pitching and Flipping: These short-distance casting techniques are ideal for placing your lure in tight spaces, such as under docks or around thick vegetation. They require precision, but they can help you reach areas where big fish are hiding.
• Slow and Steady Retrieval: For certain species, a slow, methodical retrieval can trigger more strikes than a fast one. Advanced anglers know when to slow things down, particularly in cold water or when targeting lethargic fish.
• Stop-and-Go Retrieval: This technique involves reeling in the lure in bursts, making it pause intermittently. This can mimic a struggling or injured prey and often triggers predatory fish to strike.

Pro Tip: Practice casting in various conditions to improve accuracy. Windy days, in particular, can throw off even experienced anglers, so being able to adapt is key.

6. Environmental Awareness

One of the biggest differences between novice and advanced anglers is their level of awareness regarding their surroundings. Successful fishing often hinges on understanding the environmental factors that influence fish behavior.

Key Environmental Factors to Consider:

• Water Temperature: Fish are cold-blooded, so water temperature directly impacts their activity level. Advanced anglers use thermometers or their fish finders to locate temperature breaks where fish are likely to congregate.
• Tides and Currents: Saltwater anglers, in particular, pay close attention to tidal movements and currents. Fish are more likely to feed during periods of moving water, so timing your outing with the tides can significantly increase your chances of success.
• Weather Conditions: Cloud cover, wind, and barometric pressure all play a role in fish activity. Advanced anglers keep an eye on the forecast and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Pro Tip: Learn to read the water. Observe surface activity, bird movements, and other natural indicators that can give away the presence of fish.

7. Knot Tying Skills

Knot tying may seem basic, but advanced anglers know that using the right knot is crucial for landing big fish. Strong, reliable knots ensure that your line doesn’t break when fighting large fish or when fishing in rough conditions.

Popular Knots for Advanced Anglers:

• Palomar Knot: One of the strongest knots, this is great for securing your hook or lure to braided line.
• Improved Clinch Knot: This classic knot works well with monofilament and is often used to tie lures or hooks directly to the line.
• Double Uni Knot: This knot is ideal for connecting two lines, such as tying a fluorocarbon leader to a braided mainline.

Pro Tip: Always moisten your knot before pulling it tight to prevent friction, which can weaken the line.

Conclusion

Advanced anglers use a combination of high-quality equipment, sophisticated techniques, and environmental awareness to maximize their fishing success. Whether it’s selecting the perfect rod and reel, mastering the use of fish finders, or refining casting techniques, these anglers are constantly evolving and improving their craft. By investing in better gear and learning from experience, you too can elevate your fishing game and start catching bigger, more challenging fish.

FAQs

1. What is the most important tool for advanced anglers?

High-quality rods and reels are among the most important tools, as they provide the sensitivity and power needed to handle larger fish.

2. How can I improve my casting accuracy?

Practice in different conditions, especially on windy days. Master techniques like flipping and pitching for more precise short-distance casts.

3. Why is braided line popular among advanced anglers?

Braided line is strong, durable, and has a smaller diameter than monofilament, allowing for longer casts and better handling of heavy fish.

4. How do fish finders improve fishing?

Fish finders allow you to locate fish more accurately by providing real-time data on fish movement and underwater structures, saving you time and effort.

5. What type of bait should I use for larger fish?

Larger fish often prefer live bait like shad, mullet, or minnows. However, using lures that mimic their natural prey can also be highly effective.