Some Fishing Terms For Beginners

I was reading the Fishing and Boating Guide from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources in an effort to find something to blog about related to fishing in Somerset. The PDF guide published by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife is an important resource for local Somerset fishermen and people in Kentucky statewide.

I came across a term I didn't know, decided to google it to figure out its meaning, and then came up with this post idea. Are you ready for a vocabulary lesson? Here are some basic terms mixed with some uncommon words used in fishing that I think the average person may not know exaclty what is meant:

Angler's Knot: A specialized knot used by anglers to securely attach fishing line to hooks, lures, or swivels. It's designed to withstand the force exerted by a hooked fish. Also sometimes called an Angler's Loop.

Bait: A tempting substance strategically employed to allure fish into biting the fishing hook, often enhancing the chance of a successful catch. I'm not much of a pro fisherman, just a hobbyist, so I've only ever used Natural Baits: worms, mealworms, crickets, and minnows

Bite Alarm: An electronic device that emits a sound or signal when a fish bites the bait or lure. This allows anglers to monitor their lines without having to constantly watch them.

Bobber: A buoyant object affixed to the fishing line, designed to remain on the water's surface, providing visual indication when a fish bites the bait. Also sometimes called a Float.

Fishing Float/Bobber

Catch-and-Release: A conservation-oriented fishing practice where caught fish are gently handled and quickly released back into the water, promoting sustainable fishing and the preservation of fish populations.

Chum: A mixture of fish parts, oils, and other substances, used to attract fish to a particular area. It's commonly spread in the water to create a scent trail that leads fish to the angler's fishing spot.

Creel: A receptacle meticulously designed to securely hold and transport captured fish, maintaining their freshness until the angler's return. Originally referring to just a wicker basket for fish. Today we use it primarily in the term Creel Limit.

Dehooker: A device designed to safely remove hooks from a fish's mouth, reducing the potential for harm to both the fish and the angler. It's especially important for catch-and-release fishing to minimize injury to the fish.

Dip Net: A type of net with a long handle, used to scoop up fish from the water. It's often employed in situations where a fish needs to be lifted out of the water without causing harm.

Drift fishing: A fishing technique in which the angler allows the bait to gently move with the natural current of the water, mimicking the movement of potential prey and increasing the likelihood of attracting fish.

Fillet Knife: A narrow, flexible knife designed for precision in filleting fish. It's used to skillfully remove the meat from the fish's bones.

Fillet Knife

Fishfinder: A sonar device that uses sound waves to detect fish and underwater structures. It provides real-time information about fish location and depth, aiding anglers in identifying productive fishing spots.

Float Tube: An inflatable, donut-shaped device that anglers sit in while fishing. It allows them to access more remote fishing spots on lakes and ponds where traditional boats cannot reach.

Gaff: A specialized tool with a hook at the end, used to land larger fish by securing them and lifting them out of the water. It's particularly useful for landing fish that are too large to be brought in by hand or net. Here's an article from another site on how to properly use a Gaff.

Gillnet: A type of net stretched vertically in the water to catch fish by their gills. It's commonly used in commercial fishing but can also be employed in recreational settings. The action of fishing with a gillnet is called Gillnetting.

Hatchery: A facility where fish are raised and bred under controlled conditions for stocking into natural waters, enhancing fish populations and recreational fishing opportunities.

Jigging: A fishing technique involving the use of a jig, a type of bait with a weighted head, to create an enticing vertical motion underwater. It's effective for targeting fish near the bottom.

Quick Jigging Tutorial (not my video)

Knotless Landing Net: A landing net designed with a fine mesh to minimize damage to fish during landing. The knotless mesh prevents the fish's scales and fins from getting caught.

Leader: A section of stronger fishing line or material attached between the main fishing line and the hook or lure. It's used to prevent fish with sharp teeth or abrasive mouths from cutting the line and escaping.

Lure: An intricately crafted imitation of aquatic creatures, fabricated to resemble fish or other prey species, enticing fish to strike and become hooked.

Landing Glove: A protective glove designed to handle fish safely, preventing injury to both the angler and the fish. It offers a secure grip and minimizes stress on the fish during handling.

Net: A skillfully engineered apparatus employed to ensnare and capture fish, often requiring precise maneuvering to secure a successful catch.

Overfishing: The unsustainable practice of catching fish at a rate that exceeds their reproductive capacity, leading to declines in fish populations and ecosystem imbalances.

Polarized Sunglasses: Eyewear designed to reduce glare from the water's surface, allowing anglers to see underwater structures, fish movement, and potential hazards more clearly.

Reel: A mechanized device adeptly utilized to retrieve fishing line with efficiency and control, ensuring the angler can manage the movements of hooked fish.

Common Style of Fishing Reel

Rigging Needle: A tool used to thread fishing line through baits like worms or other soft plastics. It helps anglers create natural presentations by hiding the hook inside the bait.

Rod Pod: A stationary or adjustable holder designed to support multiple fishing rods simultaneously. It's commonly used for carp or other specialized fishing techniques that require multiple rods to be set up. I've only ever used makeshift/homemade PVC pods.

Scent Attractant: A substance applied to lures or baits to enhance their appeal by releasing scents that mimic natural prey. It can entice fish to bite, even in low-visibility conditions.

Sinker: A meticulously chosen weight attached to the fishing line, strategically used to regulate the depth at which the bait or lure is presented to fish beneath the water's surface.

Snag: A concealed or partially submerged object within the water that poses the risk of ensnaring the fishing line, potentially resulting in the loss of tackle or impeding the angler's ability to reel in fish.

Swivel: A small, rotating device used to prevent fishing lines from twisting and tangling. It's especially helpful when using lures that create spinning or twisting motions underwater.

Tacklebox: A container specifically designed to hold a variety of fishing gear and accessories, such as lures, hooks, lines, and other essential tools needed for successful fishing outings.

Trolling: A fishing method involving dragging lines with baited hooks or lures behind a moving boat. This technique is often used to cover a large area of water and target fish that are actively swimming.

Trolling Motor: An electric motor mounted on a boat, used for slow and controlled movement while fishing. It's especially useful for maintaining position or maneuvering without disturbing fish.

Ultralight Fishing: A style of fishing using very light tackle, lines, and lures. It's favored for targeting smaller fish species and enhancing the challenge of the angling experience.

Vise: A tool used in fly tying to secure hooks while creating artificial flies. It allows anglers to craft customized and realistic fly patterns.

Waders: Waterproof clothing worn by anglers to stay dry while wading into water. They come in various styles, including hip waders and chest waders, to suit different fishing environments.

Worm: A frequently employed and versatile form of bait, consisting of a wriggling annelid, expertly employed to mimic natural prey movement and provoke fish to bite.

X-Rap: A type of fishing lure known for its realistic swimming action and enticing wobbling motion. It's often used to target predatory fish species.

Zinger: A retractable device attached to an angler's clothing, used to hold small tools like line clippers, forceps, or hemostats within easy reach.