Salmon, carp and bass are three common North American fish species found throughout the continent's rivers, lakes and waterways. All three can put up a significant fight, and you can catch them year-round. On your next fishing trip, employ several angling tips recommended by fishing experts to boost your chance of landing a big one.
Salmon: Use a Scent
Dabbing bait scent onto your fly or lure can increase your chances of landing a salmon because a fish's sense of smell is 5,000 times better than a human's, according to professional salmon angler Timothy Kusherets. He recommends using shrimp, salmon milt or crayfish scents, available in most sport stores, and rubbing them up and down your line's leader.
Bass: Wait for Warm Water
Bass strike best when the water is still. Champion bass angler Roland Martin says the water should ideally have a "mirror-calm surface" and be 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. If you're fishing in the spring when the nights are still cold, you might have better luck in the afternoon after the sun has warmed up the water.
Bass: Look for the Right Habitat
Bass congregate wherever there's a sharp change in the underwater substrate, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The department suggests looking for places where a structure meets the waterway's bed, or where there's a sudden dropoff. For the best results, the elevation change in the underground terrain should be 2 feet or more.
Carp: Start in the Summer
Carp fishing is best during the warm summer months, according to professional anglers Simon Crow and Rob Hughes. They recommend lightly chumming the area to get the fish feeding and to convince the carp that the area is safe before you drop in your hook.
Carp: Use Doughballs
Homemade bait known as doughballs are considered "the most reliable way to catch carp," according to the U.S. National Park Service. You make the bait by mixing dough with canned corn or just about anything else, then wrapping it around a hook. Alternatively, Crow and Hughes say a basic live worm also works well with carp.
References
- "Steelhead & Salmon Drift-Fishing Secrets"; Timothy Kusherets; 2004
- "Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets"; Roland Martin; 2008
- "Discover Carp Fishing"; Simon Crow and Rob Hughes; 2003
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Largemouth Bass
- U.S. National Park Service: Fishing for Carp
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