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What is Freshwater Fishing?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Freshwater fishing is one of the two major fishing disciplines, the other being saltwater fishing. It is done in lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies of water that are generally considered to contain freshwater. In other words, the water has an extremely low salt content, or no salt content at all and are suitable for species of fish generally found in freshwater.

in some cases, where ocean water and freshwater start to mix, which is known as brackish water, there could be situations where both saltwater and freshwater species of fish can be found together. This is especially true for species of fish that can tolerate less salty, or more salty, conditions very well. In general it is deemed freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing based on the species sought by the angler. It is conceivable that both disciplines could be practiced in the same water.

Salmon can be found in both in freshwater and saltwater.
Salmon can be found in both in freshwater and saltwater.

The most commonly-sought species when fishing in freshwater are bass, crappie, walleye, northern pike and various species of trout. Salmon is another popular species that lives in both salt and freshwater. It is fished commercially, most often, in salt water. However, its attraction for recreational anglers usually comes though freshwater fishing.

While there may not be as much freshwater as saltwater on Earth, many anglers spend most of their time engaging in freshwater fishing. This may be because they appreciate the freshwater fish species more, or because they simply do not have immediate access to a nearby ocean. Many enjoy freshwater fishing as a sport fishing activity.

Lakes have freshwater fish.
Lakes have freshwater fish.

Freshwater fishing can be done in a number of different ways. It can be done from shore, or in a water craft. Some choose to wade mountain streams. Others choose to fish from a bridge. Still others, especially in northern climates, are prepared to wait until lakes and rivers ice over and try their luck at ice fishing.

Most freshwater fishing is done with a pole, line and hook, though these also vary widely. Some prefer a close-faced reel, with a push button to release the line. Others prefer open faced reels, where a bell is flipped to release line. There are also casting reels and fly fishing reels, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Nets can also be used, but some jurisdictions place restrictions on taking certain freshwater species with nets.

Fish found in freshwater bodies of water have low or no salt content.
Fish found in freshwater bodies of water have low or no salt content.

Bait choices also run the gambit and depend largely on the type of fish being sought. Predatory fish will hit on live bait, cut bait, or artificial bait, also known as lures. Often, choosing the proper bait will take some trial and error. However, each fish has its own preferences, and conditions also play a major role in the choices.

Discussion Comments

Hazali

Aside from the salt content, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing. However, people who are trying to watch their salt intake would certainly benefit from freshwater fishing. Don't quote me on this, but I have heard that there are ways to remove the salt content from fish who reside in saltwater. How true is this? And if it is true, that actually sounds like a great idea.

Euroxati

I like how in the last paragraph, it mentions the importance of choosing the best bait, especially depending on what type of fish you're looking for. Overall, this is extremely important, especially in the sense that more than often, how long it takes for you to catch a fish can really depend on the type of bait you're using.

Based on my personal experience, I had to learn this the hard way. When I first began fishing, I hardly had any bites. However, after asking my dad for advice, he informed me that I was using the wrong bait, and that it always depended on what fish I was looking for. Even though there are still issues, it's certainly not as much of a hassle as before.

RoyalSpyder

Whether it's saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, one of the main aspects you have to remember is that it's all about patience, especially in this day and age. If you're trying to catch a fish, and you're becoming frustrated, you shouldn't give up right away. For the most part, it takes time, and sometimes, you can even be out there for hours before you get a bite. Though I myself enjoy fishing, patience was one of the few things I had to learn. Once you get past that, the experience is well worth it.

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    • Salmon can be found in both in freshwater and saltwater.
      By: Witold Krasowski
      Salmon can be found in both in freshwater and saltwater.
    • Lakes have freshwater fish.
      By: keller
      Lakes have freshwater fish.
    • Fish found in freshwater bodies of water have low or no salt content.
      By: uwimages
      Fish found in freshwater bodies of water have low or no salt content.
    • Freshwater fishing at scenic lakes and streams can be a great outdoor activity for families.
      By: Evgeniy Drogozhilov
      Freshwater fishing at scenic lakes and streams can be a great outdoor activity for families.
    • Freshwater fisherman seek fish such as bass and trout.
      By: bonniemarie
      Freshwater fisherman seek fish such as bass and trout.