How to set up a fishing rod for lake fishing: Easy step by step guide

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Lake fishing has grown on to become one of the most popular pastimes and this activity is growing increasingly popular.

Setting up a fishing rod for lake fishing is a very simple and straightforward activity, and requires only a few steps.

It does not require the use of multiple types of equipment or any sophisticated gears.

There is nothing complicated about lake fishing and we will help you to get the basic things right. The entire procedure will be done in a detailed, step by step manner.

This will include the fishing gear one will need and tips and instructions on how to make the most out of your equipment.

Basic freshwater fishing pole setup

The basic requirement for lake fishing is a freshwater fishing pole setup. Of the few lake fishing gear and lake fishing equipment that you will need, the first is a freshwater fishing pole setup.

Setting up a freshwater fishing pole is relatively simple and below is a step by step process on how to set it up

• The first step involves joining the two sections of the rod together i.e. inserting the bottom section of the rod to the top section. See to it that the guides are aligned.
• The next step consists of attaching the reel to the reel seat of the fishing rod and then screwing down until it is firm.
• Step three is the rigging process, and this involves threading the line throughout the rod. It involves feeding the line to each of the guides on the fishing rod.
• The fourth step is attaching a hook to the end of the line. This is done by threading the line to the eyelet of the hook and then tying a simple knot.
• After attaching the hook, the next procedure is attaching the weights. The weights should be attached twelve to eighteen inches down the main line.
• The final step involves selecting a bait of your choice and then fitting it to the hook, after which you are ready to go freshwater fishing.

Suspended bobber and bait fishing setup

This setup is one of the simplest setups and it allows anglers to catch fish in the top and middle sections of the water. Let us take a look in detail at this freshwater fishing pole setup, the lake fishing gear and the lake fishing equipment required.

The gear and equipment needed for the suspended bobber and fishing setup are described below.

• Bobber: Bobbers are made of plastic, are attached to the line and float on the water surface. They keep the hook suspended and also act as indicators by bobbing when a fish takes the bait.
• Split shots: They are small circular weights made of lead, which attaches to the main line. They work to keep the hook stable and immersed in the water.
• Hook: Made of metal, hooks come in various shapes and sizes. The bait is attached to the hook, and the hook catches the fish that has taken the bait.
• Bait: The Bait varies greatly and they come in different forms. Its purpose is to bait the fish, so as to attach it to the hook.

This setup is generally suited towards freshwater fishing. It is used for catching just about any fish, but trouts are more common.

Cast and retrieving setup

The cast and retrieving setup are for catching fish in the middle and uppers sections of the freshwater. To know how to set up a fishing rod for lake fishing, the lake fishing gear and lake fishing equipment required, a detailed look is described below.

The type of gear and equipment required and the type of fishes it is used to catch is highlighted below.

• Neutral Buoyant Float: These are buoyant floats made of plastic, and have the option to add water in them. You can adjust the sinking speed and the depth of the float based on the amount of water.
• Swivel: As the name suggests, this is a small metal that swivels that connects from the mainline to the leader line. It works to prevent the line from getting twisted, while also acting as a bobber and float stopper.
• Spinner/ Blade/ Spoon: They are either made of plastic or metal and acts as the lure for baiting the fish. Their shapes also vary widely based on the type of fishing you wish to do.

This setup is best for lake fishing and for fishing Kokanee, Panfish and Trout.

Bottom fishing setup

This setup is for catching fish that reside at the bottom and middle sections of the water and is most appropriate during winters when the fishes are generally inactive.

It requires a freshwater fishing pole setup, and the lake fishing gear and lake fishing equipment required for this setup are as follows.

• 3-way swivel: This is a metal swivel connecting the mainline and leader line, and prevents the line from twisting. The third swivel allows for placing of weights and also functions as a stopper.
• Weight: The purpose of the weight is to keep the line stable and submerged, and is generally made of metal. In this setup, the weight is clipped to the swivel.
• Leader Line: This is the main line that runs from the swivel and attaches to the hook. Its length usually ranges from 12 to 18 inches.
• Hook: Hooks comes in different shapes and generally made of metal, and it hooks the fish that has taken the bait.
• Bait: The bait attaches to the hook, and is for luring the fish. It can be of any type, however, based on the composition of the bottom, the appropriate type should be chosen.

With a Bottom fishing setup, it is generally meant for catching bottom dwellers such as bass, catfish, and loaches.