Common Fishing Terms
Angler
An angler is simply another word for a fisherman or someone who fishes.
Tackle
Tackle refers to fishing equipment such as rods, reels, hooks, sinkers, lures, and line.
Lure
A lure is an artificial bait designed to imitate prey and attract fish.
Live Bait
Live bait includes natural bait such as worms, minnows, shrimp, and crickets.
Hookset
A hookset is the motion used to drive the hook into a fish’s mouth after a bite.
Structure
Structure refers to underwater objects where fish gather, such as docks, brush piles, rocks, grass, or fallen trees.
Cover
Cover gives fish protection and hiding places. Grass, weeds, logs, and docks are common examples.
Schooling Fish
Schooling fish travel together in groups. Crappie, striped bass, and many saltwater species often school together.
Drag
The drag system on a reel controls how much resistance a fish feels when pulling line.
Topwater
Topwater fishing involves using lures that stay on the surface of the water.
Common Saltwater Terms
Flats
Flats are shallow coastal areas where species like redfish and bonefish feed.
Offshore
Offshore fishing takes place far from shore in deep water.
Trolling
Trolling involves pulling lures or bait behind a moving boat.
Final Thoughts
Learning fishing terminology helps beginners become more confident and successful on the water. The more time you spend fishing and talking with experienced anglers, the more natural these terms will become.
