Fishing is prevalent among residents of coastal regions; some take it as a means to relax and unwind, while others take it as a means of generating income.
Fishing practices have evolved, from the use of spears to the use of highly effective tools. Some of the tools are a hook and net, fishing bait, berley, etc.
One of the particular skill sets required when using the tools mentioned above is patience; this virtue is needed to succeed in fishing practice for both professionals and amateur fishers.
Key Takeaways
- Garfish are surface feeders and can be found around piers, wharves, and sea grasses
- Best bait to use: worms, prawns, crayfish, plastic fishing baits
- Best hook to use: size 10 or 12 long shank hook
- Use a float
It is also required of a good fisherman to know the bait to use for different kinds of fish.
One fish that every angler should be competent in catching is the garfish because they serve as the game and can also be used as bait to catch other fishes. This article highlights how to catch garfish, a description of garfish, the best locations to find garfish, and the best baits to use.
How To Catch Garfish
A garfish is characterized by a small, long, slender body, a protruding lower jaw that forms a spear, and a silver-colored body with a light blue to greenish back.
They also possess small fins and can grow to weigh from 100-400grams.
Where To Find Garfish
Garfish are found in salt and fresh water bodies.
They are known as surface feeders; hence they can be found mainly near the water surface, especially at dawn, dusk, and at night.
The garfish population near the surface is highly influenced by the weather and they are very common during the hot summer.
Other spots where garfish can be found are; piers, wharves, and water bushes.
What’s Needed to Catch Them
Firstly, any fisherman should bear in mind that having a successful fishing experience requires patience.
This is because the fish tend to take their time when approaching the trap (meal) and are also very conscious of their environment.
Hence, any hastiness can result in movements that will startle the fish, causing it to flee. Here are some tips that will make the fishing process easier and faster.
- Bait: To lure the fish. It should mimic the movements and appearance of a real-life prey. The fisherman needs to be careful not to exert too much activity otherwise the fish may lose interest in the bait. Some baits that can be used for garfishing are worms, prawns, crayfish, plastic fishing baits.
- Hook: Obviously a hook is needed to catch a garfish, you’ll be needing something small such as a size 10 or 12 long shank hook. Garfish have small mouths so that’s all that’s needed.
- Berley: Always a good idea, this is a mix composing a grounded form of dry bait and tuna oil that draws the fish out to a particular spot. An ideal mix of berley should not be too thick or too light. The idea is to draw the fish out and have to lure them to your hook, not to feed them.
Steps For Garfishing Success
Pick your fishing spot close to where the garfish is commonly found. Mostly found in shallow waters your best bet is near break walls, piers and reefs. - Cross-check your fishing equipment for any faults. Check that the fishing line is tight with no trace of break.
- Prepare your berley, and with the aid of a spade, drop it into the water.
- Attach your bait to the hook and gently lower it into the water near the berley trail.
- Ensure a float is attached at most 30cm away from the hook.
- Patiently watch the line; bear in mind that hooked garfish tend to jump out of the water.
- If a garfish is caught, retrieve the hook and repeat till you have the desired amount of garfish you want.
Bottom Line
For every angler, fishing garfish can be very interesting – they can serve as a meal or bait for catching bigger fish.
When fishing, it is advisable to have a few techniques up your sleeve incase one doesn’t work out.
Another essential tip is to ensure that all your fishing tools are in good condition by checking your equipment thoroughly before getting started. Nothing worse than losing a fish by some silly mistake!
The art of gar-fishing can be done anytime, but knowing the right places to check in the different seasons is critical.
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