Tackle Considerations for Freshwater Spring Fishing

Spring is a major period for fishing in many parts of the world, and the great state of Alaska is no exception. Some of our peak fishing periods come within this season each year, both among those who prefer saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing.

At Pybus Point Lodge, we're proud to offer both these options, including freshwater fishing at some of the most peaceful, secluded bodies of water in the entire country. For those preparing themselves for freshwater fishing in the spring, especially the serious anglers out there, a few important tackle-related items can be highly beneficial this time of year. Let's go over a few of our top recommendations for spring fishing tackle items and accessories.

Proper Fishing Line

The sort of fishing line you use for freshwater fishing will vary by time of year, fish type, and other factors. In general, though, most experts recommend that anglers use lighter lines in the spring than during other seasons. This is for a few reasons - first and foremost, fish are generally more active in the spring as the water warms up, meaning they'll be more likely to bite at faster speeds. They're also more likely to be near the surface of the water, so using a lighter line can help you keep your bait in their strike zone.

Of course, there are other elements to consider when selecting a fishing line - including its strength, its visibility in the water, and how easily it tangles. But if you're wondering what sort of line to use for freshwater fishing in the spring, go with something on the lighter side.

Gap Hooks

When considering your gap hooks for your freshwater fishing needs, we recommend going with wider options whenever possible. Extra-wide gap hooks are made with a wider bend than other styles, which allows them to accommodate larger baits more easily. This can come in handy during the spring, as many fish are looking for bigger meals after a long winter.

Wider gap hooks also tend to be less likely to get snagged on vegetation or other obstacles in the water, which is always a plus. No matter what sort of fish you're targeting, wider gap hooks can be a good choice for your spring fishing endeavors.

Jerkbait Considerations

Especially if you're after several "largemouth" fish, such as bass or a few others, the jerkbait is an excellent lure to keep in mind this spring. Jerkbait lures are designed to mimic the movements of small fish or other prey, making them an appealing option for predators. They can be particularly effective in the spring, as many fish are starting to become more active and are looking for an easy meal.

When using a jerkbait in the spring, we recommend a hard-bodied option whenever possible. These lures tend to be more durable and have a more consistent action than their soft-bodied counterparts. This can help you attract fish even in murky water conditions, which are common in many parts of the country during this time of year.

Plastic Lizards

Another common bait type used during the spring is the plastic lizard, which can be an effective option for targeting a wide range of fish. Plastic lizards are designed to resemble small reptiles or amphibians, making them an appealing food source for many predators.

They can be fished in a variety of ways, but we recommend using a Texas-rigged setup for the best results. This type of setup involves attaching the lizard to your line using a swivel and a bead, then threading the line through the bait's body. This gives the lure a more natural action in the water, making it more likely to attract fish. Plastic lizards can be an especially good choice for fishing in areas with dense vegetation.

Spinnerbaits

One more bait type to go over: The spinnerbait, which is designed to mimic the appearance and action of small baitfish. These lures usually feature a metal blade that spins as the bait moves through the water, giving them their namesake spinning action. Spinnerbaits can be particularly effective in the spring, as many fish are actively feeding on smaller prey items.

When using a spinnerbait, we recommend a slow, steady retrieve for the best results. This will help the lure maintain its spinning action and keep it in the strike zone for longer periods of time. Spinnerbaits can be used in a variety of environments, but they're especially effective in open water areas with little to no vegetation.

Fishing Pliers and Other Metal Tools

Spring is often a good time of year for anglers to check on their current tools, including metal tools that may have experienced some rust or other wear and tear over the winter months. This is particularly true for fishing pliers, which are often used to remove hooks from fish mouths, cut line, and perform other tasks.

If your fishing pliers are starting to show some wear, we recommend replacing them before the spring season begins. This will help you avoid any issues that could arise while you're out on the water. Having a good pair of fishing pliers can make all the difference when you're trying to land that big fish.

There are other metal tools that you may use while fishing, such as knives, line cutters, and hooks. As with your fishing pliers, it's a good idea to inspect these items before heading out for a day of fishing. This will help you ensure that they're in good working condition and won't cause any problems while you're on the water.

For more on the basic tackle items you should be thinking about if you're a serious angler preparing for freshwater spring fishing, or if you need information on any of our all-inclusive fishing trips in Alaska, speak to the team at Pybus Point Lodge today.