If you’re an avid angler and don’t mind getting wet, wade fishing may be for you. This is an exciting approach to tackle the waters, allowing you to come close up to the species you target. You’ll immerse yourself in the environment, becoming truly at one with nature. After all, that’s a big part of what fishing is about!
But what does wade fishing mean more technically? How to go about it? What can you catch? I’ll answer these questions and much more in this article. Let’s dive in to learn all the tips and tricks of this exciting way of hitting the waters!
What is wade fishing?
Simply put, wade fishing is when you stand in the water, up to waist-high, to fish. You can try wade fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, and it’s most popular with those who don’t have access to a boat or kayak. That being said, some enthusiasts deliberately head out to an island or flat to do some wade fishing too…
Wade fishing has many benefits, such as the ability to maneuver around quietly in the water. It also allows you to get a little bit closer to the action and where fish may be strolling by. Not to mention, the farther out you are, the farther you can cast as well! There are many factors that are involved with wade fishing and, as we continue through this article, you’ll learn more about this style of fishing.
How to Go Wade Fishing
As mentioned previously, you’ll want to enter the water up to your waist. You can enter closer to knee level if you’d like, but the farther out you go, the more opportunities you’ll have. When you’re in the water, you’ll want to slowly walk along the shoreline so you can cover more ground. You can decrease the noise by slowly picking up each foot and leg to limit wakes.
Wade fishing is pretty simple. Just cast out as far as you can in front of you or near any structure present. If you happen to see a school or strolling fish close by, you can also cast in front of the direction they’re going. This can be done with any bait method, whether you’re using live bait, cut bait, or artificials. Fly setups are excellent for wade fishing – just be sure that you have plenty of room and aren’t at risk of hitting anything or anyone when you cast!
With wade fishing, you can quickly pull your fish onto the shore, keep them close to the water, and ensure a good, up-close release.
What can I catch when wade fishing?
When it comes to species you can catch when wade fishing, the possibilities are endless! Although it’ll depend on what region you’re fishing in, here’s a basic list of some of the most common species you can catch:
Freshwater Targets
In freshwater, wade fishing is best done in lakes, ponds, lagoons, rivers, canals, and more. If there’s a deep cut, you can cast your line far out in the middle. In addition, if there are areas with fallen tree branches, lily pads, and other structure and vegetation, take advantage of that and cast near them. Species you can expect to see include Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Peacock Bass, Channel Catfish, Pike, Walleye, Sunfish, Bluegill, Paddlefish, Carp, Crappie, Salmon, and Trout.
Saltwater Targets
On the other hand, saltwater wade fishing is best done at the beach, or near piers, flats, and islands. As mentioned earlier, cast far out in front of you, near structure or along the shoreline. There are tons of saltwater species you can catch but here a few popular ones in my region of Florida include Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Jack Crevalle, Tarpon, Permit, Pompano, Bonefish, and Sharks.
Wade Fishing Essentials
Before you head out on your wade fishing adventure, you’ll need some essentials. Let’s take a look at some of the most important items to bring along.
Gear
The most important thing to bring along your wade fishing journey is your setup, whether a 1K freshwater setup, 5K saltwater setup, or fly gear. Of course, you want to bring along all your tackle, as well as a cast net, bait net, and bucket if using live bait. A cool item to add in there is a rod holder, one that can stick into the sand or dirt.
Sometimes you’ll come across pretty cold water when wade fishing, especially if you fish in cold rivers up north. Wearing protective socks and waders is extremely helpful. In addition, fishing vests and wade belts are extra tools to help keep things organized and near. If you’re fishing for protected or sensitive species, bring along some gloves and a handling net to minimize stress.
Bait
Now for the juicy part – your choice of bait. You can successfully wade fish in freshwater and saltwater with live, cut, and artificial bait. Your decision should be based on your target species, conditions, environment, and personal choice.
For freshwater, worms, insects, minnows, crayfish, and shiners are a few popular examples of live and cut bait. For saltwater, mullet, pilchards, shrimp, sand fleas, crab, and squid are excellent options. If you prefer artificials, stick to topwater lures, swimbaits, flukes, jigs, spinbaits, and crankbaits.
When to Go Wade Fishing
You can have plenty of success wade fishing in various conditions and seasons. After all, each species has its own preferences! Some may like warm, calm conditions, while others like colder, chaotic ones. The best conditions for species like Snook or Tarpon often consist of calmer conditions and warmer water. On the other hand, wintertime fishing in northern rivers can be better fishing for species like Trout and Salmon.
Dawn and dusk are arguably the best times of the day to go wade fishing, as the action is always at its highest at these times. For saltwater specifically, it’s best to plan trips around incoming tides when fish are coming closer to shore and currents produce feeding frenzies. For freshwater locations, look for regions with flowing water.
You may find that various conditions can produce various results and certain environments can make their own hot times. This is something that you’ll have to try multiple times to see which times and conditions produce the best results for your area and target species.
Wade Fishing: Try a New Fishing Style!
By now, you should have a solid understanding of the basics of wade fishing for both freshwater and saltwater. Whatever body of water you have closest to you, I encourage you to pack up your gear, get prepared, and head out into the water. As you move quietly through the shallows, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for fishing and the beauty of the outdoors. Every step and cast brings new opportunities to observe, learn, and improve. So, get ready, keep safety in mind, and embrace your next journey!
Are you a keen wade fisher? We’d love to hear some of your top tips and tricks. Alternatively, if you’re heading out for the first time, get in touch with any questions you have below!
The post How to Go Wade Fishing: An Angler’s Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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