Fishing Dictionary - Fishing Terms and Definitions

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	ANGLING Is another term for Fishing. It is the sport of catching fish, freshwater or saltwater, typically with rod, line, and hook. For more information, see our section on What is Fishing?.
	BAIT FISHING Is a style of Fishing which uses a live or dead organism attached on a Fish Hook. It is a simple way of presenting a Fishing Bait in an area of water where the fish are likely to be feeding. For more information, see our section on Bait Fishing.
	BAITCASTING Is by far the most challenging, but it can provide a really accurate casting. For more information, see our section on Casting with the Right Fishing Reel.
	BAITCASTING REEL Is a conventional one so small that it fits easily to the angler's hand while mounted on the Fishing Rod. This type of Fishing Reel is used for bigger freshwater fish and small saltwater fish. For more information, see our section on Fishing Reel Types.
	BARB Refers to the little, sharp point protruding immediately below the Fish Hook point. For more information, see our section on Fish Hook Characteristics.
	BOBBER Also known as float, is used when fishing with Fishing Baits. It quivers or jerks on the water as soon as a fish has taken your bait. For more information, see our section on Bobbers.
	BRAIDED FISHING LINE Is the strongest Fishing Line available in relation to its diameter. Unlike a nylon monofilament, a braided Fishing Line absorbs less water, so its great sensitivity remained the same even when wet. For more information, see our section on Fishing Line Types.
	BUZZBAIT Is a Type of Fishing Lure similar to a Spinnerbait. Instead of a spinner blade, it has a propeller-like device which spins very fast upon retrieval. For more information, see our section on Buzzbaits.
	CANOE Is a type of Fishing Boat which is made of aluminum and has a streamlined shape. It is also easy to maneuver so canoes work well in moving waters. For more information, see our section on Fishing Boat Types.
	CHEST WADERS Are waders which come up to the chest and are held up by suspenders. They come in many types and are used when you need to wade deeper into the water. For more information, see our section on Chest Waders.
	COARSE FISHING (submitted by: cadthelad) Another name (especially in UK) for freshwater and most river fishing
	CRANKBAIT Is a type of Plug which is designed to dive at relatively great depths. For more information, see our section on Plugs.
	CREEL LIMIT Is a regulation on the number of a particular fish that you can bring home after fishing all day. For more information, see our section on Size and Number of Fish.
	DEET Stands for diethyl-meta-toluamide. It is the chemical most effective in the repellents used as protection against insects. for more information, see our section on Protection Against Insect Bites.
	DOUBLE HOOK Is a style of Fish Hooks which has one hook eye and shank with two points. For more information, see our section on Fish Hook Characteristics.
	FISH HOOK Is one of the most important Fishing equipment since the essence of Fishing boils down to the ability of hooking a fish and eventually catching it. Fish Hooks vary in forms, sizes, and applications. For more information, see our section on Fish Hooks.
	FISHING Means to capture fish. It is both the sport and recreation of catching fish for food or as a trophy. For more details, see our section on What is Fishing?.
	FISHING BAIT Is the decoy used to attract the fish. It comes in various types, forms, and applications. For more information, see our section on Fishing Baits.
	FISHING LICENSE Is one of the most important things you need to acquire before going fishing. Fishing Licenses vary, depending on how old the angler is and if he or she is a resident of the country. For more information, see our section on Fishing Licenses.
	FISHING LINE Is the cord connecting the Fish Hook to the Fishing Rod and Fishing Reel. For more information, see our section on Fishing Lines.
	FISHING LURE Is any artificial decoy or bait which can emulate the color and/or actions of what a fish would tend to eat. There is a wide assortment of Fishing Lures which vary in types, features, and applications available in the market. For more information, see our section on Fishing Lures.
	FISHING REEL Is a device attached on the lower part of the Fishing Rod. It releases and retrieves the Fishing Line at a handle's turn. For more information, see our section on Fishing Reels.
	FISHING ROD Is a long, slender tube which enables you to put the bait at a farther distance from where you are. For more information, see our section on Fishing Rods.
	FISHING SEASON Is enforced in order to protect the species from too much fishing. But most importantly, this is to prevent the anglers from fishing on waters during the spawning stage of the fish. For more information, see our section on Fishing Seasons.
	FISHING TACKLE Refers to the complete set of basic equipment essential in Fishing. For more information, see our section on Fishing Tackle.
	FLY FISHING Fly Fishing is Fishing Discipline which makes use of artificial lures resembling flies, insects, or fish. Aside from the use of artificial flies, what makes it different from other Fishing Disciplines is the fact that in Fly Fishing, the angler casts the Fishing Line, and not the Fishing Lure. For more information , see our section on Fly Fishing.
	GEAR RATIO Refers to the number of times the spool revolves at a single complete turn of the handle. For more information, see our section on Fishing Reel Buying Guide.
	HULL Is the term used for the outside bottom of a Fishing Boat. It comes in different types and each has its own features and applications. For more information, see our section on Fishing Boat Hulls.
	IMPROVED CLINCH KNOT Is another variation of Fishing Knot. It is probably the easiest way to tie up hooks, lures, swivels, or snaps on your Fishing Line. To learn how to make an Improved Clinch Knot, see our section on Fishing Knots.
	JERKBAIT A type of Plug and is also called a Stickbait. It is usually used when you are after large species. For more information, see our section on Plugs.
	JIG Is another type of Fishing Lure which consists of a hook with a ball of lead behind its eye. It is usually painted and has feathers to attract the fish. For mor information, see our section on Jigs.
	JOHNBOATS Are usually made of aluminum and have flat bottom hulls. Johnboats are economical, lightweight, and have excellent stability when fishing in small, protected waters. For more information, see our section on Fishing Boat Types.
	LEADER Is a small length made of heavy Fishing Line or wire which is tied to one end of the main Fishing Line on a Fishing Reel or Fishing Rod. Leaders are used to avoid breaking off of the Fishing Line when sharp-toothed fish bites into it. For more information, see our section on Leaders.
	LOOP KNOT Is a variation of Fishing Knot which can keep your Fishing Line on the Fishing Rod when not in use. It can also be beneficial when you need to fasten swivels or even sinkers. To learn how to make a Loop Knot, see our section on Fishing Knots.
	LURE FISHING Lure Fishing is one of the basic Fishing Disciplines. It makes use a wood, plastic, or metal device which can emulate or simulate anything that the fish would likely to eat. For more information, see our section on Lure Fishing.
	MAXIMUM SIZE LIMIT Is a Fishing Regulation implemented in most countries. It states that fish which are caught at or above stated size must be released. For more information, see our section on Size and Number of Fish.
	MINIMUM SIZE LIMIT Is one of the Fishing Rules and Regulations implemented in most countries. It states that fish which do not meet the minimum size must be released. For more information, see our section on Size and Number of Fish.
	MINNOW Refers to small fish which can be used as a Fishing Bait. For more information on rigging, gathering, and keeping Minnows, see our section on Minnows.
	MODULUS It is the ability of the Fly Rod's material to recover from bending. When the modulus is higher, the rod is stiffer, and the Fly Rod will bend back from a curve at a faster rate. For more information, see our section on Features of Fly Rods.
	MULTIFILAMENT Is a Fishing Line Type which is similar to braided ones in terms of sensitivity. Its stretch is very little and this Fishing Line is made up of polyethylene strands which, by weight, are around five to 10 times sturdier as compared to steel. For more information, see our section on Fishing Line Types.
	MULTIPLIER REEL (submitted by: cadthelad) Similar to a centrepin reel but bulkier and mounted as such as to use the rod 'upside down'. Used for big game(Marlin etc.), sea and boat fishing (offshore).
	N.R.A. (submitted by: cadthelad) (UK): National Rivers Authority
	NYLON MONOFILAMENT Is the most commonly used Fishing Line. It is translucent, generally cheap, and is available in all pound-test kinds. For more information, see our section on Fishing Line Types.
	PEG (submitted by: cadthelad) Esp. UK coarse matches: Area of a venue chosen by the angler himself or drawn out of a hat in matches. Usually 2 rod lengths apart.
	PLUG Is a minnow-shaped Fishing Lure made of hard plastic or wood and emulates how baitfish moves in the water. It comes in many types, sizes, and applications. For more information, see our section on Plugs.
	POSSESSION LIMIT Is a Fishing Regulation on the number of fish an angler can keep at one time. For more information, see our section on Size and Number of Fish.
	ROWBOATS Are semi-V or modified-V hulled Fishing Boats made usually of aluminum. They are maneuvered using a pair of oars. For more information, see our section on Fishing Boat Types.
	SEINING Is one of the ways of gathering Minnows. It makes use of seine- a large, square cloth net that has a tight mesh at the bottom. For more information, see our section on Minnows.
	SINKER Also called Weight, is a Fishing Tool. Its purpose is to place the Fishing Bait or Fishing Lure deeper into the water. Sinkers come in various kinds and each has its own function. For more information, see our section on Sinkers.
	SLIP KNOT Is an example of Fishing Knot and is done when fastening your Fishing Line to the spool. To learn how to make a Slip Knot, see our section on Fishing Knots.
	SLOT LIMIT (submitted by: mauen) this refers to a law which subjects a minimum as well as maximum size on a fish
	SNAP Is a Fishing Tool shaped like a small diaper pin. To use the snap, tie it to the end of your Fishing Line, open the snap, put on a Plug, close the snap, and then you can already begin casting. For more information, see our section on Snaps.
	SNAP-SWIVEL Is a two-in-one device, since it is a Snap attached to a Swivel. It can decrease line twist and makes it easier for you to change Spinners. For more information, see our section on Snap-swivels.
	SPAWNING Is the reproductive activity of fish. It is when the female fish releases eggs into the water for fertilization by the male fish. For moe information, see our section on Fishing Seasons.
	SPINCASTING Is the easiest to learn, though it lacks potential for casting accuracy. This is ideal for first timers since a Spincasting Reel is so easy to operate. For more information, see our section on Casting with the Right Fishing Reel.
	SPINCASTING REEL Could be seen as a combination of a conventional and a stationary reel. Spincasting Reels are very angler-friendly and are advisable for children and beginners because at a push of the button, they are already operating the reel. It is also called a 'pushbutton reel.' For more information, see our section on Fishing Reel Types.
	SPINNER A kind of Fishing Lure with a thin, metal blade that spins very fast upon retrieval. This creates flash and vibrations that attract the fish to the Fishing Lure. For more information, see our section on Spinners .
	SPINNERBAIT Also called a hairpin lure, a Spinnerbait is made from a wire with a loop at the center and its arms are bent forming a letter V. It is adorned with a skirt that flutters and waves when retrieved. For more information, see our section on Spinnerbaits.
	SPINNING Is harder to master compared to Spincasting. But it allows you for more accurate casting. For more information, see our section on Casting with the Right Fishing Reel.
	SPINNING REEL Is the most commonly-used Fishing Reel type nowadays. It is a fixed-spool reel wherein the housing around the stationary spool which is parallel to the rod's axis, spins around it at a turn of the handle. For more information, see our section on Fishing Reel Types.
	SPOON Is a type of Fishing Lure that resembles the kitchen utensil without the handle. It is also called a Wobbler because of its side-to-side movement when retrieved. For more information, see our section on Spoons.
	STINKBAIT Is a mixture of some food spices and different ingredients which have odors that can attract certain fish species. For more information, see our section on Uncommon Fishing Baits.
	STRIKE (submitted by: cadthelad) To hook the fish by sweeping the rod up or to the side quickly but smoothly.
	SURGEON'S KNOT Is a variation of Fishing Knot which is done to tie two lengths of line with different widths. To learn how to make a Surgeon's Knot, see our section on Fishing Knots.
	SWIM FEEDER (submitted by: cadthelad) Plastic tubes of various sizes with drilled holes and either with or without plastic cap ends. Can also be metal cage tubes, usually without ends (also known as cage feeders). Used in ledger fishing (UK coarse)
	SWIVEL Is a Fishing Tools which helps reduce line twist. It is used when fishing for pike or pickerel with a relatively light Fishing Line. For more information, see our section on Swivels.
	TAPER Refers to the shape and the diameter of the Fly Line. Tapers come in five basic kinds. For more information, see our section on Features of Fly Lines.
	TREBLE HOOK Is another style of Fish Hooks that has one eye and shank with three points. For more information, see our section on Fish Hook Characteristics.
	UTILITY BOATS Are sometimes referred to as 'super utilities' or 'multispecies' boats because they are designed for various uses. For more information, see our section on Fishing Boat Types.
	WAGGLER (submitted by: cadthelad) Type of stick float of varying sizes and weights. Mainly used for most still freshwater fishing venues.
	WEEDLESS HOOK Is a style of Fish Hooks. It has one or more thin wires attached from the hook eye to the point. For more information, see our section on Fish Hook Characteristics.
	WEIR Is a fish trap. It is usually a barrier made to catch migrating adult fish upstream. For more information, see our section on Fishing History.