How to snag a Paddlefish
There are two ways to hook a paddlefish – manpower and boat power. The one thing you won’t need is a lure of any kind. Paddlefish feed on microscopic plankton and will not bite a lure, instead they are caught by dragging a hook and a weight through the water until you snag a paddlefish.
Many anglers, especially when fishing the moving water of rivers, prefer to cast out and reel the hook back in. The key to this technique is to make long sweeps with your rod away from your hook and then reel the slack line up as you point your rod tip back towards your hook. Herky-jerky action will only make you tired and sore. The more time your hook is moving through the water, the better chance you have of hooking a fish.
Other anglers, especially early in the season in the upper end of lakes, find the most success by trolling. If you see a boat driving back and forth or in lazy circles early in the spring, there is a good chance they are dragging a line, hook and weight behind the boat. Anglers that use this method watch for their rod tip to thump, grab the rod and reel and then hang on for a fight.
If you are new to paddlefishing, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your fellow anglers on the water or at the bait shop. Most anglers are more than happy to pass on a few tips.
PADDLEFISH TACKLE
Remember paddlefish are large so you have to think
BIG when selecting your tackle.
Below is a list of suggested tackle you should have in order to increase
success.
- 10 to 12 ft. heavy action rod
- Large capacity reel
- 50 lb. test line
- 10/0 to 12/0 treble hook
- 5 oz. to 1 lb. of weight. (Depending on if you are trolling or bank
fishing)