Few outdoor activities are as long-held, popular, and enjoyable as fishing. Fishing the current, otherwise known as fishing in a river or reservoir, is an even more involved and immersive experience that gives you access to a whole new set of species, including cod, salmon, bass, carp, and catfish. The next time you head out on an excursion, using the tips outlined in the following guide can help ensure your success. 

How to Successfully Fish the Current

1. Look for Eddies

River eddies are one of the most densely inhabited fish habitats, making them excellent for large-scale catches. Fast-moving water is driven around an impediment that protrudes into the water from the shore, such as a boulder or sandbar. Bubbles on the water's surface will often reveal their position because they become stuck in the whirling flow. Fish like to linger in these areas because insects and other fish eat items routinely washed into them. Fish may work less and wait for food to float toward them, since the water is calmer than the surrounding rapids.

2. Choose the Right Bait

Plugs, often known as crankbaits, are among the best lures for current fishing. These hard lures resemble little target fish, and the tip of the plug has a thin, movable sheet that helps it wriggle in the water and appear alive. This draws fish up from the bottom of the river, making them easier to catch. The majority of these lures will float on the surface, and you may attract fish by reeling and pulling fast, then letting it settle for a few seconds.

3. Check the Direction of the Current

The current's direction will generally help you figure out how the fish are moving. They will move with the tide rather than against it in most cases. To determine the direction, simply place your hand in the water and observe which side you feel pressure on and which side you feel pulling.

For all your fishing needs, turn to J&M Tackle in Orange Beach, AL. Since 1988, this local shop has offered an extensive inventory of high-quality products and apparel, from fishing rods to bait. Visit the website to explore their inventory, or call (251) 981-5460 to speak with a team member.