True Anglers Should Know These Fishing Terms

Almost any hobby comes with its own set of terms. For anglers, these terms include “barb,” “brackish,” “fishfinder” and many more. There’s no shame in not knowing all the lingo, as a multitude of angler terms have developed over the years. Go over the list below and see which terms you want to use on one of your next fishing tours or trips in Alaska. You probably already recognize a lot of these terms, but if not, now is a good time to brush up:

• Angler: An angler is anyone who goes fishing. You could even call your friend who’s only been fishing once or twice an angler.
• Bait: Bait is whatever you’re using to attract fish, which might include earthworms, minnows, shrimp, live crickets and more. There are plenty of artificial bait options as well.
• Barb: This is the small, sharp indentation located near the point of your fishing hook. The barb is designed to stop a fish from slipping off the hook after you’ve caught it.
• Bobber: This is the plastic object that floats above the water after your line is cast. Usually red and white in color, bobbers adjust to the depth at which you want your bait to sink.
• Brackish: This term is used to describe fresh water that features a slight salt content. This type of water occurs when saltwater meets fresh water.
• Casting spoon: A type of lure that often features a shiny piece of metal or plastic attached to a hook.
• Catch and release: A type of fishing that involves releasing any fish you’ve caught back into the water. People who don’t enjoy eating fish, or who have caught an endangered or regulated fish species, often practice this type of fishing.
• Chumming: This involves attracting fish to your area by pouring a mixture of fish parts and other types of bait into the water near your boat.
• Fishfinder: An interesting electronic device that uses sound to help detect fish.
• Fish on: This is a phrase to use when you have a fish on your hook. It tells everyone in your area that you need room to reel the fish in.
• Jig: A type of lure that features a small piece of lead and a hook. Colorful fish-shaped objects are often attached to jig lures in order to attract fish.
• Jigging: A type of fishing that involves bouncing a lure up and down while it’s underwater.
• Line: A specialized cord that is utilized with most types of fishing. They can vary in length and thickness, depending on the type of fishing you’re doing. There are several different types of lines, including polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, nylon and more.
• Sinker: A small piece of metal that attaches to your line and allows your bait to sink.
• Tackle box: A convenient place to put all your different lures and other supplies.

There are a multitude of fishing terms that anglers in Alaska use, but the ones above will help you get started. If you’re looking to learn more fishing terms and have one of the best fishing trips of your life, contact Phantom Tri-River Charters today to learn about our Alaskan fishing excursions.