FAQ and Glossary
Fishing Glossary
Backcast: The backward cast which the fly line and rod make behind the angler before it is cast forward.
Baitcaster: A reel designed with a revolving spool, primarily used for casting heavier lures and for trolling.
Barb: A backward-facing point on a fishhook that helps keep hooked fish from escaping.
Bite: The action of a fish when it tries to eat or grab a bait or lure.
Bottom Fishing: Fishing with bait or lure directed to the bottom, aiming for fish species that stay close to the seabed.
Braided Line: Strong fishing line made by braiding together strands of synthetic material.
Breakoff: When the line snaps or a fish escapes after being hooked.
Catch and Release (C&R): The practice of catching a fish and then releasing it back into the water alive.
Chumming: Throwing bait into the water to attract fish.
Circle Hook: A type of fishing hook with a curved shape, designed to hook the fish in the mouth rather than the gut.
Crankbait: A type of lure that dives beneath the surface when retrieved.
Drag: A mechanism on a reel that allows the line to be pulled off with some resistance when a fish fights.
Drop Shot: A technique wherein a weight is on the bottom and one or more baited hooks are above.
Fly Fishing: A fishing method using artificial flies cast with a special rod and line.
Gaff: A large metal hook attached to a handle, used for landing big fish.
Jig: A type of weighted bait or lure which is moved up and down (jigged) vertically in the water.
Leader: A short strand of material (often stronger than the main line) that’s attached to the main line on one end and the lure or bait on the other.
Lipless Crankbait: A type of crankbait without a diving lip that vibrates as it’s retrieved.
Live Well: A tank in boats used to keep bait or caught fish alive.
Lunker: Slang for a big fish, especially bass.
Monofilament: Single-strand, clear fishing line made from a variety of different plastics.
Poppers: Topwater lures that create a popping sound to imitate surface baitfish.
Reel: The device attached to a fishing rod where the line is wound.
Rod: A long and slender pole made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other materials, designed to cast and retrieve lures or bait, and fight fish.
Sinkers: Weights used to sink a lure or bait.
Spinnerbait: A lure with one or more blades that spin, and a skirted hook.
Spinning Reel: A reel with a fixed spool that sits underneath the rod, used mostly for casting lighter lures.
Spoons: Concave, oblong metal lures that wobble when retrieved or trolled.
Swivels: Small devices that allow bait or lures to spin without twisting the line.
Tackle: General term for fishing equipment.
Terminal Tackle: The gear attached to the very end of a fishing line, like hooks, leaders, swivels, sinkers, and snaps.
Topwater: Lures designed to float and be retrieved on the water’s surface.
Trolling: Fishing technique where lines with baited hooks or lures are dragged behind a boat.
Waders: Waterproof boots or pants that extend to the chest, used for walking in shallow waters.
Yield: Refers to the amount of fish harvested from a certain area over a specific period.
This glossary is a basic introduction to fishing terminology for both the novice and experienced angler. With time and experience on the water, any angler will become fluent in these and many other terms that make up the rich vocabulary of fishing. Tight lines!