
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/angler-fishing-north-sea-waters-3071970/
As a veteran angler, you’ve performed a countless number of overhead and side casts. Why not try something new?
Believe it or not, there are many alternative methods of fishing out there. If you’re looking for a challenge, give one of these outside-the-box fishing techniques a go.
1.Calling a Fish In
Hunters can speak to the effectiveness of using a call to attract game such as turkey and deer. It may sound crazy, but certain fish also respond to calls.
At first glance, the idea of attracting fish through sound seems counterintuitive. One of the first lessons you learn as a young angler is to remain as quiet while out on the lake. But sometimes, this isn’t the best strategy. Dedicated striped bass anglers, for example, swear by hitting the sides of their boat with a wooden paddle to draw in fish. Some even choose to add a rubber tip to their pole to soften the sound.
And it’s not hard to understand why. Sound travels about four times faster and further through the water. Naturally, fish developed a strong sense of hearing and the ability to detect vibrations. If you’re still skeptical, give it a try for yourself.
2.Tickling a Trout

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/water-lake-river-swimming-13861437/
It’s exactly what it sounds like.
You don’t need any high-end fishing gear to pull off this technique. All you need to do is walk down to your nearest lake or stream, find a trout, stick your hand under the water, and tickle its belly. Oddly enough, the fish will go limp, allowing you to scoop it up and take it with you.
As ridiculous as it sounds, this technique has been popular for thousands of years. This technique isn’t easy to pull off. But, considering how little you need to do it, why not give it a shot?
3.Bowfishing
This is another one that’s self-explanatory: Grab a bow and arrow, head out to your local waterway, and fire away at the first fish you see.
Okay, it’s not that simple. Bowfishing requires you to hit a target that moves unpredictably. Plus, it’s underwater, which can affect the momentum of a shot if you fire at a fish that isn’t swimming in shallow waters. Bowfishing bows and arrows are also slightly different from normal bows; they usually have fishing line attached so you can reel in your catch after you’ve hit it.
Most importantly, not all fish are eligible for bowfishing. You aren’t permitted to hunt gamefish in most states. That said, there are plenty of species you can pursue, including carp, Garfish, and Flounder. Grab your bowfishing gear, find a stream near you with fish you are permitted to bowfish, and head on out.
4.Skishing
Skishing is for the type of angler who also enjoys extreme sports. Like its name implies, it’s a combination of skiing and fishing.
To skish, you either swim out into a lake, stream, or ocean, then cast your line while treading water. Whenever a fish bites, it will pull you along with it. You just need to hold on and reel it in while enjoying the ride.
Skishing is certainly not an easy way to fish. Only try this technique if you are an experienced swimmer and angler. Before heading out, be sure to monitor water conditions. If the current or undertow is too strong, save this technique for another day.
5.Building a Dam
If the last technique was a bit too extreme for you, you’ll love this one.
Dam building is exactly as it sounds. First, you find a shallow stream in which fish are plentiful. Then, you use the materials available to you to construct a dam, with options ranging from logs and sticks to rocks and fallen trees.
Once you’ve built a dam, it becomes a waiting game. If you’ve built a dam that is too tall for fish to jump over and reaches the bottom of the stream, you’ll trap a few eventually. From there, the choice is yours to either grab them with your hands or cast a line and reel them in.
6.Drone Fishing
Everyone uses drones these days, including photographers, farmers, the military — and now, even anglers.
Modern drone technology has made it easier than ever to drone fish. There are many waterproof drones available on the market today that are ideal options for anglers who want to try out drone fishing. Drone fishing is also simple. You attach the reel to a mechanism on the drone and then move it out over open water using the remote. When you find a spot you like, you then release the reel using a button on the remote. Once you get a bite, it’s just a matter of bringing the drone back to shore.
Be Adventurous
Experimenting with new techniques is never easy, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. Give one of these techniques a try on your next trip. Good luck out there!