How to go Tree Limb Fishing

There are many different ways to fish. One way I'd like to discuss is called "Tree Limb' or "Limb Line" Fishing. This is an all together different style of fishing.

Tree Limb fishing can be done with or without a boat. It just depends on where and how you set your lines out. One thing that you must do though is check your lines often. By checking your lines often, you can prevent them from getting tangled and you will also get fresher fish.

Limb lines vary in length and in strength. It depends on what you are fishing for. Sometimes it is best to plan for larger (heavier) fish. However, if you are on a bond or stream, where you know the fish or small, then you can use a less weighted line.

With limb lines, you can fish at different depths. There are some State Conservation Departments that have strict rules on the use of limb lines, so it is best to know what is allowable.

Basically what you do, is cut several lines from a spool of string. You then tie a hook and a weight to them. This can be done two ways. You can place the hook at the bottom of the line or you can place it on another lead line that rests above the weight. However, if you do this, you can expect entanglement. The other end or the free end of the line has a loop tied onto it. Be sure the loop is very tight. The loop should be large enough to get the hook and weight through it.

You next have to decide where to place these lines at. If the water is deep along the bank side, you can tie the line to a limb from the bank area, bait it, and place it into the fishing area. Sometimes you might need a boat to go out and place a line farther out from the bank. If you are fishing for Catfish, set the lines deep in the water. This means that some lines will be longer than others. Catfish are scavengers and stay deep in the lakes, ponds, or streams.

If you are after Bluegill, Bass, or Sun Perch, then the lines don't have to be so deep. They can be anywhere from 3 feet to a few inches from the top of the water level. I have seen some of these with bobbers or corks on them also. That way it is easier to tell if you have had a successful catch. However, if you are fishing in a stream that has a strong current, you won't need a bobber or cork. The current and bobber would only force the hook and bait up higher in the water.

You can use many different types of bait. It is important to keep fresh bait on your lines though. Fish are attracted better to live bait than dead or still bait. Some people like to use minnows because they swim and create a good water action. But, you can use just about any type of bait. Here are some ideas. Worms, grubs, grasshoppers, dough bait, cottonseed, liver are just a few that you can use.

Liver or any type of bait that has blood is great for Catfish. The upper surface fish love live bait like worms and minnows.

As I said earlier, it is important to check your lines often. Be sure not to exceed your limit on fish. Check with the State regulations on what is allowable for your take.

Lastly, when you are finished, please remove your lines. You can save them and use them for another time. Tree lines left out can be dangerous to other people. If people go swimming or wading, they could get caught up in them. So you have a responsibility for removing them.

If you are in an area where a lot of people are using limb lines, then you need to place a tag on them. the tag is placed at the top by the limb. This way, people will know who's lines belong to who. Sometimes, Game Wardens will want to check to see if you have a license or permit. It helps them to know who they are talking to if they check you out. They really appreciate this. It also makes you appear as a responsible fisherman, too.

Limb line fishing has been around for a long time. It is a great way to fish as long as you don't abuse the method.