3491 State Route 235
Fairborn Ohio, 45324-9416
(937) 318-5757
Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Rainbow Lakes, Inc. All rights reserved.
On this page
we tell you how
to catch fish
at
Rainbow Lakes
Choosing the right equipment, bait and technique for the specific species is important in catching any fish but don't overlook patience. Remember to be patient, relax and enjoy fishing. The fish bite when they want to, not when you want them to. Being patient and having fun makes fishing fun for everyone.
When choosing rods, choose a rod suitable for the fish you are after and one appropriate for the style of reel you intend to use. When choosing reels, choose a reel heavy enough to get the job done but one you are comfortable using. When choosing lines, we recommend high quality lines. Your line is the only connection between you and your trophy fish. The better quality line you choose the less fish you will loose. The same is true for the terminal tackle you choose (ie. hooks, swivels, leaders).
Below are some suggestions that we think should help you catch more fish and have the most fun at Rainbow Lakes.
RODS: 7'-0" to 9'-0" length, medium to medium-heavy action rod works well.
REELS: Both open face and bait casting reels are good choices for channel.
LINE: Use good quality 10lb to 20lb line like Stren or Berkley trilene low memory.
LEADERS: 20lb to 30lb Berkley Big Game Florocarbon leader material 12" to 18" length. Wire leaders are not allowed at Rainbow.
HOOKS: #1 or #2 bait holder hooks (Mustad, Eagleclaw, Gamakatsu or Owner) work great. Sizes can range from #1 to 1/0. Circle hooks work good for catch and release.
SWIVELS: 50lb to 80lb
FLOATS: (bobbers) 7" length or smaller.
SINKERS: Egg sinkers are best for lake and pond fishing.
NETS: A properly sized landing net is very important to the catch and release care of your fish. You should avoid handling a fish any more than necessary and should always use a landing net.
GENERAL: For Channel cats in pay lakes use soft baits.
LIVE BAITS: Night crawlers, minnows, small bluegills.
FROZEN BAITS: Shrimp, Chicken Liver.
CUT BAITS: Creek Chubs, Small Bluegills.
PRE-PACKAGED BAITS: Soft scented baits, Blood bait, Liver Bait.
RODS: 8'-0" to 10'-0" length, medium heavy to extra heavy action rod works well.
REELS: Both large open face and bait casting reels are good choices for Flathead.
LINE: Use good quality 20lb to 30lb line like Stren or Berkley trilene low memory.
LEADERS: 30lb to 60lb Berkley Big Game Florocarbon leader material 12" to 18" length. Wire leaders are not allowed at Rainbow.
HOOKS: 3/0 to 10/0 hooks (Mustad, Eagleclaw, Gamakatsu or Owner) work great. Circle hooks work good for catch and release.
SWIVELS: 60lb to 150lb
FLOATS: (bobbers) 8" to 12" length weighted or un-weighted.
SINKERS: Egg sinkers are best for lake and pond fishing.
NETS: A properly sized landing net is very important to the catch and release care of your fish. You should avoid handling a fish any more than necessary and should always use a landing net.
GENERAL: The best baits for Flatheads are large live fish.
LIVE BAITS: Gizzard Shad, Gold Fish, Creek Chubs, bluegills and other live fish.
FROZEN BAITS: Not recommended.
CUT BAITS: Not recommended.
PRE-PACKAGED BAITS: Not recommended.
RODS: 8'-0" to 12'-0" length, medium heavy to extra heavy action rod works well.
REELS: Both large open face and bait casting reels are good choices for Blues.
LINE: Use good quality 20lb to 40lb line like Stren or Berkley trilene low memory.
LEADERS: 30lb to 60lb Berkley Big Game Florocarbon leader material 12" to 18" length. Wire leaders are not allowed at Rainbow.
HOOKS: 3/0 to 10/0 hooks (Mustad, Eagleclaw, Gamakatsu or Owner) work great. Circle hooks work good for catch and release.
SWIVELS: 60lb to 150lb
FLOATS: (bobbers) 8" to 12" length weighted or un-weighted.
SINKERS: Egg sinkers are best for lake and pond fishing.
NETS: A properly sized landing net is very important to the catch and release care of your fish. You should avoid handling a fish any more than necessary and should always use a landing net.
GENERAL: The baits of choice for Blues are cut baits. Live fish also work.
LIVE BAITS: Gizzard Shad, Gold Fish, Creek Chubs, bluegills and other live fish.
FROZEN BAITS: Not recommended.
CUT BAITS: Large size cut bait. Use head first, then other sections of bait.
PRE-PACKAGED BAITS: Not recommended.
GENERAL: For Carp in pay lakes use soft scented baits.
LIVE BAITS: Not recommended.
FROZEN BAITS: Not Recommended.
CUT BAITS: Not recommended.
PRE-PACKAGED BAITS: Soft scented baits, Strawberry, Vanilla, Mulberry, Garlic.
PREPARED BAITS: Soft Corn mix, Potato mix, Wheaties, Corn Flakes, fruit flavors such as strawberry, Pineapple. There are many recipes available on-line.
If you have your own fish catching technique or bait recipe and would like to share it, please E-mail it to us. We'll review it, test it & if it works we'll post it here.
RODS: 7'-0" to 9'-0" length, medium to medium-heavy action rod works well.
REELS: Both open face and bait casting reels are good choices for carp.
LINE: Use good quality 15lb to 25lb line like Stren or Berkley trilene low memory.
LEADERS: Not required. Wire leaders are not allowed at Rainbow.
HOOKS: Use the smallest bait holder hooks (no treble hooks) you can get away with (Mustad, Eagleclaw, Gamakatsu or Owner) work great. Sizes can range from #1 to #12.
SWIVELS: 50lb to 80lb
FLOATS: Not required. Carp are bottom feeders.
SINKERS: Egg sinkers are best for lake and pond fishing.
NETS: A properly sized landing net is very important to the catch and release care of your fish. You should avoid handling a fish any more than necessary and should always use a landing net.
Pound for Pound, carp fishing can be a lot of fun and they give a great fight. Rigged with the equipment suggested above, do not use a float. Carp are primarily bottom feeders. Use a small hook. Carp like soft baits such as those suggested above. Do not use hard corn or hard baits, it takes too long for them to eat it. Pack your bait in 1" to 2" elongated balls, making them firm enough to stay on the hook when casting.
Once you get the bait to the bottom, place your rod in a fixed position, keeping your line snug to the bait. Adjust the drag, open the bail or set your clicker so the fish can take line without pulling your rod into the lake and let the fish do the rest. When he runs with the line, be ready to set the hook. Remember, carp will follow the scent of your baits, If they like it they will eat it.
If you have your own fish catching technique or bait recipe and would like to share it, please E-mail it to us. We'll review it, test it & if it works we'll post it here.
Big Blue cats are true trophy fish. Use strong equipment and get ready for the fight of your life. Rigged with the equipment suggested above, use a 8" to 12" float. For Blues depth is the key. Use a strong hook. Blues like large cut baits such as those suggested above. When using cut baits, use the head first, and then sections of the rest. Rig your float with enough weight to let it stand up and first set the depth about 1 foot off the bottom. Adjust your depth until you find the depth the fish are using, don't wait till they come to you. Wait no more than 20 minutes at each depth.
Once you get the bait in position, place your rod in a fixed position, keeping your line snug to the bait. Adjust the drag, open the bail or set your clicker so the fish can take line without pulling your rod into the lake and let the fish do the rest. When he runs with the line, be ready to set the hook.
If you have your own fish catching technique or bait recipe and would like to share it, please E-mail it to us. We'll review it, test it & if it works we'll post it here.
Big Flathead cats are powerful fish. Use strong equipment and get ready for the fight of your life. Rigged with the equipment suggested above, use a 8" to 12" float. For Flatheads, depth is the key. Use a strong hook. Flatheads feed almost exclusively on live baits such as those suggested above. Use live baits averaging in size from 2" to 7". Rig your float with enough weight to let it stand up and first set the depth about 1 foot off the bottom. Adjust your location and depth until you find the depth the fish are using. Wait no more than 20 minutes at each depth.
Once you get the bait in position, place your rod in a fixed position, keeping your line snug to the bait. Adjust the drag, open the bail or set your clicker so the fish can take line without pulling your rod into the lake and let the fish do the rest. When he runs with the line, be ready to set the hook.
If you have your own fish catching technique or bait recipe and would like to share it, please E-mail it to us. We'll review it, test it & if it works we'll post it here.
Channel cats are good biters and strong fighters. They are one of the easiest to catch and good eating too. Rigged with the equipment suggested above, use a 7" or smaller float. For Channel cats, depth is the key. Channels feed on a variety of baits such as those suggested above. Don't put a lot of bait on the hook. One night crawler, or one piece of shrimp, or one chub head, or one piece of bluegill. Rig your float with enough weight to let it stand up and first set the depth about 1 foot off the bottom. Adjust your location and depth until you find the depth the fish are using. Wait no more than 20 minutes at each depth. If bottom fishing for channels, just bait up, and cast out.
Once you get the bait in position, place your rod in a fixed position, keeping your line snug to the bait. Adjust the drag, open the bail or set your clicker so the fish can take line without pulling your rod into the lake and let the fish do the rest. When he runs with the line, be ready to set the hook.
Remember to be patient, relax and enjoy your time fishing.
