Basic Fishing Terminology

The following are some basic definitions to help Anglers enjoy and understand the sport of fishing.

Contribute to the community. We are looking to build the most complete and exhaustive fishing glossary. If you know of any additional fishing terms that are not listed please email them to glossary@luv2fishsoftware.com.

Fisherman – Anyone that fishes, man or woman

Artificial Bait – rubber, plastic, wood (anything but fresh bait)

Bird nest – A bad tangle that happens when you do not apply the proper amount of pressure with your thumb on a level wind.

Doormat – Large fluke over 8lbs (some say double digit, but in my neck of the woods, a 8 pounder is real sweet)

Skinny water – Shallow water between 2 to 4ft

Dead sticking – When rod is left unattended in the rod holder

Fluorocarbon - Invisible line under water to use as a leader.

Bucktail – Artificial lure with hair from a deer’s tail.

Live lining – Live bait is hooked up to catch a fish

One more drift – What Capt. Barb says all the time because she never wants to stop fishing.

Spearing – Minnow, used to catch Fluke

Popper – Artificial lure that runs on the surface making noise and splashes to attract predators.

Seine - A large fishing net made to catch spearing.

Shoal - A ridge or bar made up of mud, sand or gravel sediments.

Snikies – Term Capt. Barb says when she cannot curse.

Skunked – Zippo fish caught that day.

Spooled – You hooked into a fish so big, he took all your line.

Structure – ledge, drop-offs, humps, change in depth, rocks, wrecks, boulders, anything that causes a disturbance in the water.

Tight lines – Wishing everyone that fishes to have a tight line from catching a fish.