Freshwater fishing can be broken down into two main categories; heavy tackle fishing and light tackle fishing. Heavy tackle fishing will normally cover largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, northern pike (pickerel), musky (muskellunge), carp, salmon, and striped bass. These are the more popularfish in the category, not necessarily the only ones.

Light tackle fishing would cover a group of fish such as yellow perch, white perch, crappie (also known as specks), trout, white bass, bluegill, and a multitude of other panfish species. There are also others that I would include in this category that can technically be a part of both categories, such as smallmouth bass.

While the types of fish can be broken down into these categories, fishing tackle and fishing accessories cover the entire spectrum. A crappie will eat a crankbait the same as a largemouth bass will eat a crankbait, and a trout slurps a worm with the same vigor as a walleye slurps a worm. It is all in how you apply the lures in size, color, and presentation that determines your target species.

Speaking of target species, always keep in mind that, in freshwater fishing, there is no fish filter. In the northern U.S., slow rolling a spinnerbait in pursuit of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, you inevitably are going to catch “by-catch” such as northern pike and walleye on that same spinnerbait. Also, in the southern U.S., jig fishing for crappie will lead to catching a wide array of panfish species, such as perch and white bass, on the same jigs throughout your fishing trip. This applies to just about any region, water body type, and fishing technique.

Regardless of what species and what style of fishing, fishing accessories can also be applied across the board. Products such as the Arm Anchor can provide relief from strained muscles and leverage for handling large fish such as largemouth bass and even muskellunge. Yet, in a different scenario, it provides added control and sensitivity when using light tackle and finesse in pursuit of crappie and trout. Some fishing accessories are essential, and in my opinion, the Arm Anchor is one of them.

By Robert Crawford