What is Microfishing?
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to fish then look no further than micro fishing. This fun and addictive hobby is more akin to bird watching or even Pokemon than traditional fishing and it’s quickly becoming a favorite pastime for anglers of all ages.
What is Life Listing?
If you’re an avid fisherman then you know the thrill of reeling in a big catch. But, have you ever thought about how many different species of fish you’ve caught? Enter the world of life listing. It’s a way to keep track of the species of fish you’ve caught on hook and line throughout your lifetime.
It’s a Unique and Addictive Challenge: Microfishing is all about the thrill of the chase. Anglers research, study, and target their catch, often trying to catch as many different species as possible or rare and difficult fish.
The Thrill of the Chase: Why Micro Fishing is Addictive
Some anglers even turn it into a competitive pursuit trying to catch as many different species as possible. Whether you’re keeping track for bragging rights or just for fun lifelisting can add a new level of excitement to your fishing adventures. So grab your tackle box and get ready to start ticking off those fish on your life list.
So what exactly is micro fishing? Well, it’s a type of angling that involves catching small fish species often those that are less than eight inches in length. Microfishing is all about the thrill of the chase as anglers research, study, target, and finally catch their quarry.
Lifelisting: Keeping Track of Your Catch
For some anglers, the goal is to catch as many different species as possible while others are more interested in the challenge of catching rare or difficult fish. There are even anglers who rate fish species based on levels of difficulty much like a video game.
Catch-and-Release: The Importance of Responsible Stewardship
It’s not just about the numbers or the challenge. Microfishing is centered around the fish themselves and anglers must be responsible stewards of the environment. Endangered or protected fish species are the angler’s responsibility to avoid and posing with a photo of a protected species can result in federal and state charges in some regions.
Some may argue that catch and release is only sporting and serves no purpose. We would strongly disagree. Micro fishing brings people into the outdoors where they see the tiny little fish in the ecosystem. They become aware of pollution in the waterways. No longer are these little fish invisible and unknown. People know about them now. They know that they must be protected from pollution. Out of sight and out of mind os no good for our nature.
How to Get Started in Microfishing
So how can you get started in micro fishing? First and foremost practice good catch-and-release practices. Keep the fish in the water or in a phototank, net, or bucket and wet your hands when handling fish to calm them down. If you take fish in hand photos keep the fish in and out of the water frequently and not for more than 20-30 seconds.
Educate Other Anglers About Micro Fishing
It’s also important to educate others about micro fishing and life listing practices. Most people in North America have no idea about the fish species micro anglers catch. Did you know that there are over 250 Darter species alone and some 1250-1300 freshwater fish species for the micro angler to pursue?
And while some micros are easier to catch than others any fish on earth will bite a bait on a hook.. The key is to not only look but to see. Train your eyes to spot the signs of small fish and be patient and persistent. Sometimes it takes several trips to catch a particular species but the thrill of finally catching it is worth the effort.
Microfishing is a fun and addictive hobby that’s taking the angling world by storm. With good catch-and-release practices and responsible stewardship of the environment, anyone can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of finally catching their quarry. So grab your gear and get ready to explore the world of micro fishing!
