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Fishing Terminology

Friday, 09 January 2026

Understanding fishing terminology is key for any angler. This guide provides definitions for common terms used in the sport.

Gear and Equipment

Term	Definition
Rod	The main pole used for casting and retrieving line.
Reel	The device attached to the rod that holds the line and is used to retrieve it.
Line	The cord, typically monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid, that connects the reel to the hook or lure.
Leader	A section of line, usually stronger or less visible than the main line, tied between the main line and the lure/hook.
Fly	An artificial lure, constructed of feathers, fur, and other materials, designed to imitate insects or small baitfish.
Lure	An artificial bait designed to attract fish.
Hook	A sharp, curved piece of metal used to catch fish.
Swivel	A small connector used to prevent line twist.

Actions and Techniques

Term	Definition
Casting	The action of throwing the line and lure/bait out into the water.
Retrieve	The action of reeling the line back in.
Setting the Hook	A sharp pull on the rod to embed the hook in the fish's mouth once a bite is felt.
Landing	The action of successfully bringing a hooked fish into a net or onto the bank/boat.
Trolling	Fishing by drawing a lure or bait through the water behind a moving boat.
Drifting	Fishing by allowing the boat or bait to move naturally with the current or wind.
Stripping Line	Pulling line off the reel by hand, often in fly fishing, to present the fly.
Catch and Release	The practice of immediately returning a caught fish to the water.

Locations and Conditions

Term	Definition
Riffle	A shallow, fast-moving section of a river or stream.
Pool	A deep, slow-moving section of a river or stream.
Eddy	A current of water that runs contrary to the main current, often found behind obstructions.
Structure	Any physical object in the water (logs, rocks, weeds, etc.) that attracts fish.
Hole	A deep area in a body of water.
Drop-off	A location where the bottom contour of a body of water descends quickly.

Fish Behavior

Term	Definition
Strike	When a fish bites or attacks the bait or lure.
Run	When a hooked fish rapidly takes line off the reel.
Rise	When a fish comes to the surface to feed, often associated with fly fishing for trout.
School	A large group of the same type of fish swimming together.