Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How Do I Catch Blue Tilapia on a Hook?

Blue tilapia is a fish often caught in a net or fish trap. Blue tilapia is also often farm-raised, which provides no sport when catching it for sale or distribution. While it is often easier to catch tilapia with a net, you can also use a hook to catch it. This style of fishing is best for sporting or for low-volume catches, such as a single fishermen looking to catch fish for one or two meals. Tilapia typically weigh less than 4 lbs., so it is possible to catch the fish using lightweight tackle. Find blue tilapia in rivers, lakes and ocean waters near freshwater. The islands of Hawaii and rivers feeding into the Gulf of Mexico are excellent locations to find blue tilapia.

Things You'll Need

Fly rod and reel
Small fishing hook
Worms
Hot dogs
Dog food
Flies
Small fishing net

Instructions

- 1
  Fish just before dawn in warm waters during spring or summer. Tilapia prefer water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Sprinkle the water with dog food to attract the fish. Hook the rod with your bait of choice. You can use worms, hot dogs or flies on the line.
- 3
  Throw the line into the water. Allow the hook and bait to float on the surface of the water. Wait until a blue tilapia bites the line, then jerk the line suddenly to hook the fish.
- 4
  Allow the fish to travel 50 to 100 yards from where you hooked it to help force the hook deep enough in the fish's mouth to reel it in. Reel the fish in slowly to avoid unhooking the tilapia. Keep a net on hand to capture the fish once you take it out of the water. Tilapia fight strongly once removed from the water.

Other Hobbies