Carolina Rig

A method of attaching soft plastic lures, worms, etc to a hook in such a manner that the hook is contained within the plastic. This greatly lessens the chances of catching obstructions and weeds, however penetrating when the hook is set from a strike.

Canadian Shield

A huge geographical rock formation which spans much of Eastern Ontario and extends down into the northern United States, and home to mostly oligotrophic lakes.

Cane Pole

An inexpensive long pole can from bamboo without a fishing reel or rod used for making short casting presents of bait.

Canoe

Very popular small boats generally used for fishing in very calm, small waters such as rivers, small lakes, ponds and streams.

Carbon Fiber

A term for graphite.

Cast Net

A circular net with fringe weights that is known for collecting bait fish.

Casting

The primary method of delivering or presenting a lure or bait attached to the end of a rod by line. The lure or bait is thrown or launched to a desired area or target and can be done at close range or long range. Casting can be considered an art form in many instances, such as in fly fishing.

Catadromous

These are fish that migrate from freshwater lakes, rivers and streams to saltwater bodies of water for spawning purposes.

Catch and Release

this is a term for the ethical and traditional voluntary practice of returning a caught fish to it’s environment instead of keeping it for consumption, etc. Catch and release practices are in many cases a voluntary practice, however, due to some species scarcity and numbers caught, catch and release fishing has become legislated to help preserve stocks and ensure a sport fishing future for generations to come. Please refer to our section on Catch and Release practices in the Fishing Basics section.

Caudal

Pertaining to the tail/rear.

Cedar Jig

An old-time saltwater trolling lure used for schooling fish.

Channel

An area that contains continuously or periodically flowing water, such as a river or a stream, and is generally confined by banks and a stream bed.

Chuggers

A specific type of lure with an indented or concave face which catches water when retrieved in a jerking fashion, producing a popping or “chugging” sound.

Chum Bag

A mesh bag or sack filled with chum and lowered into the water next to a boat to attract fish.

Chum Line

Continuous underwater trail of chum and chum particles that is carried away from a boat by tide and or current.

Chum Pot

A galvanised wire mesh baske-tlike pot with a hinged lid that is filled with ground chum and lowered into the water to attract fish.

Chum Slick

The oily surface of the water above a chum line.

Chumming

The use of ground-up or cut-up bait to attract fish close to the boat, or in some cases the ice-fishing hole, which can sometimes cause enough attraction to cause a feeding burst or frenzy.

Cleaning Fish

The techniques and processes, such as filleting, scaling and removing the internal organs, for preparing fish for consumption.

Coaster

A brook trout that leaves its natal stream and spends part of the year in large, deep clear lakes, cruising close to the shore.

Cold-blooded

fish where their body temperature is not internally regulated.

Copepods

A nautical term for rope or line.

Crankbait

Lures that float, however, deeply dive when retrieved. Generally most crankbaits have large front lower lip which causes a bait fish “simulation” or swimming action upon retrieval.

Creel

Breathing fish baskets or containers that are generally worn over the shoulder or fastened to your belt. Traditional creels are made from wicker and are lightweight as are the more current canvas creels. In addition to holding fish, creels often have compartments for tackle as well.

Creel Survey

A fisheries management tool for estimating anglers catches.

Current

The flow of water, or the speed of water flow.

Cut Bait

Refers to various natural predator baits, such as strips of shad, cut into pieces and used as bait.

Cutplug

A wooden or plastic trolling plug with a large scooped face, lipless head and a body that tapers to a point at the tail.

 

If you have a term or definition you think we should add, please ‘Contact Us’ and we’ll include in our glossary.