How To Catch Tilapia

When fishing, you want to make sure that you are using the best techniques to get the best results. To an outsider, fishing is only sitting with a hook in your hand and waiting for a fish to catch the bait, but it requires much more skill than that.

In this article, we will be talking you through the best method to catch a tilapia. Every fish is different, so it is important to know how to catch your fish the right way.

Tilapia: What Is It?

Tilapia is the general name given to the species of freshwater fish and one of the most popular fish out there.

As this fish can be found on such a large scale, it has been given the nickname “aqua-chicken” and is available everywhere. 

However, many people question Tilapia for its authenticity, claiming it not to be a “real fish”. Tilapia is no longer found in the wild and is primarily a farm-raised fish. 

They are instead raised in freshwater systems where they feed on algae, and this in turn has some positive effects.

For one, by having these fish farm-raised, we are able to take control of their appearance, their growth and the quality of the flavor – it has even been said that Tilapia is the best choice for breastfeeding and pregnant women.

Catching Tilapia

Catching tilapia can be a difficult task for even pro-fishers out there. These fish are a handful, and that is because they are very flighty.

Furthermore, these fish are herbivores (feed on algae), so it can be difficult to choose the best bait. 

So, in order to know how to catch tilapia, it is necessary to go through a variety of steps to lead you to fishing success.

Spawning Season

The best time to fish for tilapia is during spawning season, the time for fish to release their eggs and sperm into the water.

During this time, you will find tilapia territorial and this is great for fishers as the fish aim to attack anything which gets in their way.

With a long fishing line and bait, tilapia will be quick to attack this, making this the perfect trap.

Location

It is important to be in the right location when it comes to fishing for tilapia. Every fish is different and can be located in different areas depending on the time of day.

For tilapia, when spawning you will find them in shallow water with plenty of vegetation – this is to keep them out of sight from any predators. 

When you know the location, you can then fish, but remember to be very cautious when approaching. Tilapia are flighty fish and are easily spooked. You do not want to scare them away.

Choosing Your Bait

In order to have an effective fishing session, you need to be prepared with the right bait.

You cannot just choose any bait for certain fish that have specific dietary requirements, so it is essential you have bait which will lead to the best results. 

Tilapia enjoy a diet of mainly plants, however the best bait which we highly recommend is bread balls.

Not only will this attract the fish, but you can buy this from any grocery store making the job much easier.

You can also choose to use artificial bait such as short lures which mimic small fish that can bring the Tilapia to you!

Tackle

When fishing for tilapia, a light tackle will be best as these fish are only small. It is recommended to use rods 6 feet to 7 feet and spool your reel with a 4 to 8 pound test monofilament fishing line.

It is necessary to have the correct equipment because this can affect the quality of your fishing and the end results. Remember, tilapia are small fish so it is important to adjust your tackle to suit this.

Posture

This is a step which not many people think about but which holds plenty of importance. It is known that tilapia anglers hold the rod horizontally and vertically but this is not the most ideal posture for hooking tilapia.

Instead, you should use downward sweeps for the best results. Fishing is not as simple as waiting for fish to catch onto your hook.

Fishing requires a lot of sitting and standing and this is enough to cause back pains if posture isn’t taken into consideration.

Catching A Tilapia

After much waiting and patience, you have finally caught yourself a tilapia. So, now what? First, we should look at the signs.

You will know you have caught something when you feel the fish fighting. When you feel this, wait for up to 5 seconds before raising your fishing rod up to set your hook.

Next, focus on your technique. Tilapia are very small fish and therefore are very fragile. Because of this, it is important to be gentle as if you are too harsh you may end up harming the fish.

Final Thoughts

Everyone who takes on fishing as an activity, whether that is an active passion or something new to try, needs to know the right from the wrong.

It can be easy for an inexperienced fisher to believe that fishing is easy, but that is far from reality. 

Because each fish is different, fishing requires a lot more skill than many think.

Tilapia are one of the hardest fish species to fish for and this is down to a number of factors – they are fast, they are easily spooked, they are flighty.

Because of this, it is important to have a successful method to hook them in. 

As these fish are so small, you need to have a light tackle as this is best suited for this species.

Furthermore, their size also means they are fragile so when a catch is made it is important to be careful so that you do not harm them.

Location is also essential; you should know when to be in the right place at the right time if you want to get a nibble. 

When it comes to catching fish, it is usually recommended to release the fish back into the water but with tilapia this is the opposite.

So, when you do get a catch, be proud and keep this fish knowing that you are benefitting their population.