Tilapia Fishing for Dummies
Popular tilapia fishing spots can be found in many tropical and sub-tropical areas across the world. Tilapia are a good tasting, sizable and relatively easy fish to catch that inhabit these warm climates. Their stock also replenishes quickly, so there are usually no restrictions on catching them. They are also a 'fighter' type fish, so make for a great hunt for a game fisherman.
The Setting
Tilapia prefer warm, still water or water that has a very slow current. Knowing this will help to isolate the best place to catch the elusive tilapia. Because of these conditions, tilapia fishing is often done from a boat on a lake or standing in the shallows of a slow-moving river. Mexico and the Central American States are also popular destinations for tilapia fishers which are affordable for American tourists. For the perfect holiday though, lakes and lagoons in South East Asia are also perfect for tilapia fishing.
The Time
The best time to go out tilapia fishing is just before dawn when they are feeding. A fisherman can wade out into shallow water to catch them or boat out. They like to gather in reedy areas near the shore to scavenge for food. They often eat water flora, but just as the sun rises, they will feast on insects just above or sitting on the surface of the water. The fish become lethargic during the day and will not approach the surface of the water and at night they are asleep. This is why dawn is the best time to go tilapia fishing.
The Method
Tilapia fishing is best done with a fishing rod fitted out for fly fishing, because they like to chase their prey and will go for fast-moving food instead of sitting bait. The rod needs to be cast out onto the surface of the water and slowly pulled back so the dry-fly looks like an insect skittering on the surface of the water. The tilapia will attempt to swallow the bait whole as is their habit with insects. They do not nibble at this time of the day. It is possible to fish for tilapia with a more conventional setup, but it is not as efficient as the fly fishing method. It's important to yank at the line to set the hook in the fish's mouth when it bites, as they can flip about in crazy directions and let go if the fisherman is not quick enough. Tilapia are a very hyperactive fish and will immediately race away once hooked, but they are not known for jumping so will not spit the hook out. Let the fish swim for a bit (about 50-100 yards) and then begin to reel it in. Do not pull back at this point as the hook might come free. Keep the rod straight and steady and reel the fish in slowly but surely. They won't fight too much once in sight, but will violently start thrashing about once they are pulled from the water so a net is needed at this point.
Eating Tilapia
Many popular tilapia recipes and ways to cook the fish are available on the Internet. They can be fried, grilled, pan fried or baked. They taste great with various herbs and spices such as lemon, pepper, parsley, peanut oil, white wine, garlic. Spicier varieties are Tabasco sauce, hot peppers. They can be fried in butter and vegetable oils as well. Tilapia fishing is a very popular camping activity, with the fish being roasted or baked in a campfire for lunch or dinner fresh on the day they are caught.