2024 Fishing Year in Review: Catches, New Skills, and Spot Recommendations

My 2024 Fishing Stats: A Blur of Rods, Reels, and Fresh Catches

Let me start by saying: if you asked me to count exactly how many times I fished in 2024, I’d stare at you like you just asked me to name every single fish that swims in the Yangtze. It was a lot. Like, weekly 3 trips minimum a lot. I lost track after the 10th weekend in a row where I chose fishing over folding laundry (sorry, laundry basket—you’re still full).

When it comes to total weight? I’d ballpark it at 10-15 kilograms (so, 20-30 pounds for my US friends). I never bothered weighing every single catch—who has time for that when you’re already unhooking the next bite? The biggest single haul from one trip? Around 5 kilograms (10 pounds) of mixed fish, which had me grinning so hard my cheeks hurt for days. And the biggest individual fish? A chunky 1.5-kilogram (3-pound) carp that put up a fight like it was trying to win an Olympic gold medal.

But the real win this year? The list of new species I checked off my fishing bucket list. Let’s run them down: crabs, carp, bream, catfish, stone moroko, mandarin fish, topmouth culter, and silver carp. The wildest part? I caught nearly all of these in “gang” waters—you know, those narrow, winding waterways that most people drive past without a second glance. Total game-changer, no lie.

The Most Memorable Catch of the Year (And My Big Oops Moments)

Every angler has that one catch that replays in their head when they’re supposed to be working, and mine from 2024 is no exception. Picture this: I showed up to a random spot with a last-minute bag of store-bought “all-purpose fishy” bait (I wasn’t even trying that hard), and bam—within 20 minutes, I hauled in 5 kilograms (10 pounds) of crucian carp. The fish were practically jumping onto my hook; the bite was that hot.

But here’s the thing about fishing: for every epic win, there’s a equally epic mistake. And mine that day? I was so unprepared. I brought a flimsy soft rod that bent like a noodle under the weight of the bigger carp. My fishing net was tiny—like, “made for goldfish” tiny—so I had to juggle three fish at once while trying not to drop any in the mud. I even forgot to bring an extra bag for the catch, so I ended up stuffing them in a reusable grocery bag (thankfully, it was a sturdy one).

Here’s the lesson, though: the best part of fishing isn’t always the haul. It’s the mess-ups that teach you to double-check your gear the next time. Now, I always keep a “emergency backup rod” in my car and a giant fishing net that could probably hold a small dog. You live, you learn—you learn so you don’t have to explain to your partner why you’re bringing home fish in a tote bag with a cat on it.

My Go-To Fish of 2024: Bream, the Low-Effort High-Reward Champion

If I had to pick a fish that carried my 2024 fishing season, it’s bream. Hands down. Why? Because those little guys are like the fast food of the fishing world—easy to find, easy to catch, and super satisfying when you’re looking for a quick win.

The waterways I fished were loaded with bream, especially in the summer. The trick? Fish near the surface, about one float’s depth down. That’s it. No fancy bait, no complicated rigs. They have the most aggressive bites I’ve ever seen—one second your float’s sitting still, the next it’s diving like it’s trying to reach the center of the Earth. The float movement is so obvious, even a beginner could nail the hook set. I’d reel in 10+ bream in a single hour on a good day. If you’re having a slow day and need a confidence boost, go chase bream. You won’t regret it.

New Skill I Mastered: Micro Fishing for Tiny (But Tasty!) Fish

This year, I decided to branch out from chasing big fish and give micro fishing a try—you know, targeting those tiny little fish that most people ignore. Let me tell you, it’s way more fun than it sounds.

Here’s the rig I used:

• 0.5-1 size sleeve hooks (tiny enough to fit on your fingernail)
• 37-tonality 3.6-meter soft rod (super flexible, perfect for small bites)
• 0.8 main line and 0.4 leader line (thin, but surprisingly strong)
• Seven-star float fished near the surface

Did it work? Oh, did it ever. I caught so many whitebait that I lost count after the 5th plate (yes, plate—we fried them up for dinner that night). Micro fishing is a total game of patience, but there’s something weirdly satisfying about feeling those tiny little tugs on your line and reeling in a fish that’s smaller than your phone. Plus, it’s a great way to pass the time when the big fish aren’t biting.

The Great Fishing Spot Hunt: I’ve Lost Count, But I’ve Got Recommendations

Let’s be real: every angler’s life is split into two parts: either you’re fishing, or you’re driving around looking for a new spot to fish. 2024 was no different for me. I must have tried 20+ different spots—some were duds, some were absolute goldmines, and most were somewhere in between. I never found that “perfect” fixed spot where I could go every weekend and count on a haul, but that’s part of the fun, right? Every new spot is a mystery—you never know what you’ll catch until you cast your line.

But since I know you’re all begging for a tip, I’ll share one spot that treated me well. It’s the place where I finally caught my first mandarin fish—something I’d been chasing for years. I’ve also hauled in bream, carp, topmouth culter, black carp, and even bass there. The catch? It’s popular. Like, “show up at 5 AM if you want a good spot” popular. And the fishing is hit or miss—some days you’ll catch nothing, some days you’ll leave with a cooler full of fish. It’s all about luck, but isn’t that half the fun of fishing?

My 2024 Fishing Regret: The One That Got Away

Of course, no fishing year is complete without a “that one got away” story. Mine involved a monster fish that took my 0.8 main line like it was a piece of thread. I’d just cast my line when suddenly, my rod bent so far back I thought it would snap. I fought it for three whole seconds before I heard that heart-crunching “snap” of the line breaking.

I stood there staring at my broken line for a solid minute, replaying the whole thing in my head. If only I’d used a thicker line. If only I’d brought a sturdier rod. If only I’d checked my gear one more time. But that’s fishing—you can’t win them all. That fish is probably out there laughing at me right now, telling all its fish friends about the human it outsmarted. Next year? I’m bringing a heavy-duty rod and thick line. That fish won’t escape twice.

Wrapping Up: What 2024 Taught Me About Fishing

Looking back, 2024 wasn’t just about catching fish—it was about learning, experimenting, and embracing the chaos of fishing. I tried new techniques, caught species I’d only dreamed of, and spent way too much money on bait and gear (worth it).

To all my fellow anglers out there: don’t stress about finding the perfect spot or catching the biggest fish. The best moments are the messy ones—the trips where you forget your net, where you hook a crab instead of a fish, where you spend hours talking to a stranger about their favorite bait. Fishing’s not about being perfect; it’s about being outside, enjoying the quiet, and chasing that next bite.

Here’s to 2025: more casts, more catches, and fewer broken lines. See you on the water!