Old Angler’s Take: Unveiling Two Unique Traditional Fishing Methods

Let’s be real—modern fishing gear is wild. I’m talking high-tech sonars, fancy baitcasting reels, and lures that cost more than my first car. But sometimes? You gotta slow down and appreciate the old-school stuff. The kind of fishing methods that’ve been passed down for centuries, tested by time, and still hold a special place in any angler’s heart. Today, I’m breaking down two traditional techniques that even the most tech-savvy fishermen should know: cave fishing and longline fishing. Spoiler alert—they’re not just for survival anymore. Let’s dive in!

1. Cave Fishing: Targeting Nocturnal Natives

Okay, let’s start with cave fishing. If you’ve ever wandered a riverbank at dusk and spotted a smooth, bowl-sized hole in the bank? That’s not just a random hole—that’s a fish hotel. Specifically, it’s home to eels, catfish, and other nocturnal species that hide during the day and feast at night. I first tried this when I was 16, and let me tell you—there’s nothing like the rush of feeling a big eel yank your line from inside a dark cave. Let’s break it down.

What Fish Are We Targeting?

Cave fishing is all about species that love dark, tight spaces. Think:

• Eels (especially river eels—they’re sneaky)
• Catfish (channel cats love hiding in banks)
• Sometimes even small carp or bass if the cave is big enough

These guys are nocturnal, so forget morning trips. Grab your gear after sunset—trust me, the bite turns on when the moon comes up.

Best Baits for Cave Fishing

Since these are mostly carnivores, skip the bread and go for the good stuff:

• Live worms (nightcrawlers work best—they’re tough)
• Small minnows or shrimp (thread ’em on the hook so they stay put)
• Tadpoles or small frogs (if you’re feeling adventurous—just make sure it’s legal!)

Pro tip: Don’t use dead bait. These fish are picky—they want something wiggling to trigger a strike.

Critical Step: Finding the Right Cave

This is make-or-break. You can’t catch a cave fish if you can’t find their cave! Here’s how I do it:

• Look for smooth, circular holes (about the size of a dinner plate) in riverbanks, dam walls, or even under docks.
• Check for fresh mud around the entrance—fish move in and out, so muddy edges mean active residents.
• Listen for splashing at night—sometimes you can hear them feeding near the cave mouth.

One time, I spent an hour walking a riverbank and found 3 caves. Only one had fish—so don’t get discouraged if the first few are duds.

DIY Cave Fishing Gear (No Fancy Rods Needed!)

You don’t need a $200 rod for this. In fact, the best gear is homemade. Let’s talk about two classic setups:

A. Eel Fishing Rod (My Go-To)

Materials you’ll need:

• A piece of bamboo (preferably from a riverbank—ironic, right?)
• A drill (to make a hole)
• Fishing line (10-15 lb test—eels fight hard)
• A large hook (size 4/0 or bigger—no barbs if you’re catch-and-release, but barbs help with eels)

How to make it:

• Cut the bamboo to about 3-4 feet long (short enough to maneuver in tight spaces).
• Drill a small hole (about ¼ inch) near the top end.
• Thread your line through the hole, then tie a loop at the end (to attach the hook).
• Attach the hook—make sure it’s secure (eels will test it!).

Pro move: Bake the bamboo over a low fire for a few minutes to make it stiffer. Just don’t burn it—you want it tough, not charred.

B. Easier Setup: Bank Stick for Eels

If you don’t want to make a full rod, try this:

• Take a 2-foot stick (bamboo or even a tree branch).
• Tie your line to one end, add a hook and bait.
• Stick the other end in the ground right next to the cave entrance.

When the eel bites, the stick will bend—easy to spot! I use this when I’m targeting multiple caves at once.

How to Fish a Cave (Step-by-Step)

Okay, you’ve found the cave, got your gear, and a wiggling minnow on the hook. Now what?

• Gently lower the bait into the cave mouth. Don’t jam it in—fish get spooked!
• Slowly twitch the line up and down (about an inch each time). This mimics a struggling minnow.
• Wait. And wait. Sometimes it takes 5 minutes, sometimes 30. Be patient—good things come to those who wait (for eels).
• When you feel a tug? YANK IT OUT FAST. Eels will try to retreat into the cave, so you need to pull hard to get them out before they get stuck.
• Once you’ve got it out, drop it in a bucket (eels are slippery—wear gloves if you can!).

One time, I pulled an eel out that was almost 3 feet long. My hands were shaking—so worth it. Just don’t let them wrap around your arm—they’re strong!

2. Longline Fishing: The Old-School “Set It and Forget It” Method

Now, let’s talk about longline fishing. This isn’t your typical “one rod, one fish” deal. It’s a string of hooks attached to a main line—sometimes 100 feet long or more. Back in the day, this was how fishermen fed their families. Now? It’s a fun way to catch multiple fish at once (and feel like a 19th-century angler). Let’s get into it.

What Fish Are We Targeting?

Longline fishing is great for:

• Catfish (they love the steady bait)
• Bass (especially in lakes or slow rivers)
• Pike or musky (if you’re lucky—they’re top predators)
• Even trout in some cold water spots

The key here is that the line stays in the water for hours (or even overnight), so the bait has time to attract fish.

DIY Longline Setup (Super Simple)

You don’t need much for this. Here’s what I use:

• Main line: 20-30 lb test (nylon or braided—strong enough to hold multiple fish)
• Branch lines: 10-15 lb test (lighter than the main line so if a fish gets stuck, it breaks the branch line, not the main one)
• Hooks: Size 2-6 (depends on the fish—bigger hooks for catfish, smaller for bass)
• Weights: 1-2 oz sinkers (to keep the line on the bottom)
• Floats: Bobbers or plastic bottles (to keep the line from sinking too deep)

How to tie it:

• Cut the main line to your desired length (I usually do 50 feet for small lakes).
• Tie a sinker to one end (this is the “anchor” end).
• Tie branch lines every 3-4 feet (don’t make them too close—hooks will tangle).
• Attach a hook to each branch line (make sure it’s tied tight).
• Tie a float to the other end (this keeps the line from sinking).

Pro tip: Use a plastic bottle as a float—they’re cheap and hold up well. Just cut a hole in the cap, thread the line through, and tie it off.

Two Ways to Fish Longline: Boat vs. Shore

Longline fishing can be done from a boat or the shore—let’s break down both.

A. Boat Longline Fishing (For Open Water)

This is great for lakes or big rivers. Here’s how I do it:

• Take your longline and start at the back of the boat.
• Drop the anchor end first (the sinker) into the water.
• Slowly drive the boat forward, letting the line out as you go.
• When you’ve let out all the line, tie the float end to the boat (or another anchor if you’re leaving it).
• Wait 1-2 hours, then check the line. You might have 3-4 fish on it!

One time, I did this on a lake and came back to find 5 catfish and 2 bass. My buddy and I were shocked—we thought we’d caught nothing!

B. Shore Longline Fishing (For Lazy Days)

If you don’t have a boat, no problem. This is my go-to when I want to relax:

• Find a spot with slow current (like a cove or a river bend).
• Tie the anchor end (sinker) to a heavy rock or a tree root on the shore.
• Throw the float end into the water as far as you can (use a cast if you need to).
• Let the line sit for a few hours (or overnight—just make sure it’s legal!).
• Come back, reel it in, and see what you’ve got!

Warning: Don’t leave it unattended if there are other fishermen around. You don’t want to get tangled in someone else’s line.

Pro Tips for Longline Fishing

To make sure you don’t go home empty-handed:

• Use fresh bait—worms, minnows, or even chicken liver (catfish love it).
• Check local laws—some places have limits on longline length or how many hooks you can use.
• Don’t leave the line in the water too long—bait can rot, and fish might steal it without getting hooked.
• Clean your line after each use—mud and slime can make it weak.

Final Thoughts: Why Traditional Methods Still Matter

Look, I love my fancy spinning reel as much as the next guy. But there’s something special about using a bamboo rod to catch an eel from a cave, or a longline to haul in a bunch of fish without lifting a rod all day. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about connecting with the past, using your hands to make something useful, and slowing down in a world that’s always rushing.

Last month, I took my 10-year-old nephew cave fishing. He’d only ever used a plastic rod with a bobber. When he pulled that first eel out of the cave? His eyes lit up like Christmas. He didn’t care about the fancy gear—he cared about the adventure. That’s what traditional fishing is all about.

So next time you’re tired of staring at a sonar screen? Grab some bamboo, tie a hook, and try one of these old methods. You might just catch more than fish—you might catch a memory.