What is Sight Fishing?

Sight fishing is when you can visually see your target fish with your own eyes. You will either see the fish underwater through the surface of the water or the disturbance it is creating on the surface. Sight fishing can be performed in freshwater and saltwater and on foot or by boat. The most helpful tool when sight fishing is a pair of polarized sunglasses to cut through the glare on the water.

Sight fishing contrasts with other methods of fishing such as blind casting where you are just casting out and hoping a fish might be there. Sight fishing also typically just refers to the human eye only and not aids from cameras or fish finders or other electronics.

Barriers to successful sight fishing can include low light, high winds, and poor water visibility. Sight fishing has been referred to as a double-edged sword by fishermen since if you can see a fish, often the fish can see you and can be spooked away. Some hardcore sight fishermen in small streams sometimes even use camouflage in hopes of not spooking fish.

Fishing Fundamentals