Fall overturnA mixing or turning over of the water takes place in the fall and results in reoxygenation of the water.
false-casting, false-castFly-casting line in the air (not touching the water) to increase length of line and perfect accuracy to the target.
fan castMaking a series of casts only a few degrees apart to cover a half circle (more or less). Often used to locate actively feeding fish.
feeding timesCertain times of day when fish are most active. These are often associated with the position of the sun and moon and are referred to as solunar tables.
filamentous algaeType of algae characterized by long chains of attached cells that give it a stringy feel and appearance.
FilletA method of using a sharp knife to separate the meaty portion of the fish from the bones and skeleton and/or skin for human consumption.
finesse fishingAn angling technique characterized by the use of light tackle - line, rods, reels and artificial baits.
fingerlingA young fish about a finger long, usually 2 inches or so in length.
fishermanOne who engages in fishing for sport or occupation, or for food.
FisheryA term used for a lake, river or stream where people can catch fish, or even a particular kind of fish, such as a bass or trout fishery.
fishhookA barbed or barbless hook used for catching fish. For fish hook sizes, always use numerals: No. 2, No. 4 etc.
Fishing closuresWaters closed to fishing due to special biological, social or safety concerns.
flatIn fishing, a shallow section of water where game fish feed or spawn.
flippingA method of fishing by which the lure is swung, not cast, to the target or structure, often with as little disturbance of the water as possible.
flipping stickHeavy action fishing rod (usually a baitcasting rod and reel), 7 to 8 feet long, designed for bass fishing using the flipping and or pitching techniques.
float tubeA special fishing tube in which an inner tube is covered by a casing fitted with a seat to allow an angler to float free.
floating or float fishingTo traverse a river, stream or lake by some type of watercraft while fishing, most commonly in a tube, raft, canoe, or kayak.
Florida rigVery similar to the Texas rig, the only difference is the weight is secured by "screwing" it into the bait.
flutterbaitAny type of bait that is cast and then allowed to "flutter" down, resembles a dying bait fish. Typically used in bass fishing.
fly line, fly-lineA line specifically designed to be used with fly-fishing tackle and a fly rod, the act of which would be termed fly-rodding.
fly, fliesA natural insect used by fish as food or an imitation of a natural insect used by fly-anglers.
fly-casting, fly-castA method for a fly-fishermen to cast flies to fish or to spots likely to hold fish.
Food chainThe chain of organisms in a community that produce food and consume it.
ForageSmall baitfish, crayfish and other creatures that bass or other predator fish eat.
foul-hookTo hook a fish other than in the mouth where it should take a bait or lure.
free spool, or free-spoolA reel that allows line to feed freely to the fish or current, or the method of feeding line without drag or resistance to fish or current.
FreeboardPortion of the dam above spillway level to protect the dam against washout.
freshwaterA term referring to bodies of water that do not have salt.
FrontWeather system that causes changes in temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, wind and barometric pressure.
FryImmature fish from the time they hatch to the time they become fingerlings.