in-line spinnerA spinner where the hook is on the same shaft, or line, as the spinner, such as a Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin or Vibrex spinner.
inactive fishFish that are not in a feeding mood, sometimes referred to as having "lockjaw." Examples of inactive times can be following a cold front, during a major…
inside bendThe inside line of a grass bed or a creek channel.
isolated structureA possible holding spot for fish, especially bass. Examples include a single submerged bush or rock pile on a point, a mid-lake hump, or a large tree that…
jerkbaitA type of soft-plastic or hard-plastic bait resembling a bait fish that is typically fished in a series of quick jerks or is "ripped" to resemble a…
jigA hook with a leadhead that is usually dressed with hair, silicone, plastic or bait.
jig-and-pig or jig-n-pigCombination of a leadhead jig fitted with a pork trailer. Popular for flippin' and pitchin’ fish-holding structure, such as submerged bushes and trees.
jigging spoonRefers to a spoon that is typically "jigged" or bounced off the bottom with a slight up-and-down motion of the rod or rod tip so the spoon resembles a…
johnboatA small flat-bottomed, square-fronted, shallow-draft boat that is popular with duck hunters and many anglers alike.
keeperFor anglers, it is typically any fish that is worth taking home to eat. For lakes with special regulations, it can be fish of specified lengths that are…
lake zonesDesignation that includes four categories: shallow water, open water, deep water and basin.
Largemouth bassCommon name for Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede), also called "trout," "green trout," "bass," and other names.
larvaRefers to the subsurface stage of development of an aquatic insect.
Lateral lineA system of sense organs in fish: a series of pores or canals running along a line on each side of the body and on the head; detects pressure changes…
ledgeA severe drop-off. Commonly found in Arizona's deep canyon lakes, such as Canyon Lake, Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Reservoir and Chevelon Lake.
Lees FerryThe popular 16-mile stretch of tail-water fishery along the Colorado River tucked between the Glen Canyon Dam and the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona.
LenticStill water systems such as lakes and reservoirs.
Life vestPersonal floatation devices (PFD) to be worn while boating to keep person afloat if overboard.
light intensityThe amount of light that can be measured at certain depths of water; the great the intensity, the farther down the light will project.
limit-outTo catch the daily limit legally allowed for a species of fish.
Limiting factorA biological limitation to a self-sustaining population.
line guidesThe eyelets or rings on a rod through which fishing line is passed.
lipless crankbaitsArtificial baits designed to resemble a swimming baitfish. Such baits typically vibrate or wobble during the retrieve; some have built-in rattles.
lippingA method of landing fish, especially bass, by placing a thumb into its mouth to bend the lip down slightly, temporarily paralyzing the fish to get it into…
live baitfishMeans any species of live fish designated by Arizona Game and Fish Commission order as lawful for use in taking aquatic organisms.
liveboxA box or container to designed to keep bait or caught fish alive.
livewellCompartment in a boat designed to hold water and keep fish alive. Typically have some device for re-circulating water.
long-liningAnother term for trolling a bait or lure a long distance behind a boat.
loose-action plugA lure with wide, slow movements from side to side. Can be the lure of choice when fish are sluggish in colder water, such as during winter or early…
LoticMoving water systems such as streams and rivers.
lunkerA slang term for a very large fish: can also be called a hawg.
LureAny artificial bait used to attract and catch fish.
marabou jigA weighted jig with light, fluffy feathers attached to the body.
marker buoyA small plastic buoy, often fluorescent color that is tossed into the water to mark a fish holding area or a school of fish.
Maximum size limitA fishing regulation which protects larger fish. Fish at or above stated size must be released.
mayflyA small aquatic fly that is an important food for trout, which means it is also important for fly-anglers.
MealwormsSmall beetle larvae often used for catching crappies or sunfish.
nestThe spot in where are fish, such as a largemouth bass or bluegill, deposits its eggs. Some nests, such as those for largemouth bass, can be well defined.
NicheOrganisms role, or job, in the ecosystem in which it lives.
nymphThe nymphal sate of an aquatic insect, or an imitation of same for nymph-fishing.
off-colorRefers to the color and or clarity of the water. The normal off-color conditions include brown or mud-stained such as from runoff, green from algae or…
OligotrophicLake classification used to describe young bodies of water characterized by deep, clear, cold, weedless water that can support fish, such as trout.
open-faced reelA typical or standard spinning reel in which the line comes off the fixed spool in loops and there is no nose cone.
organic baitsMinnows, insects, worms, fish eggs, cut bait, cheese or similar substances.
otolithThe ear bone of a fish. The age of a fish can be determined by counting the layers in the otolith, much like the rings of a tree.
outside bendThe outside line of a creek channel or grass bed. For underwater structure, it can also refer to the outside line of a submerged wash or arroyo.
over-fishingFishing pressure beyond which a sustainable population of fish or stocking effort can be maintained.
OvercastTo cast a lure, fly or bait beyond the aimed-for target.
Overpopulated (overcrowded)A term that describes a fish population where too many fish are present for the amount of available food.
oxbowA U-shaped bend in a river or stream. If isolated, they can be referred to as an oxbow lake.
pan fishAny of a variety of species of fish that resemble the shape of a frying pan, thus the name.
Parr, parr marksSmall juvenile of the trout or salmon family. Characterized by parr marks, which are pronounced, wide, vertical bars on the sides of these fish until they…
patternCan describe where active fish are holding, or what techniques are working to catch fish, especially larger fish.
pectoral finThe fin usually found on each side of the body behind the gill opening.
peggingPutting a toothpick in the hole of a bullet or egg sinker to prevent the sinker from sliding along the line. Typically done with a Texas-rigged bait.
pelvic finsPair of juxtaposed fins ventrally on the body in front of the anus.
Pencil PoppersA brand name topwater lure that is long and thin. Often used for catching striped bass.
pHA measurement for liquids to determine acidity or alkalinity. On a scale of one to 14, seven is considered neutral.
pick-upThe act of a bass or other fish taking a slowly-fished lure, such as a plastic worm, crayfish or lizard. It can also be referred to as a "pressure" bite.
pikeA common reference to northern pike, a member of the pike family.
PitchingFishing technique in which worms or jigs are dropped into cover at close range with an underhand pendulum motion using a long bait-casting rod, and…
PlanktonCollectively, all organisms (plants and animals) suspended in the water which are not independent of water movements.
Plankton bloomA dense growth of microscopic plants and animals (plank-ton) that causes the water to be green, brown, or soupy in appearance.
PocketA small indentation in the shoreline, sometimes referred to as a pocket cove.
pointAn amount equal to one percent of the principal amount of a mortgage. Loan discount points are a one-time charge assessed at closing by the lender to…
Pond CheckAn analysis by a fisheries biologist of a fish population in a pond. A seine is used to catch fish, catch records are reviewed to determine angler…