How to Catch Tilapia

Tilapia is a fair sized freshwater fish that prefers the warm water of the tropical and sub tropical regions across the planet. It's the third most important fish in aquaculture because of their large size, rapid growth, and succulent taste. They also make a fine game fish for the freshwater fisherman.

Things You’ll Need:
Boat

Lake

Fishing Rod or Fly Rod

Dry Fly or Nightcrawlers

Fishing Net

How To Catch Tilapia
Step 1:
Decide where you will go fishing. Tilapia prefers warm water that is either still or flows very slowly. If you're going to be fishing stateside and have the opportunity, Lake Okeechobee in Florida as well as the Kissimmee river is rife with this fish. Tilapia is also very common in southeast Asia and is a source of great nourishment among the lower class. You're likely to find them in most any warm body of fresh water throughout the country.

Step 2:
Once you've chosen a place to fish, go out either on foot or by boat just before dawn. Look for areas near the shore with plenty of waterweeds. Tilapia will eat many types of water plant throughout the day, but they will gorge themselves on insects just as the sun touches the horizon.

Step 3:
When fly fishing use a simple dry fly, cast it out onto the water's surface and keep the line taught. Let the fly drift on the water, Tilapia will not tap or test flies at this time of day, but rather snap them up whole. If using a plain rod and reel use a worm wrapped around a number two hook with a bobber two feet further down the line is all you need. If fishing in particularly shallow water you might want to use a smaller hook with only a portion of a worm on it.

Step 4:
When the fish has taken the bait, quickly jerk the rod up and back to set the hook in the fish's mouth.

Step 5:
Keep the rod pointing upward and let the fish run a little. Tilapia are very energetic and will immediately race away once hooked, though they are not known for jumping so you needn't worry about them spitting out the hook.

Step 6:
Once the fish has gone out anywhere between fifty and a hundred yards being reeling the fish in. Try not to pull or jerk the rod suddenly as this may pull the hook loose. Just keep the rod straight and reel in the fish steadily. After the initial burst they won't up too much of a fight until they're within sight of you. Make sure to keep your net handy as they will thrash madly when you pull them from the water.

Tips & Warnings
If fishing in Lake Okeechobee for the first time it might be a good idea to hire a guide. The size of the lake is such that a person can easily get lost and not make it back to their pier for days.
Also do not get in the water unless absolutely necessary; alligators, gar fish, and water moccasins make this a risky move.