By Dan Grulke.

Fairfax County lakes offer a variety of species from bass to bluegill. These fish have preferences, so you may need to choose specific baits to entice the fish you are trying to catch.

Using basic tackle and techniques, here are a few tips and tricks on targeting specific fish.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass can be found in most lakes in Virginia and the U.S. They are one of the most targeted freshwater species of fish out there. There are many ways to catch these fish, which have been proven effective.

These fish usually range anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds, and they can put up quite the fight. One of the simplest methods to targeting these fish is by using soft plastic baits that look like worms, crayfish, smaller fish or any other insect/creature bait with some sort of action, such as a curly tail.

There are several ways to rig these baits. One of the easiest methods would be to hook the bait on a weighted hook and cast these toward brush piles, laydowns, grass beds or any other form of structure in the water where these bass can sit on. Then, you wait and ambush them. Another great method for catching largemouth bass would be to use live, bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows or live shad.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass can be targeted in various rivers throughout the area, including Riverbend Park. These fish are known to be smaller than largemouth on average, but they fight just as hard, if not harder.

These are commonly targeted using a variation of moving lures to attract them. Some great lures to catch smallmouth bass include jigs with plastic trailers and bladed baits -- which provide a flash while moving through the water -- creature baits. Lures that can be used for largemouth bass also work great, as long as the hook size is not too large.

These fish can be targeted by casting toward rocks or large structure that provide ambush points for the fish. Then, reel in the lure at moderate to moderate-fast speed.

Crappie

Crappie can be targeted at most lakes in Fairfax County, and they are one of the easiest fish to target during the colder months and in spring time.

These fish are usually found schooled up around submerged tree limbs and underwater structure, where they can find shelter and ambush territory.

The best lures to target these fish are small jigs and bladed baits that flash as they move through the water. Casting around a structure and retrieving small flashy lures at a slow tempo are the best ways to target crappie.

Catfish

Channel catfish are one of the most common fish in Fairfax County lakes, and they can be one of the easiest fish to target, as well as the largest. These bottom-feeders are more commonly caught on the bottom, feeding on fresh baits. But they will occasionally strike a lure, as well.

The best set up for catfish would be a strong hook or a circle hook with a lead weight attached above, which can slide up and down the line. This allows the bait to sit at the bottom, where the catfish are feeding.

Sunfish, Bluegill and Panfish

Sunfish are one of the most common and easiest fish to target wherever you go fishing in Fairfax County. These hand-sized fish can be caught using very small hooks and small pieces of worm, bread or any live bait. Tying a small hook using a clinch knot and securing a bobber about 1 to 2 feet above the hook have proven to be one of the most effective rigs for catching these fish. They are most commonly found closer to the banks of the shore, where they can stay out of reach for larger predators. These fish can also be caught on small lures, such as jigs and soft plastics with a curly tail, and a hook that fits around their mouth.

Carp

Carp are large fish that can usually be mistaken for giant goldfish, when seen on top of the water. These fish can be one of the more difficult to target but fun to catch.

Carp are omnivorous; their diet usually consist of aquatic plants and weeds. They occasionally feed on small insects and larvae.

The best way to target this fish is by using baits, such as bread or corn and putting it on very small hooks and letting the bait sit at the bottom. These fish are smart and will often chew the bait and miss the hook, so it is a good idea to make sure the hook is nearly fully covered by the bait.