Paternoster – A rig or trace where the droppers or booms are fished above the weight.
Paravane – A trolling depth controller made from wood or more commonly plastic which breaks out and rises to the surface when there is a strike.
Parabolic-action rod – Slightly more progressive than a through action and by comparison the butt of the rod is stiffer.
Ovoviviparous fish – Fish whose eggs are fertilized and hatched within the female’s body. The eggs are enclosed in separate membranes and the embryos within them receive no nourishment from the mother. Most sharks and rays are ovoviviparous.
Oviparous fish – Fish that lay eggs from which the young later hatch.
Overhead cast – The basic casting style where the rod is pulled straight over the head and the lead starts in the air.
Over-run – see Backlash
Outrigger – A pole device used when trolling to spread baits or lure out from the side of the boat.
Operculum – The plate which covers the gills.
Off the ground – A casting style where the terminal tackle is laid out on the beach with the lead straight out behind the angler prior to casting.