Fishing Basics – Everything A Beginner Should Know About Fishing
The first step to becoming an expert angler is to get your fishing basics right.
After fishing for 21 years, looking back, if I didn’t get my fishing basics right, I probably wouldn’t have gotten this far.
This article aims to help you get the basics of fishing down. Here’s everything you’ll be learning:
- The First Thing You’ll Need – A fishing License
- Introduction To The Gear
- Finding A Fishing Spot
- Knowing The Right Times To Go Fishing
- How To Fish
The First Thing You’ll Need – A Fishing License
I realized that it’s important to include information about fishing licenses separately, as they are a critical aspect of fishing legality. When you visit your local fishing store to purchase your fishing equipment, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the need for a fishing license.
A fishing license is essentially a plastic document that grants you the legal right to fish without facing trouble with the wildlife department. In the past, fishing anywhere was permissible, but times have changed. Without that crucial piece of plastic, you might find yourself in legal complications, turning you into the “new fish” in prison.
While there are a few exceptions, in most places, a fishing license is required, as mandated by the wildlife department. If you’re unsure whether you need one, it’s always wise to check with your local tackle shop. If a license is necessary, simply obtain it alongside your fishing tackle. On the other hand, if you’re exempt from needing a license, that’s one less cost for you to worry about.
Fishing licenses are typically affordable. Annual licenses generally range from $30 to $150, while one-day licenses cost less than $20. If you plan to go fishing frequently, it is advisable to invest in an annual license as it offers better value for the price.
Remember, obtaining a fishing license is essential for legal and responsible fishing. Ensure you comply with the regulations in your area and enjoy your fishing adventures with peace of mind.
Introduction To The Gear
Fishing is indeed a straightforward activity. You cast your line into the water, reel it in when a fish bites the bait, and carefully remove the fish from the hook. However, to accomplish this, you require the appropriate fishing equipment. Here is a list of essential gear you must have:
- Rod and Reel
- Line
- Tackle
- Bait or Lure
- Swivel
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Nail Clipper
- Tackle Box or Bag
- Fish Finder (Optional)
- Sunblock (Optional)
I understand the importance of having the right gear for fishing. Each piece of equipment has various variations, serving specific purposes. Choosing the wrong type of gear can have negative consequences, similar to fitting incompatible parts in a car. The car may still function, but it won’t perform optimally.
Likewise, in fishing, you could technically use any fishing rod and thread any line through the rod tip to catch fish. However, having the right fishing line matched with a rod appropriate for your height and fishing style can greatly enhance your fishing experience, making it easier and more comfortable.
To ensure you end up with the correct gear for your fishing needs, I’ve created a comprehensive guide that outlines all the fishing tackle you’ll require for your very first fishing trip. You can access the guide here.
By following the guide and selecting the appropriate gear, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful and enjoyable fishing excursion. Remember, having the right gear can make a significant difference in your overall fishing experience.
Finding A Fishing Spot
Once you have your fishing gear, the next step is to find a suitable fishing spot. It is crucial to locate a fishing spot where fish are present, as even the best gear won’t help if there are no fish around. The good news is that fish are abundant and can be found in various locations.
Fishing is typically categorized into two main types: saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Freshwater fishing encompasses ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. These inland bodies of water offer diverse habitats for a wide range of freshwater fish species.
Saltwater fishing, on the other hand, involves fishing in tidal inlets, marshes, saltwater streams, and fishing piers. Coastal areas and oceanic environments provide opportunities to catch saltwater species.
As long as you are fishing in one of these designated areas, you can be confident that there will be fish to catch. Each location offers unique fishing experiences and species diversity, allowing you to explore various fishing environments and target different types of fish.
It’s important to research and gather information about potential fishing spots in your area, consult local fishing guides, or seek advice from experienced anglers. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the best fishing spots to visit.
Remember, choosing the right fishing spot increases your chances of a successful and rewarding fishing outing. Enjoy exploring the diverse fishing locations and the opportunities they present.
Knowing The Right Times To Go Fishing
It’s common for beginners to overlook the significance of timing in fishing, and it’s completely understandable. When I first started fishing, I too didn’t realize the importance of timing. The idea that timing could affect fish behavior might seem implausible initially, until you comprehend the reasoning behind it.
To illustrate the point, let’s imagine you need to catch a chicken for your dinner tonight. What would be your approach? Logically, you would want to get as close to the chicken as possible and then make your move, right? Additionally, you would prefer it to be dark to reduce the chicken’s ability to spot you.
Similarly, most fish tend to feed during dawn and dusk when light levels are lowest. Consequently, in most cases, these times of the day, dawn and dusk, are considered the best for fishing.
However, if you wish to determine the exact best timing for fishing, several additional factors come into play. Listing all of these factors would require an entire article, which is precisely what I have written. You can read the article here to explore the various factors to consider when choosing the optimal timing for your fishing trips.
By understanding these factors and how they influence fish behavior, you can improve your chances of success and make informed decisions regarding the best time to go fishing. Happy reading and tight lines!
How To Fish
To effectively use your fishing gear and actually catch fish, it’s important to understand and apply the fishing technique. Here’s one of the simplest fishing techniques explained in a step-by-step manner:
- Set up the Gear: Attach sinkers, a bobber, hook, and bait to your fishing line as shown in the provided picture.
- Cast your Line: Leave about 15 cm of line (adjust as needed) at the end of your fishing rod. Swing the line behind you, then swing it forward overhead, similar to throwing a baseball, and cast it into the water.
- Maintain Taut Line: Once your hook is in the water, reel in the line until you observe a slight bend at the tip of your rod. This ensures the line is taut, enabling you to notice any movement when a fish tugs on it.
- Hold Rod at 45 Degrees: Keep your rod at a 45-degree angle or place it in a rod holder. Watch for any tugs or movement on your fishing line.
- Set the Hook: When you notice a tug or movement, swiftly pull your rod towards you in one motion until it becomes vertical and pointing upwards. This action sets the hook into the fish’s lip.
- Reel and Maintain Tension: Begin reeling in your line until you feel tension. Hold the tension as you reel, and if the tension lessens, reel in again. Repeat this process until you have reeled in the fish. If the tension does not loosen, release some line and repeat the process. Eventually, you may sense the fish’s energy diminishing.
- Reel in the Fish: Once you feel the tension is significantly reduced, it indicates that the fish has exhausted its energy. From this point, continue reeling in the fish without stopping until it is fully retrieved.
It’s important to note that this technique is one of the simplest fishing methods, but there are numerous other skills and techniques, such as trolling, for different fishing scenarios. I am sharing this basic technique to get you started.
Practice, experience, and learning from fellow anglers will help you further refine your fishing skills and discover additional techniques. Enjoy your fishing adventures and may you have successful catches!
What You Can Do Now
Congratulations! By now, you have gained knowledge about the essential fishing gear, finding suitable fishing spots, understanding the significance of timing, and learning fishing techniques.
If you’re seeking additional tips to enhance your fishing skills and increase your catch, I recommend checking out our top 10 tips for fishing. These tips not only assist in catching more fish but also contribute to improving your overall fishing experience.
Wishing you good luck and may favorable tides be with you on your fishing adventures. Happy fishing!
