If you haven’t fished before, you don’t know what you’re missing. If you did, you know that not only does it bring you closer to nature, but there’s the thrill of the catch. Imagine standing on the bank of a stream on a beautiful day, your rod bending under the weight of a good catch. This one’s a fighter and you take your time, allowing the fish to tire itself out before reeling it to shore. When you finally land it, it’s a great feeling and one you’ll never know until you give fishing a try.
Now that you are interested, perhaps you realize that you don’t have a clue how to go about fishing. Well, if you want to learn to fish, here are 5 easy ways:
1. Ask a family member or friend who is an experienced angler to take you along the next time they go fishing – they will be thrilled to have a new fishing buddy.
2. Research online. There are hundreds of Websites with instructions on fishing gear, bait, and fishing tips.
3. Go to your local library and check out how-to fishing books and magazines.
4. Check your local conservation or wildlife service. They often hold a fishing day where beginners can learn the basics of fishing.
5. If you go on vacation in fishing country, check with local fishing stores. They often know local professionals who will teach you how to fish.
Anytime is a good time to fish; you never know what you might catch. Some species are more active near dawn and dusk when they are feeding, while others will bite any time of the day. Certain times of the year are best for certain species. Fishing is a pastime you can enjoy all year round.
Fishing licenses are required in most places, which you can buy at your town hall, a fishing tackle stores, or conservation and wildlife centers. The cost varies by location. Licenses for children are usually not required. If you want to fish on private property, be sure to get permission from the owner. Otherwise it is trespassing.
So you’ve decided to take fishing up as a hobby or sport. You’ll love getting out into the great outdoors and taking in nature as you cast your line and wait for that bite or strike. If you’ve never fished before, you may have no idea how to start your life as a fisherman. Much is learned by trial and error, but there are a few basic things you will need to know.
Woodstock Hardware is proud to be a member of the local Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Find out more here.
Fly fishing is a growing sport around the world. This method takes a great deal of skill and practice to cast the line, and not the lure, and is often used to catch trout and salmon in rivers and streams. To do the sport you need an artificial fly and a fly rod, both specifically designed for the sport. Spear fishing is a much lesser known method, although indigenous tribes often use some forms. Most spear fishing done for sport is with a small hand held gun, like a cross bow, that shoots a small metal spear. The sport is far more difficult than it appears.
What’s the best bait? Worms are the most common bait, while different lures, flies, and rubber worms are strong second. Depending on your location and what the fish like to eat, you may use pieces of fish or meat, shrimp, minnows, dough, insects, and any number of other items.
Fly fishing is often used to catch trout and salmon in rivers and streams.
Due to the pollution of the world’s waterways, fishing holes are getting smaller and smaller, and almost everyone has some sort of access to fishing nearby. Beginners often choose whatever waterway is closest to their house and are content to fish for not necessarily big or specific fish, but just any fish in general. Most beginners use a standard pole with bobber and worm. Fish ponds stocked with fish that charge a small admission and even provide poles and bait are popular with beginners, although little skill is learned.
So you’ve decided to take fishing up as a hobby or sport. You’ll love getting out into the great outdoors and taking in nature as you cast your line and wait for that bite or strike. If you’ve never fished before, you may have no idea how to start your life as a fisherman. Much is learned by trial and error, but there are a few basic things you will need to know.
You will need some basic equipment for your new pastime. It doesn’t have to be expensive or top of the line. Before you get into a lot of expensive fishing tackle, you will first want to determine if you enjoy the sport. Let’s take a look at some basic fishing tackle.
These can be purchased at a store that sells fishing equipment or a sporting goods store for between $35 and $100. Be sure the rod is a length you are comfortable with. Rod length will depend somewhat on your height, but will probably be between 5 and 6 feet in length. Children will need a shorter rod. A rod and reel can be purchased prepackaged in one unit. If you buy this type of package, the reel will already be spun with fishing line. You can also buy the rod and reel separately. A spinning reel is the best for beginners and it’s best if it is either fiberglass or graphite. These pools are light and make it easy for you to tell when you have a bite.
Anglers of all ages have had pride in using the Daiwa Goldcast for years.
For over 40 years anglers have chosen Panther Martin as their spinner of choice. These classic spinners have proven themselves irresistible to all gamefish.
Here’s an excellent choice for short one to two-day fishing excursions. This affordably priced, tow-sided Satchel offers anglers loads of practical storage space.
The Flambeau Zerust Marine Utility Box. Water resistant O-ring seal; Lift-out tray; Weighs 3 lbs., 3 ozs. Give your tackle a dependable, durable solution!
This Soft Grip Fillet Knife is equipped with the famous Rapala flexible stainless steel blade combined with a no-slip, soft-grip molded textured handle, giving you maximum control and comfort while filleting. Includes a black sheath that easily fits on your belt and a single-stage sharpener to keep your knife in peak performance
Many fishermen debate on whether to keep a fish or throw it back. Many want to keep their fish in order to eat it. Others want to keep their biggest catch to put on the wall. Many others fish simply for sport and have no desire to keep the fish and immediately release the fish. In most cases the choice is completely yours, although some restrictions do apply. Some waters are restricted to only catch and release, while others have certain rules to follow. If a fish is pregnant or extremely young, it is best to throw it back. Some species of fish at certain lengths, either too large or too small, must be released as well.
The weather in many tropical destinations is often extremely hot and sticky. Rain can last for weeks and even during dry seasons a strong bout of rain can occur, therefore waterproof and easy drying clothing is a good idea. Protection from the sun in the form of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important in most rainforest locations, particularly those where you will be in rivers and lagoons. Cold fronts in many tropical destinations can occur on occasion, although these can be relatively rare.
Most areas require that you have a fishing license. Many times children don’t need them. Generally these are just a small certificate that can be bought at any fishing supply or bait store for a small fee that goes towards preserving fishing areas. Check with the local Conservation or Fish and Game Service to find out the rules of your area. If you plan to fish on private property, remember to ask permission of the property owner.
Some locations have protected waters and marine reserves where fishing is illegal in order to allow species to reproduce and to protect rare fish and marine life. Fines are extremely high in most cases. Usually the areas are well marked, but you should check out a local map anyway to be sure. You should not even think about fishing here.
Head to an area where the water sparkles and shade trees line the bank. Cast your line into eddies and tranquil pools. Ponds, streams, lakes and creeks all make fantastic places to relax and wait patiently for a fish to take the bait. Then, the fight is on and you experience the thrill of the catch.