Fishing 101: How to Catch Your First Fish
Have you dreamed about sitting on a boat on a warm summer day casting a line into a lake waiting for the tell-tale tugging of a fish at the other end? If so, you aren’t alone. In fact, there are more than 8.5 million recreational fishermen who fish each year in the United States.
Fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding sport but can be intimidating if you have never done it before. The good news is with a little knowledge and a few pieces of equipment, you can easily learn how to fish!
Read on to learn about fishing 101 and the basic knowledge you will need to know to catch your first fish!
Choosing a location
The great thing about fishing is that, in most cases, as long as there is a large body of water, there are fish that can be caught. Knowing exactly where you’re going to fish will help you gather the right gear, as the equipment required is different depending on whether you’re fishing in saltwater or freshwater.
The first step in your fishing trip will be to check what type of fishing license you need. The best place to buy a fishing license is online. They aren’t very expensive and you can buy them for different increments of days depending on how long you want your fishing trip to be.
Learning About Your Equipment
Although fishing doesn’t require a ton of supplies, you will need to gather the basics in order to catch your first fish.
Fishing Rod
You can’t go fishing without some gear! The most important piece of equipment you will need to fish is your fishing rod. When you are ready to choose your rod, you have to first figure out what type of fish you want to catch as different rods are used for catching different types of fish.
Once you have your fishing rod picked out, it’s time for you to put something on the end of your hook. This comes in the form of either live bait or a lure.
Live Bait
If you are new to fishing, live bait is a good choice because it is easier to use than lures. There are many different types of live bait like worms, minnows, clams, insects, and shrimp.
Live bait can get a fish’s attention quickly because it is what they like to eat. Many different species of fish prefer to use live bait, which gives you a higher chance of catching something on your fishing trip.
Lures
A lure takes the place of live bait and is used to get the attention of the fish you are trying to catch through shine, colors, and by looking like food. They are tied to the end of a hook and are used in place of live bait to catch your fish. Lures come in a wide variety of styles depending on the type of fish you are hoping to catch.
A lure can be reused, which is a huge benefit if you plan to fish again. They are also a great choice if you are not planning on keeping the fish that you catch as the fish tend to not swallow the hook like they will with live bait.
Other Helpful Equipment
You will need a few other things in your fishing tackle box in order to be prepared for your first fishing trip. Along with your bait or lures, you will need to pack bobbers, extra fishing line, wights, and extra fishing hooks. Needle nose pliers for removing the fish hooks from the mouths of the fish you catch are also helpful to have with you.
Another fishing 101 tip is to bring a rubber net with you on your fishing trip. The rubber net will help to make sure to keep the skin safe of any fish it is used for.
Are you planning on fishing on a boat? If you are, you can’t leave home without a fish finder trolling motor mount. This device will help you locate the fish underwater to help you snag your first fish!
Fishing 101 Skills
Knots
One of the first things that you’ll have to do before you can cast your line into the water is attach the hook to the fishing line. You will do this with a clinch knot or a Palomar knot.
If your fishing line breaks mid-fishing day, there is no need to panic! Make sure you know how to tie a surgeon’s knot so you can reattach the additional line to your rod if need be.
Where to Find the Fish
Fish are known to like areas that are dark, cool, and have a little bit of cover. If you are fishing on a lake or a river, head to the shore and look for any areas that have weeds or other natural debris in the water.
If a fish was out in the open, it would be susceptible to birds and other predators which is why fish like to find a place they can blend in.
Safety First
Before you head out to the water, you want to make sure you are making safe decisions so you can continue having a great time on your fishing adventure.
Because you’ll be out in the sunshine, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a hat should all make your packing list. You will also need plenty of snacks to keep your energy up during your trip.
It’s a good idea to carry a first aid kit in your tackle box because you never know when you’ll need it. If you are on a boat, be sure to wear a life jacket to keep you safe in the event of an accidental capsize.
Now Go Fish
You don’t have to be a serious angler to enjoy all that fishing has to offer. With your fishing 101 guide, you’ll be ready to hit the water in no time to catch your very first fish.
When you are back from your first fishing trip, be sure to check back here to explore more posts to help you with your new hobbies!
June Potter wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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