Are you planning a fishing trip soon? Have you ever been fishing before? If you are new to the sport then there are several things you should know before you head out and get started.
Keep reading for a fishing guide that will help you get started and have the best time ever.
1. Get a Fishing License
Before you head out to start fishing you should make sure to get a current fishing license issued from the state you will be fishing in. If you are staying local you can easily apply for a license at a fishing shop or some retail stores that sell fishing gear issue them as well.
If you are fishing out of your state you can apply online ahead of time or acquire the license when you arrive for your trip. You can apply for a day license but it makes more sense to get an annual license.
This way if you decide you want to plan another trip you don’t have to go through the whole process again. The cost of an annual license will also be cheaper overall.
2. Deciding Where to Go
When you are trying to decide where to go fishing some of the best ways to find a great spot is by reading the Fishing Munk blog or word of mouth. People who are familiar with the area will tell you what to look out for regarding the waters and what type of fish you can find and where.
When you are new to fishing, a lake is a great place to start. They usually have a dock or bank that you can fish from instead of having to go out on a boat. Fishing while boating is a more advanced skill, so you should wait to do so if you are just starting out.
The lake also will have a decent population of fish such as bass, rainbow trout, or panfish.
3. Fishing Etiquette
When you are out fishing, especially around other people, it is important for you to know the proper etiquette. You should be respectful of the other anglers who are fishing the same waters, any fish that you might catch, and the environment in which you caught it.
If someone else is fishing in a spot, do not fish too close to them. If there aren’t many others in the same water then a space of a couple of hundred yards is better.
If you are having a great fishing day, only keep the ones that you know you will be able to eat and toss the rest back. You should also follow the code of leaving no trace. This means that you should leave the environment as you found it, or better if you have the opportunity.
Before you head out to your fishing spot you should check the local regulations to determine if the area is “catch and release” only, if it is only for fly-fishing or artificial lures only.
4. Fishing Gear
As a beginner to fishing, the spinning reel and rod combination is one of your best choices. Since the rod and reel are sold together it will be easier for you to set it up and get started.
If you aren’t sure what you are looking for when buying your gear you should ask an experienced employee to give you a hand. You don’t want to make it all the way out to your fishing spot and not be able to get started.
A fishing hook knot tying tool will come in handy if you have to replace your hook. You will also need bait, lures, bobbers, and a net. Needle-nose pliers will come in handy for retrieving lures out of the fish’s mouth. You should also get a tackle box to help you store all your gear in one easy-access location and fishing pole holders for holding and organizing fishing rods while traveling from spot to spot.
5. Catching Fish
Now that you have all your gear, and your license, and found your spot, it’s time to try and catch your first fish. When casting your spinning reel you will do so as if you are throwing a baseball. While holding the line you will pull your rod back behind your head and then throw your arm forward while releasing the line.
Once the lure is in the water, you will flip the bail (the thin wire arm that holds the line in place) back into position and begin to slowly reel your line back in.
While you are reeling pay close attention to the feel of the rod. A fish biting your bait will feel like a small tug on your line. If you see your bobber sink or a sudden jerk on your line, you need to point the tip of your rod up and pull back on the line to set the hook in their mouth.
If you don’t set the hook, the fish can either spit it out or slip the hook by shaking really fast until it flies out of their mouth. Once you have the hookset, you should pull your rod up while reeling in the line. Then lower the rod out some and repeat the motion. This repetitiveness will tire the fish out as you bring them closer to the shore.
If you don’t let the fish tire out as you bring them in then they have a higher chance of breaking your line once they get close to you. They will still have their full strength and can use their weight to break free before you can net them.
Get Started With This Fishing Guide for Beginners Today
This fishing guide for beginners should help you get started planning your first fishing trip. Before heading out to get started you should decide where you are going, get your fishing license and then gear up.
Once you have arrived at your fishing spot make sure to follow proper fishing etiquette and practice your casting. Good luck catching your first fish and remember to have fun!
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Thanks for pointing out that license will have to be acquired first in order to more easily be able to legally fish in certain areas. I’m thinking about looking for a fishing guide soon because it’s been almost a decade since I last went on a fishing trip. I’d like to take it up as a hobby soon since I’m starting to grow older and I’d appreciate something relaxing to do during days when I am free.