How to Fish For Beginners: Fishing Tips and Essentials
There is no better feeling in the world than that of catching fish. The adrenaline of seeing the tip of your fishing pole bouncing and feeling the tug on the other end of your line is irreplaceable. Fishing is a tangible skill that anyone can learn and in this guide, you will learn all the necessary tactics and essential gear needed to catch fish in no time!
Learning how to fish doesn't have to be overwhelming. Combining a few basic skills, essential gear, and some effective tactics we have listed in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to filling a stringer wherever you live!
Fishing Gear and Essentials For Beginners
As someone who has spent countless hours on the water, I understand the importance of having the right gear when fishing. Whether you're planning to cast your line into serene freshwater lakes or tackle the challenges of saltwater fishing, having the essential gear can make all the difference.
With so many brands and options available to you, it can get overwhelming for new anglers. Purchasing the appropriate fishing gear and tackle is the difference between catching fish and not.
The following is a brief list of the essentials you will need when first starting;
Fishing License
Before you hit the water, ensure you have a valid fishing license as required by your local regulations. It's essential to fish legally and responsibly. From limitations on the size and quantity of fish to specific timeframes for fishing and areas where fishing is restricted, it’s important to educate yourself before fishing.
Fishing Rod and Reel
Investing in a versatile spinning rod and reel combo suited to the type of fishing you'll be doing is a critical first step. A medium-action rod around 6 to 7 feet in length paired with a quality spinning reel is ideal for beginners as it offers versatility and ease of use.
Medium-action fishing rods are great at handling a variety of species. The reason you need something at least 6 feet in length is for casting accuracy, balance, and sensitivity. This size fishing pole also comes in a variety of affordable options. You can find quality fishing rods for under $100 which includes a reel.
Fishing Line
Choose the appropriate fishing line based on your target species and fishing conditions. Monofilament lines are forgiving and easy to manage for beginners, while braided lines offer strength but sacrifice sensitivity.
Fishing line comes in many diameters, commonly referred to as “pound test”. The larger the diameter or test of the fishing line, the thicker it gets.
|
Pound Test |
Fish Species |
|
2 - 8 lb Test |
Smaller Trout, Pan Fish, and Bass |
|
8-15 lb Test |
Trout, Bass, Catfish, Salmon |
|
15+ lb Test |
Larger Bass, Catfish, Salmon, Walleye, Musky, Sturgeon, Striper, Carp, and Ocean Species. |
As you can see the size of fishing line can range dramatically. A simple rule to remember is that big fish require a big line and small fish require a small line.
Tackle Box
Tackle boxes are a fisherman's filing cabinet. Organize your hooks, sinkers, swivels, and other terminal tackle in a tackle box. Start with a basic assortment of hooks in various sizes, split shots, and a few bobbers.
As you gain experience you will learn what sizes to carry and how often you will need to replace your tackle. This type of fishing gear is commonly referred to as “terminal tackle”.
Terminal tackle is inexpensive but crucial to hooking, catching, and landing fish. You will at minimum need the following;
- Hooks
- Weights
- Swivels
The above is the bare minimum. Without any of the three, fishing with bait is virtually impossible. You can purchase terminal tackle at most stores with a sporting goods section or online at various retailers.
Baits and Lures
This is where experience comes into play. Bait and lures are what the fish will be biting - or not biting. The importance of these two items cannot be stressed enough.
Best Bait For Fishing: Natural baits such as worms, minnows, and insects are popular choices for freshwater fishing, offering authenticity and familiarity to fish. These baits can be live or artificial and are often effective for species like bass, trout, panfish, and catfish.
Best Lures for Fishing: Lures are Artificial baits, including soft plastics, crank-bait, spinners, and spoons, mimic the appearance and movement of natural prey and are versatile options for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. These baits come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and designs to match the lifelike food source of different fish species and fishing conditions.
When selecting fishing bait, consider factors such as the species you're targeting, the fishing environment, water conditions, and the behaviour of the fish. Experimenting with different types of lures and techniques can help you determine what works best in different situations and ultimately result in catching fish as a beginner.
Fishing Clothing
Proper attire serves as a shield against the unpredictable elements and harmful UV rays while fishing. Clothing is just as important to fishing as all the other gear listed above.
Waterproof clothing, like jackets and pants, acts as a barrier against rain and splashing water, keeping anglers dry and comfortable during inclement weather.
Layering is key, adapting to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, with moisture-wicking base layers providing a foundation for insulating layers that offer warmth, topped by waterproof and wind-resistant outer layers.
Additionally, breathable fabrics allow for moisture to escape, preventing overheating and ensuring comfort during long hours spent fishing.
Equally essential is sun protection to shield against the sun's harsh rays during extended hours outdoors. Clothing with UPF ratings provides built-in protection against harmful UV radiation, safeguarding anglers from sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Basic Fishing Skills for Beginners
Now that we have our gear out of the way, it’s time to learn how to use it. Knowing how to tie your hooks or lures to your fishing line, how to cast, setting the hook on a fish, and fighting that fish back to you are the bread and butter of learning how to fish.
I must warn you, this is the hardest part of fishing. These skills will take time and patience to develop. Every fisherman will gain experience and decide what works best with time on the water.
Common Fishing Knots
The three most common fishing knots used by anglers are the improved clinch knot, the Palomar knot, and the loop knot. Each knot has its strengths and preferred applications:
1. Improved Clinch Knot:
Preferred Use: The improved clinch knot is widely used for tying hooks, swivels, and lures to the fishing line. It's versatile and works well with monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.
Strength: The improved clinch knot is strong and reliable, providing a high level of knot security. When tied correctly, it retains a significant portion of the line's original strength, making it suitable for various fishing situations.
2. Palomar Knot:
Preferred Use: The Palomar knot is favored for its simplicity and strength, making it ideal for attaching terminal tackle like hooks and lures to the fishing line. It's particularly effective with braided lines but can also be used with monofilament and fluorocarbon.
Strength: The Palomar knot is one of the strongest and most reliable knots, retaining nearly 100% of the line's original strength when tied correctly. Its straightforward tying process and exceptional knot strength make it a popular choice among anglers.
3. Loop Knot:
Preferred Use: The loop knot, also known as the non-slip loop knot or the perfection loop, is preferred for creating a loop at the end of the line for attaching lures or flies. It allows for increased lure movement and action, making it particularly effective for certain types of fishing such as fly fishing and topwater lure fishing.
Strength: While the loop knot may not be as strong as the improved clinch knot or the Palomar knot, it still retains a significant portion of the line's strength when tied correctly.
Its primary advantage is its ability to provide greater freedom of movement for lures, enhancing their natural presentation in the water.
These knots are all reliable options when fishing. Anglers should practice tying these knots until they can use them with confidence in different fishing scenarios.
How to Cast a Fishing Pole
Casting a fishing rod requires proper technique and practice for accuracy and controlled presentation of your bait or lure. Here are three steps to casting a fishing rod for beginners.
How to Hold a Fishing Rod
Start by holding the fishing rod comfortably with your dominant hand gripping the rod handle. Your thumb should be positioned on top of the rod grip, while your index finger rests lightly on the fishing line near the reel. Use your other hand to hold the rod just above the reel, providing support and stability.
How to Cast Fishing Line
Before casting, ensure that your fishing line is free from tangles or knots and that your bait or lure is securely attached to the end of the line. Position yourself facing the direction you intend to cast, with ample space behind you to execute the cast smoothly. Hold the rod at about a 45-degree angle with the tip slightly lowered, ready to begin the casting motion.
Execute the Cast
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To perform the cast, start by smoothly extending your casting arm backward bringing the rod tip behind you.
-
Standing facing the water, swing the rod over your shoulder and release the fishing line from your index finger, allowing it to flow freely off the reel directing the rod tip towards your target area.
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Just before the rod reaches its forward position, abruptly stop the rod's motion while maintaining tension on the line. This action will cause the bait or lure to propel forward, extending the line towards your desired target.
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Finally, allow the momentum of the cast to carry the bait or lure to its intended destination, gently lowering the rod tip to guide the line and control the distance of the cast.
You can develop the skills and confidence needed to cast a fishing pole effectively, improving your chances of success on the water. Remember to remain patient and persistent, as mastering the art of casting takes time and practice.
How to Reel in a Fish
When a fish bites your bait or lure it will bend your rod tip. The action will be quick, jolting, and unmistakable. When this happens you want to quickly get the fishing rod into your hands. At the very next bite, you will want to set the hook.
Hooksets don’t typically require a lot of force. A quick pull of the fishing pole while simultaneously reeling will oftentimes set the hook into the fish’s mouth. Once hooked it is important that the fish not have a slack in the line.
This is worth repeating, Once the fish is on the line you must not allow slack. Any slack in the line will result in the fish potentially shaking the hook free and getting away.
Expert Tip: Set the drag or tension on your fishing reel. Most spinning reels will have a knob at the top of the reel. Loosening this knob (turning it left) will loosen the drag. Tightening the knob (turning it to the right) will tighten the drag. Ideally, the drag should be set so that even if you hold tension on the fish, it can pull the line off your spool if it pulls hard enough.
This allows the fish to fight while you continue to reel. An improperly set drag is the number one reason that fishermen lose fish. Test your drag before you start fishing for the day by pulling on your fishing line. With some effort, but not too easily, you should be able to pull the line.
Continue to reel in your fish until you get it to shore. Once there, net or grab the fish promptly. The second biggest mistake I see fishermen make is the inability to secure the fish at the bank.
Putting it All Together
Throughout this article, you have learned what it takes to make fishing not just a hobby, but a fulfilling experience. You’ve learned about the importance of choosing the right gear, exploring different fishing techniques, and respecting the environment along the way.
Learning how to fish is pretty easy when you think about it. Research your local laws and regulations, get some essential fishing gear for beginners, and start fishing. Never stop learning and improving your skills and knowledge.
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