One of the coolest ways to connect with nature is fishing. This is the perfect way to feel the strength of wildlife while engaging in conservation and outdoors management. However, there is a learning curve to fishing, especially if you have never done it before.
Knowing the basics of fishing is necessary to be successful in the beginning. Once you gather the right materials, understand how to physically fish, and gain some fishing knowledge, you will be good to go out and catch a trophy.
As a beginner’s guide to fishing, here we will cover the main points you must know to get started. Whether it be for you or a loved one, this knowledge will propel you toward gaining a lifelong hobby.
Gather the right materials
First things first, you need the materials for the job. Some of the basics include a rod, reel, line, baits, hooks, and fishing accessories. Each of these is important and plays a pivotal role to get you hooked up.
Your rod and reel selection is a big factor at the start. The easiest type of reel is push-button as the ease of use is outstanding. For a little more advancement, there are spinning and baitcasting reels These need to be paired with monofilament or fluorocarbon to provide clarity and strength between you and the hook or lure. If you are using a form of bait, you will need a hook. The size of the hook should coincide with the size of the bait itself and the species being targeted. A size that is too big or too small will limit the number of bites you get.
Finally, you will need a nice selection of baits and lures to get you started. Sticking with the basics like worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinners will keep it simple and a good starting point. However, all of those will depend specifically on the species being targeted and the area being fished. If you’re looking for some gear to get started, check out our Facebook and Instagram for Top Recommendations. Otherwise, Huk is a great brand for all your fishing gear and apparel.
Learn about casting and positioning
How you cast will depend on your setup type, but knowing how to do it efficiently will optimize your time on the water. There are a couple of different ways to cast, but beginners should focus on controlling the spool, bringing the rod back, and throwing the lure forward cleanly. This is basic, but that motion is what will kickstart your technique advancement.
Along with actually casting, it is important to understand positioning and how to angle your lure to harbor the most bites possible. This all depends on if you are fishing from a boat, the shore, or any other type of structure. Generally, casting parallel to the shore and targeting points and drop-offs will bring good bites. This is because baitfish will be naturally found in these areas, so you are tapping into that source.
More tips to get started
1. Be Patient
It is pretty hard to teach patience, but your beginner will need to have it sooner rather than later. Especially with young children learning the ins and outs of youth fishing, it will not take much for their minds to wander and them to be over what you are doing.
A way to combat boredom or frustration is to give the beginner something to do in between bites. This could be rigging up other rods, organizing tackle, or eating a snack. If that person’s mind is occupied in the downtime, they will not seem as bad.
2. Take breaks, and don’t rush anything
Because taking on a new hobby can be overwhelming from the start, it is important not to dive in too fast. Especially if the beginner is a child, this can end up pushing them away from having an open mind.
Plus, take breaks. Not every fishing experience needs to be eight hours long, and if it does, take plenty of breaks. Although fishing is largely passive, it can be draining after a long day. So, pace yourself and only do what you can handle.
3. Bring food and drinks
Because fishing can be an all-day venture, you have to stay fed and hydrated. When energy is low, so is morale. So, be sure to have a nice lineup of snacks and drinks available. Even something simple like a candy or granola bar can pick up the mood tremendously in addition to giving your body enough strength to keep going.
4. Don’t buy too much too early
One mistake you can make is spending way over your budget on high-end fishing materials right from the start. If your beginner has the best-of-the-best but ends up not enjoying fishing as much as previously thought, then someone is out all of that money.
Buy quality, affordable rods and reels to give you good opportunities to catch fish without breaking the bank.
5. Prepare for the weather
Believe it or not, moving weather systems and rain can harbor good feeding frenzies. Sometimes, the most gorgeous days, in terms of weather, can be stagnant and not bring many bites.
So, you need to be prepared and willing to brave the weather when it is safe to do so. This is best done by having rain gear on hand even when the forecast calls for clear skies. You never know when a weather system will move in.
However, you also need to be careful about inclimite weather. Rain is okay for most fishing scenarios, but storms and lightning are very troublesome. The last thing you want to be doing in a lightning storm is swinging a graphite rod.
Closing Thoughts
Jumping into fishing can be an intimidating step to take. With so much to learn and invest in, taking that leap of faith without proper mentorship or direction can be difficult. Hopefully, these tips will propel that interest further than the starting line.
It all starts with assembling the right equipment and building a knowledge base that will complement the physical skills needed to catch fish. Be sure to use this beginner’s guide to kickstart a new passion! If you’re looking for more information from tips and tricks to youth fishing information, check out our library of blogs.
