Many people spend a lot of money to try to become better fishermen. However, this article can give you a great start on learning the essentials of fishing, without breaking the bank.
Do not spend a lot of money on fishing gear. Costly equipment isn’t needed to ensure you’ll enjoy the sport, nor will it increase how many fish you catch. Choose equipment that falls within your spending limit, and you’ll feel more confident about actually using it.
If you are just starting out with fishing, don’t overload your tackle box. You can find millions of different types of bait and pieces of equipment in the fishing supply store. Though they all serve a purpose, you don’t necessarily need every piece. Start with a handful of different types of bait and a few different sized hooks and weights. You can always add more later once you have fine tuned your list of necessary products.
If you are fishing in a stream or river, cast upstream and allow the natural current in the water carry your lure or bait into the fishing hole. This gives a much more natural appearance and will greatly increase your chances of getting a bite. The key is to not allow your line to have too much slack as it moves through the water.
When fishing alone, be careful not to go into water that is too deep. This is especially true when fishing near large rivers as a sudden undercurrent could pull you under and drown you in even fairly shallow water. It is typically better to fish with at least one other friend.
Always know how much weight your boat can safely hold before heading out on the water. This can be a deadly mistake if you are in deep water and the boat capsizes. Your safest best is to stay way below your boats weight capacity.
Remember that silence is golden when it comes to fishing. Loud noises are more responsible for frightening fish away than anything else. If you can sit silently, or keep your voice to a low whisper, you will have a better chance of keeping the fish close to, and interested in, your line and grabbing that big catch.
When you are choosing your fishing rod, be sure the eyelets that hold the line are smooth. They should not have any kind of abrasive feel. Any roughness with the line could cause it to weaken or to snap at that vital point when you have caught that big fish.
Fishing where there are many plants or weeds can cause great frustration. The problem is that fish love to stay in these areas, so while it may cause you some irritation, you’re more likely to catch something if you stay there.
If fly fishing, avoid wind. If the wind is too strong, accuracy with casting your line could be an issue. It is best to fly fish either in the early mornings or later in the evenings, preferably when there is little wind. If you find that it becomes too breezy, simply fish with the wind at your back.
When you are fishing from a boat, never try to catch something larger than your craft can handle. If you try to catch a shark in a small boat, you risk losing the fish, damaging the boat, or even endangering your own health. Make sure you are always using the appropriate size!
Fish are always going to be around regardless of what time of day it is, but there are a couple of times of the day that they are more active. Early in the morning and in the middle of the evening are the best times to catch fish because these are their best feeding times.
Never panic no matter how big the fish you’ve caught! There will probably be a fight. Do not try and reel the fish in or you will break your rod. First you need to set the drag, then patiently wait for fatigue to set in on the fish, after that you slowly reel the fish in.
If you plan on eating what you caught, you should keep the fishes as fresh as possible. Bring a cooler or a live well with you and fill it with water from the lake. If you can, do not kill your catches until later. If a fish dies, put it in a separate cooler filled with cold water.
Use a dental pick to deal with baitcaster backlash. Everyone who fishes will experience the dreaded “birds nest” of tangled fishing line at some point. Keep a dental pick handy to help untangle your line without cutting it. Get a travel-sized dental pick with a cap on it, and carry it with you in your pocket.
Fishing is a sport with a clear goal, which is to catch fish. Knowing what you are doing when fishing will increase your chances of success and make your trip more enjoyable. The next time you go fishing, your adventure will be a success.
