NEW TO FISHING?  6 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO GET STARTED

New To Fishing? Here Are 6 Essential Tips to Get Started

 Reading Time:  about 

Do you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful scenery?

If so, fishing may be the ideal pastime for you! Whilst it can be a fun and rewarding experience, fishing can also be challenging if you're new to it.

In this article, we'll provide some helpful tips that are specifically designed for beginners. Let's discover together the 6 essential tips for beginner to get started.

a man fishing in a lake a dawn

1. Do Some Online Research

Before you go out and buy all the gear, we think it's a good idea to do some reading on the internet. You can learn about

  • the different types of fish in your area,
  • what kind of bait or lures they prefer,
  • what equipment you'll need,
  • what time of day is best for fishing.

There are also many helpful online forums and Facebook groups where you can ask questions and get advice from more experienced anglers.

Youtube contains many helpful video tutorials, and there are also lots of specialist websites, online stores, and blogs you can access. The popularity of the FishingKris website shows how keen people are to learn about the best fishing rod cases, fishing reel lubricants, and braided fishing lines.

Folks want to know what fish are bottom feeders, how to upgrade their fishing kayaks, and how to fish emerger flies. Whether you need to discover the best towable tubes for boats or the best fish finders for kayaks, there'll be websites that can help you.

2. Get a Fishing License

We strongly advise that before you start fishing, you make sure you're legally allowed to do so. In the North America and most European countries, this means getting a fishing license. You can easily obtain one by visiting the website of your state's fish and wildlife agency. You may also be able to purchase a license at your local sporting goods store.

Once you have your license, make sure to familiarize yourself with the state's fishing regulations so that you don't unintentionally break any laws. If you do, you could face some serious penalties.

3. Buy Some Basic Equipment

You don't require the most costly gear to get started. At a minimum, we suggest you buy a rod and reel, some line, and some hooks. If you're not sure what kind of equipment to get, ask for advice at your local tackle shop. Here are some specific tips to help you:

Rod

  • Pick a length that's comfortable for you. If you're fishing from a boat, you can get away with a longer rod than if you're fishing from the shore.
  • Consider what kind of fish you'll be catching. A heavier rod is more adept for larger fish, while a lighter rod is better for smaller fish.
  • Think about the action of the rod. Fast action rods are good for quick, powerful casts, while slow action rods are better for more delicate presentations.

Reel

  • Decide what type of drag system you want. A front drag system is easier to use, but a rear drag system gives you more control over your line.
  • Consider the gear ratio. A higher gear ratio reel is better for faster retrieves, while a lower gear ratio reel is better for slow, steady retrieves.
  • Choose a size that's manageable for you to use; larger reels can hold more line, but they're also heavier and more difficult to handle.

Fishing Line

  • Pick the right material - monofilament lines are cheaper and easier to find, but braided lines last longer and have less stretch.
  • Consider the diameter of the line. Heavier lines are good for larger fish, while lighter lines are better for smaller ones.
  • Think about the strength of the line. Stronger lines are better for fighting large fish, while weaker lines are better for more delicate species.

Hooks

  • Decide what size hook you need. It should match the size of the bait you're using.
  • Consider what type of fish you're trying to catch. Different species require different types of hooks.
  • Think about the style of hook you want to use. J hooks are good for live bait, while Circle hooks are better for artificial lures.
fishing rod

Other "Must Have" Fishing Accessories

There are many additional items that can make fishing more enjoyable. Here's a list of examples we think you should consider:

  • A fishing tackle box allows you to keep all of your fishing gear organized and in one place. A landing net is a must-have for anyone who fishes in freshwater, and a fishing float (a small buoy) can be used to mark the spot where you're fishing.
  • Fishing waders are a great way to keep dry while fishing in freshwater. They're also useful for keeping warm in cold weather. A fishing vest will have pockets that are specifically designed to hold all of your gear. A fishing hat helps protect you from the sun and can also help keep your head warm on cold days.
  • Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare from the sun, making it easier to see into the water. It's also important to wear sunscreen when you're fishing, even on cloudy days (the UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause sunburn). Bug spray helps keep mosquitoes and other insects away while you're fishing.
  • A first aid kit is always a good idea to have with you, in case of an emergency. A camera is great for taking pictures of your catch, ready to post online.

4. Pick a Good Fishing Spot

Whether they're lakes, rivers or ponds, not all bodies of water are created equal when it comes to fishing. Some spots will be packed with fish while others will be disappointingly empty.

Do your research ahead of time to figure out where the best place to fish in your area is. If you're not sure where to go, we again suggest you talk to the staff at your local tackle shop.

They likely know all the best spots in the area and can give you some good advice. Once you've found a spot, make sure to be respectful of your surroundings and leave no trace when you're finished fishing for the day.

Fishing By Lakes And Ponds

We recommend fishing early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn't as strong. The heat can discourage fish from biting and make them less active. Look for areas where there's shade from trees or vegetation. Again, this will be cooler and more comfortable for the fish.

Pay attention to the wind direction. You want to cast your line into the wind so that your bait drifts back towards you. If you cast against the wind, your bait will just end up going away from where the fish are swimming.

Fishing In Rivers And Streams

The current can be stronger than you think and can sweep you away if you're not careful. Make sure to always fish with a partner so that someone can help you if you get into trouble.

Fish tend to congregate in areas where the current is slower. Look for pools of water or calmer sections behind rocks or other obstacles.

We think it's best to bait your hook with something that'll float if possible. This way, even if your line gets swept downstream, your bait will still be in the strike zone where the fish are swimming.

sea fishing

Sea Fishing

If you're lucky enough to live near the coast, you can take advantage of some great fishing opportunities. Most fish bite early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler. Again, we recommend you avoid fishing during the heat of the day if possible.

The tide can have a big impact on where fish are swimming and biting. Pay attention to the tide charts and try to fish during high tide if possible. Low tide often exposes areas that fish don't like to swim in, so they'll be less active.

6. Choose The Right Bait

Bait is any substance used to attract fish in order to catch them. The most common types are live bait, lures, and flies. Live bait is any type of small animal that's used as food by the fish youโ€™re trying to catch. The most popular live baits are worms, minnows, and leeches. Lures are artificial baits that are designed to look and move like real prey. Lures come in many different sizes, colors, and shapes, so itโ€™s important to choose one that's appropriate for the fish youโ€™re trying to catch.

Flies are another type of artificial bait that consists of a hook with feathers or other materials attached to it. Like lures, flies come in many shapes and sizes, etc. Different baits will work better for different types of fish. For example, live bait is often the best choice for catching bass, while lures or flies are better for trout.

Wrapping Up

If you go fishing with others who are more experienced, you'll be able to learn more quickly. If you join a fishing club you'll make new friends as well. Be sure to apply all the tips we've discussed today, and keep safety in mind at all times. Then you'll have the best time possible as you pursue your exciting new hobby.

๐Ÿ“ซ Related Blog Posts:

๐Ÿ“Œ How to Pack a Backpack When Traveling on a Survival Adventure

๐Ÿ“Œ How to Survive a Bear Attack in the Wild: A Comprehensive Guide

๐Ÿ“Œ 7 Hacks That Will Definitely Improve Your Camping Experience

๐Ÿ“Œ Complete Guide to Building a Survival Kit for a Trip

๐Ÿ“Œ 15 Hunting Mistakes You Should Avoid


author

Article by

Baptiste

Baptiste is an adventurer with a passion for urban and wilderness exploration and adventure, and a lover of vintage objects with timeless charm. As a Founding member of the Eiken team, he tries to share his passion and expertise for travel and vintage fashion through his articles.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


light blue cotton canvas and full grain leathe vintage backpack rucksack helsinki

travel waxed cotton canvas full grain leather rucksack backpack bag women men eiken

leather backpack luxury full grain leather eiken

full grain leather backpack rucksack travel bags eiken

waxed canvas courier shoulder messenger bag eiken

waxed canvas full grain leather shoulder messenger bag eiken

full grain leather messenger bag

full grain leather shoulder bags

vintage leather and canvas duffle bag for men and women

vintage canvas duffle bags

luxury leather duffle bag men women

premium luxury leather duffle bags