Whether you’re an adult going fishing for the first time or a child doing this with your dad, it’s great to know some of the basics before you do it. It may sound and look simple to some, but fishing is an entire sport filled with dozens of little tricks to make the experience better.
If you’ve never done this before, you may be overwhelmed by the tons of information you encounter on your first trip. There’s everything available online, so why not do it? Instead of being stunned, you should learn a thing or two before actually doing anything.
In this article, we’re sharing six essential tips that every first-time angler must know. We will provide information on what makes a great fishing trip, how to catch fish, protect yourself, and other things.
1. Pick the right rod
With so many options out there, one may be confused about which is the best? There’s no one best rod in the world. There’s only one that fits your style and physique perfectly. There’s no best, and you need to pick the one that fits best in your hand.
Look for the right size based on your body. If you’re a bigger person, you’ll want a bigger rod. Also, make sure that the one you’re choosing is made for the type of fish you’re aiming for. Ocean fishes and freshwater fishes are not the same, so pick the right rod.
2. Use the right lure
There are hundreds of different lures out there. They mainly differ by the type of fish you’re trying to catch. Only the ones made for the ones you’re aiming for will give you results. You need strictly whiting lures if you’re trying to catch whiting, and you can’t use the same for catching tuna.
Before going to the fishing spot, learn about the types available there and be prepared for the challenge. Get the lures that will give you the chance to catch something. If you go there and use something else, you may leave empty-handed. The entire point of going fishing is catching something, so be well prepared.
3. Know when to pull
When using a line and floater, you need to master the craft of pulling at the right time. Many first-time anglers will become too excited from the moment and pull before it is the right time. They also might pull too hard and mess up the entire equipment.
Keep it together and learn how to act at these moments. You probably already know that the floater needs to go under the water surface and disappear to be sure that the fish caught the bait. However, different fish will use various tactics, so you need to know how to handle this perfectly.
Learn about the type of fish you’re aiming for and know how to act accordingly. Some of them will try a little of the bait before swallowing the whole of it. That makes the floater move a little but never goes under entirely. Wait for the right moment, and pull only when you’re 100% sure.
4. Know how to protect yourself
Fishing means going into nature. There are all kinds of threats aside from knowing how to handle the equipment in nature. The weather can turn violent in minutes, and wildlife is also something to think about.
Wear sun and rain protection at all times. Also, beware of mosquitoes and apply some repellent to keep safe. Additionally, know how to handle the equipment. The bait can cause severe injuries if you’re not careful, so learn how to handle an eventual problem regarding the equipment, too.
5. Learn the laws about when and where you can fish
The laws are strict, so make sure you understand the rules. You can’t fish anywhere at all times. Some areas are strictly forbidden, while others limit the number of people accessing them. Different parts are also sometimes fully protected, and you can go there.
Read the rules or ask someone skilled and experienced in this matter. If you get caught fishing in a place where it is forbidden, you may face serious charges. Your equipment will be confiscated, and you’ll need to pay a fee for the damage done.
6. Be quiet; you can easily scare the fish
As you approach the water, it’s wise to be quiet and calm. Fishing is not playing football or other sporting activity where you can be noisy and laugh. Any sudden movement can scare the fish, even though you’re on the shore and they are inside the water.
Your shadow is visible inside the water, and fish are easily scared. They listen to vibrations and see your presence, so try not to make them swim away from the area. You want them close to you, so it’s strongly advised that you keep your voice down and be patient.