If you’re looking to get started in the amazing and fun sport of fishing and have little to no experience, you’ve come to the right place because this guide will have everything you need to begin your fishing journey and land your first catch!

1.WHAT IS FISHING?

Fishing is the practice of catching fish for food, sport, or recreation. It involves various methods and tools and can be done in a range of environments, from serene lakes to bustling oceans. As a beginner, your primary focus will be on learning the basics of fishing techniques, gear, and etiquette.

Types of Fishing

Angling: This is the most common form involving the use of a rod, reel, and bait or lures. It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Fly Fishing: Uses lightweight artificial flies to imitate insects. This technique requires specialized gear and is popular in clear flowing waters like streams and rivers.
Ice Fishing: Practiced on frozen lakes. Ice fishing involves drilling a hole in the ice and fishing through it. It requires specific gear and preparation for cold conditions.
Spearfishing: Involves using a spear or spear gun to catch fish underwater, usually while free diving or snorkeling. It's more physically demanding and requires significant skill.
This guide will focus on angling for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

2. What fishing gear Do i need?

To begin fishing, you will need a fishing rod, fishing reel, fishing line, hooks, and the correct type of bait or lure. Focus on acquiring the basics and gradually expand your equipment as you gain experience.

Fishing Rods

The 2 main types of fishing rods are spinner rods and conventional rods. Make sure the type of rod you purchase matches the reel you plan to use.

Length and Action: Ideal beginner rods typically range from 5 to 7 feet. Rod action refers to how much the rod bends when pressure is applied. Medium-action rods are recommended for beginners as they offer a balance of sensitivity and power.

Fishing Reels

Spinner Reels feature an open-faced design with a bail arm that guides the line onto the spool. The design minimizes backlash and line twists , making them ideal for beginners.

Conventional/Baitcasting Reels offer more control and are used for heavier tackle and lures. They require more skill to operate and are generally used by more experienced anglers.

Fishing Line

Monofilament Lines are flexible, easy to handle, and suitable for most fishing conditions. It is a good starting point for beginners.
Fluorocarbon Lines are virtually invisible underwater, making it ideal for clear water fishing.
Braided Lines are strong and thin with low stretch, making it suitable for thick vegetation and larger fish. Braided lines are more expensive than monofilament lines and are highly visible, making them less ideal for clear water.

Hooks, bait, and sinkers

Hooks: Hooks come in various sizes and shapes:

Sizes: For beginners, standard size 6-10 hooks are effective for a variety of freshwater fish.
Shapes: Choose hooks based on the bait you’re using and the fish you’re targeting. Common shapes include J-hooks, circle hooks, and treble hooks.

Bait:

Live Baits include worms, minnows, anchovies, and sardines. Live bait can increase your chances of catching fish by mimicking their natural prey.
Artificial Lures include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Lures are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of prey.

Sinkers: Also known as weights, sinkers are crucial components of your fishing setup. They help your bait or lure sink to the desired depth and maintain its position in the water.

1. Split Shot Sinkers

Description: Small, removable weights that can be pinched onto the fishing line. They come in various sizes and are used to adjust the weight and depth of your bait.
Best For: Light to medium fishing, especially when you need to fine-tune the weight quickly without changing your setup.

2. Egg Sinkers

Description: Shaped like an egg and have a hole through the center, allowing the line to slide through. This design helps reduce resistance and avoid spooking fish.
Best For: Bottom fishing, especially in freshwater or saltwater where you need to have your bait close to the bottom without resistance.

3. Bullet Sinkers

Description: Shaped like a bullet. These sinkers are streamlined to reduce drag and are often used together with plastic baits or lures.
Best For: Texas rigging for bass fishing and other applications where you want to minimize snagging and maximize casting distance.

4. Pyramid Sinkers

Description: Shaped like a pyramid with a pointed end. These sinkers are designed to anchor your bait securely to the bottom in strong currents.
Best For: Surf fishing and fishing in areas with strong currents or shifting sands where a stable position is crucial.

3. Local Regulations

Before fishing, familiarize yourself with local regulations to ensure you are fishing legally and responsibly.

Licensing Requirements: Many regions require a fishing license or permit. Check with local authorities or fishing organizations for specific licensing requirements.
Catch Limits and Sizes: Regulations often include limits on the number of fish you can keep and minimum size requirements to protect fish populations.
Fishing Seasons: Some species are only legal to fish during certain times of the year. Adhering to fishing seasons helps maintain healthy fish populations.

4. Choosing the Right location

Freshwater Fishing

Lakes: Look for structures like submerged logs, rocks, or weed beds where fish may be hiding. Popular species include bass, trout, and catfish.
Rivers and Streams: Fish often gather in areas with slower current or near structures. Focus on eddies, pools, and deeper sections where fish are likely to congregate.
Ponds: Ponds are often less complex and can be great for beginners. They are typically stocked with species like bluegill, bass, and catfish.

Saltwater Fishing

Coastal Areas: Fishing from the shore or piers offers access to species like perch, sea bass, and mackerel.
Deep Sea Fishing: For larger fish like tuna and marlin, you’ll need to venture farther into the ocean on a boat.

5. Basic fishing techniques

Casting

Overhead Cast: Hold the rod with both hands, pull it back behind you, and then flick it forward to cast the line. Release the line when the rod reaches the forward position. This technique is suitable for most fishing situations.
Sidearm Cast: Hold the rod horizontally and make a sidearm motion to cast the line. Sidearm casts are ideal for casting under obstacles or in confined spaces. This technique helps avoid snagging on overhead branches.

Cast and wait

As the name states, it is a straightforward technique of casting your lure or bait into the water and waiting for the fish to bite. After casting, allow the bait to sit in place or drift naturally.

Cast and Retrieve

Some lures require a fast retrieve, while others work better with a slow, jerky motion. Retrieving is more ideal for freshwater fishing.

Steady Retrieval: Turn the reel handle at a steady pace to bring in the line. Adjust your speed based on the type of bait or lure you’re using.

Slow Roll Retrieve: Retrieve the lure very slowly, allowing it to stay close to the bottom or move slowly through the water.

Stop-And-Go Retrieve: Retrieve the lure with intermittent pauses.

Yo-Yo Retrieve: Drop the lure to the bottom and then quickly reel it up before letting it fall again repeatedly.

Burning Retrieve: Retrieve the lure at a fast consistent speed to create a rapid and aggressive presentation.

Setting the Hook

When you feel a bite, quickly pull the rod up to set the hook in the fish’s mouth. This increases the likelihood of a successful catch and prevents the fish from escaping. Practice the timing and strength of your hook set to improve your success rate.

Best time of day to fish

Understanding the best times to fish can greatly enhance your chances of a successful catch. Fish behavior varies with time of day, weather conditions, and seasonal changes.

Early Morning (Dawn):

Why: Fish are often more active during the early morning hours, especially just before and after sunrise. The water temperature is cooler and fish are more likely to feed after the night.
Best For: Most species, including bass, trout, and panfish. Early morning is particularly productive in warmer months.

Late Afternoon to Dusk:

Why: As the day progresses towards evening, fish again become more active. The water temperature starts to cool down and fish take advantage of the lower light levels to hunt for food.
Best For: Many species, such as bass and walleye. This period is also ideal for topwater lures and bait that mimic dusk-feeding prey.

6. Practicing Good Fishing Etiquette

Being a responsible and considerate angler ensures a positive experience for everyone and helps protect natural resources.

Respect Other Anglers: Maintain a respectful distance from others fishing nearby and avoid casting near their lines to prevent tangles.
Follow Local Regulations: This helps ensure sustainable fishing practices and preserves the environment.
Protect the Environment: Clean up after yourself and properly dispose of trash. Be mindful of natural habitats and avoid disturbing wildlife.

7. Safety Tips for fishing

Fishing can be a safe and enjoyable activity if you follow some basic safety guidelines.

Wear a Life Jacket: Wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat or near deep water. Accidents can happen and a life jacket can help save your life.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially on hot or sunny days. Dehydration can quickly ruin a fishing trip.
Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit to handle minor injuries or emergencies that might occur while fishing.

conclusion: time to get started

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to start your fishing adventure. Fishing is as much about enjoying the moment as it is about making a catch. Each outing is an opportunity to learn, relax, connect with nature, and make memories with loved ones. Whether you’re looking to fish at a peaceful lake or braving the open sea, your fishing journey awaits.

Tips for a Successful Start

Start Simple: Begin with basic gear and techniques. As you gain experience, you can explore more specialized equipment and advanced methods.
Be Patient: Fishing requires patience and persistence. Not every trip will result in a catch but each one offers its own special experience, enjoyment, and memories.
Learn Continuously: Fishing is a lifelong learning process. Read books, watch videos, and talk to experienced anglers to improve your technique.

Beginner’s Guide To Fishing: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started