Fishing is an extremely popular sport, accompanied by storytelling and plenty of jokes about the ‘one that got away’. What can be more relaxing than sitting out in the water, pole in hand, just waiting for the fish to bite? Not much – and when that fish bites, the adrenaline surge is great! Finding the best fishing spot is a challenge in any area, and you should be prepared to catch and release if needed – some species are protected, and even require a license to fish for.
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Use this list!- Preparation
- Lessons. There are places that give fishing lessons and guided fishing trips. The best lesson is practice, practice and more practice!
- Experience. This goes along with lessons and just hanging out experimenting with bait and hooks and lures. Lots of practice will get you the experience you need to be a good fisherman (or woman).
- Equipment. There is quite a bit of equipment to buy if you intend to be serious about fishing, so start out simple at first, and see if you will stick with it.
- Clubs. Fishing clubs are fun, and you can pick up tons of great information there, and lots of friends, too.
- Permission. Check and make sure you have permission to fish from the owner of the area if it is not public.
- If Fishing from a Boat
- Oars/Paddles. Depending on the type of boat you use, make sure you have some of these on hand.
- Rope. This is necessary for any boat, so stock up - you may need to pull yourself into a dock, tie up, or throw a life preserver or someone in the water.
- Anchor. Having the boat stay in the same place while you're fishing lets you take advantage of schooling areas where fish are plentiful.
- Life jackets/PFDs. These are required no matter where you fish at, so have at least two per boat.
- Seat cushions. For people who prefer to be comfortable while sitting down fishing, cushions do make it easier.
- Fishing Equipment
- Tackle Box. This does not need to be fancy, but it does need to hold all of the lures, bait and other things you will use.
- Fishing License. This is an absolute must, because if the local authorities pull you over, and demand to see this, you have to have it.
- Rods. Make sure that your rods are well taken care of, and inspect them on a regular basis.
- Lures and Bait. You will need a variety for the different types of fish you may want to catch.
- Hooks and Sinkers. Again, a variety will be needed for different types of fish.
- Knives. You will need both a fillet knife and a pocket knife for different uses.
- Weighing scale. This is needed to make sure that any fish you catch is legal to take home with you - you may have to toss it back in the water.
- Tape Measure. This is to check the size of the fish.
- Hook Remover. This is to take the hook out of the fish's mouth
- Wet Weather Items
- Boots. Preferably rubber boots, top keep your feet dry.
- Rain hat. This will help keep your head dry.
- Poncho. This goes over everything else to keep wind and rain off.
- Rain suit. If you are an avid rainy day fisher, invest in a suit for extra mobility and comfort.
- Safety Tips
- Keep hydrated. Drink water, and plenty of it, on a regular basis.
- Life vest. Wear it, don't be a fool!
- Communication. Have at least a two-way radio, or cell phone available if you need help.
- Set a going back time. Agree on a time that you'll go back in, if you're in a group; that way, no one gets lost. Make sure people know where you are going and when you should get back.
- Search and Rescue. Know who to contact, and when the appropriate time to do so is, should there be a problem.
Being safe when fishing starts with knowing the simple things; like how to properly bait a hook, for starters. Knowledge of water rules when on a boat is also extremely important, and how to handle emergencies out on the water. Learning those skills takes some time, but isn’t hard if you go to the right places, and people. Like any other water sport, fishing means you will be out on the water -and the weather is important. Sure, it’s nice to sit out in the drizzling rain to catch a fish – but it’s not smart to sit in the middle of a lake during a thunderstorm. Use some common sense, and pay attention to the weather. If you need to go in for the day, then do so. You can always fish another time – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Picking a great fishing spot is important. Do you prefer a large lake for that canoe you have, or a small river to hang out in? Are you going bass fishing? You should probably consider an entirely different area rather than that little pond in your back yard, and use a pretty big boat while you’re at it. Over time, you will get better at fishing, as your skills become sharper. Fishing clubs are great for friendship, and to keep up on what the best types of bait and tackle are to use. Find out who’s using what rod, and why, or why not. Learn from others, and let your experience expand.
