Beginner's Guide to Fishing

People of any age can fish successfully; it's an ideal activity for the entire family. Fishing equipment and tackle can be inexpensive and after learning the basic process of baiting a hook and casting the line, you'll be ready to reel in your catch of the day. Beginning anglers can have a profitable fishing excursion to learn and practice new fishing skills.

Fishing requires equipment and gear. An ideal beginner's fishing rod is a spincasting rod and reel because of its simplicity and ease of use. A spincast reel holds the fishing line. Pressing the button on the spincast reel emits the line and depressing the button stops the line from advancing. You will also need fishing hooks, bobbers, sinkers, lures, and bait. Bait could be artificial or live bait like worms, insects, or cut bait such as raw meat, cheese, or bread. Most anglers organize and transport their gear and equipment in a tackle box. Bring along other items such as a knife, pliers, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a cooler to contain the fish.

The bait you use for fishing will depend on the fish you want to catch. Research the best bait to use to ensure that the fish will be attracted to your line. For example, canned corn and cheese are ideal bait for catching carp. Worms and grasshoppers will appeal to a wide variety of freshwater fish. Artificial bait can be another option, but you may need to add a spray or a powder to the bait to make it smell more appealing to the fish.

Preparing your rod will be the next task. To bait a hook with a worm, thread the worm along the entire curved shape of the hook or place several worms on the hook so they dangle and move. Place a large night crawler on a fish hook by threading it through the hook in several places. To place insects on a hook, simply spear several insects onto the hook through the thickest part of the insect bodies. To bait a hook with cut bait, insert the hook through the meat. Some anglers use lures in addition to bait to attract fish. A sinker is a lead or plastic weight that sits on the fishing line to keep the bait from floating in the water. You will also place a bobber on the fishing line, which sits on the surface of the water. When a fish bites the bait, this movement will pull the bobber under the water for an instant, telling you that you have a fish on your line.

Casting involves releasing fishing line to throw your bait into the water. To cast a spincasting reel, hold the rod with your thumb on the button and situate the bait so it hangs about 10 inches under the end of the fishing rod. Push the button and move the bait end of the fishing rod behind you. Quickly shift the rod forward and once it is in front of you, let go of the button. The line will continue to advance as the weight of the bobber, lure, sinker, and bait pull it. The bait will hit the water, and then you can wind the reel gently to take up any slack in your fishing line.

You will know a fish has bitten your hook because your bobber will bounce and you will probably feel the weight of the fish on your line. Setting the hook means maneuvering to force the hook into the fish's mouth. It may take practice to know precisely when to try to set the hook, because if a fish is merely nibbling your bait, you could lose it. Once you think the fish has taken the bait, move your rod up sharply to set the hook. Reeling the fish in is the next task. Some fish fight and pull to avoid being caught. Experienced anglers usually play their fish because it tires them out and makes it possible to reel them in. Once a fish stops trying to swim away, it's time to begin reeling it in to see what you've caught.

Landing a fish can be challenging, depending on the type and size of the fish. For smaller fish, simply grasp the fish in one hand and remove the hook with your other hand. Larger fish may require the use of a net to support the fish while you remove the hook. A net is also helpful if you intend to release the fish.

With a little experience, you can soon become adept with a rod and reel in your hand. The challenge of catching your dinner might be enough to put you in a boat or on the end of a pier often to try your luck.