(Newswire.net — March 31, 2020) —
As a beginning fisherman, there is practically an unlimited supply of tips and tricks proliferating the internet. Choosing where to start can be an intimidating task. Once you find the information you’re looking for, it can take quite a while to sift through it all. It can become boring and repetitive and it doesn’t need to. A little research and preparation will help any beginner fisherman stay safe, enjoy the water, and even catch some fish.
Research. Research the type of fish you are wanting to catch. Not all fish are active at the same time of day. Bass tend to be most active in low-light situations such as dusk, dawn and overcast days. Trout will be more active during hot weather when the bugs they eat are most active. If you are fishing in saltwater, pay attention to the tides. Ocean fish are typically easier to catch during tidal shifts. Also, research what they eat and choose bait and lures accordingly.
Find a mentor. Whether online or in person, finding a mentor is key to developing your skills as a beginning fisherman. If you are able to do both, even better! Reading magazines and online forums is a great way to find a wealth of information.Field and Stream,Sport Fishing andIn-Fisherman are great magazines to subscribe to and websites to visit. You can also look for groups online.Facebook andMeetup are two widely used options. If you know someone who is an avid fisherman, ask them for their help and guidance. Many will be more than happy to share their tips and stories with a newbie. If you don’t know of anyone who fishes, visit your nearest sporting goods store and make friends with the employees in the fishing department.
Be brave. Be brave and don’t be afraid to go where others will not. Many local fishing holes are widely known and visited often. Don’t be afraid to go further downstream or deeper into the water. Be versatile and try new places. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Remain patient. Learning patience is key to becoming a good fisherman. When wading in calm waters, be sure to move slowly and purposefully. The rule of thumb is that any ripples created by your movement should go no more than a foot and a half from your body. If they are traveling further, you are moving too fast and disturbing the very fish you wish to catch. Patience is also crucial when reeling in a fish. The line should have a steady, taut tension to it. If you reel in too fast or too hard, the line has a greater chance of breaking and you will lose the fish you were trying so valiantly to catch.
Practice. Practice makes perfect. Learning how to accurately cast your line is essential to become a good fisherman. The only way to do that is to practice, practice, practice then practice some more. While it’s preferential to practice in the water, it’s not required. You can also practice on dry land. Be sure to buy inexpensive lures and be brave when casting. If you are using expensive lures, you will worry about losing them and be hesitant to cast your line with authority, undermining all of the practice you need to become proficient.
Journal. Creating a fishing journal will allow you to track your progress and provide a snapshot of your adventures that were captured while the details were still fresh in your memory. Things to include are where you fish, the time of day you were out, water temperature and weather and the type of lure and bait used. You will also want to include any maps you may have of your favorite places that show water depth so you can track what depth the fish are biting from and any new techniques you are trying.