Getting Started
If you’ve never fished in your life, don’t worry. There are many people who have not experienced the art of fishing or if they did when they were younger, they didn’t pay much attention. If you’re wanting to go fishing though, and you have no idea where to start, follow these steps from TakeMeFishing.org:
- Start Simple: Learn one of two things and slowly build on your knowledge. You might become overwhelmed or frustrated if you attempt to learn the art of fishing and end up with an unsuccessful trip.
- Start Close to Home: It’s much easier to become dedicated to learning fishing if where you fish is convenient. You don’t need a fancy lake or anything like that. Some local ponds (with fish), nearby rivers or large creeks etc. should work fine.
- Buy a Fishing License: Did you know it’s illegal to fish without a special license?
- Learn Different Fish Species: Start learning about the fish that are native to your area that way you can identify them. If you catch a fish you don’t recognize snap a photo of it to look up later.
- Buy a Basic Reel & Rod Combo: You don’t need anything fancy when you start out. Also it doesn’t hurt to talk to the workers who might be able to recommend specific items such as line and hook types for your area.
- Use Live Bait: Live bait can help the fish bite more often than an artificial lure. Once you become a novice fisher, you can consider upgrading to artificial lures.
Fishing Mishaps to Avoid
Trust us, learn from others mistakes and avoid these common fishing mishaps from
TakeMeFishing.org:
- Forgetting to purchase or bring your state fishing license.
- Not reading your state fishing regulations.
- Forgetting to check the drag on your reel.
- Wearing dark soled shoes onto a boat.
- Holding the fishing rod and reel upside down.
- Allowing slack in your line.
- Using dull hooks.
- Not following your fish once it’s hooked.
- Trying to figure it out on your own.
- Losing your patience.
Keeping it Safe
Remember that fishing can be dangerous in various ways. You need to keep in mind the area where you will be fishing, being exposed to the weather and unplanned circumstances as well. See the list probided by TakeMeFishing.org:
- Boat Safety – All Passengers should Wear a Lifejacket
- Waterfront Safety – Inspect them daily as the natural environment can instantly change how it was before.
- Permits – Don’t fish in unpermitted areas. These should be marked but just in case, ask. They are normally “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation or because they are deemed unsafe.
- Safety – Consider safety when your choosing a spot to fish.
- Be Prepared – Bring gear such as water, flashlights, maps, cell phones or even a radio.
- Wear foot gear.
- Check the weather and bring gear for rain, cold, sun etc.
- Bugs will be heavy around the water so take protective measures against bugs.
- Keep any knives or other tools safely secured and covered when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
Best Times to Fish
Temperature
Fish are cold blooded so temperature plays a big role into their habits. Really high and really low temperatures can effect the amount of oxygen in water which makes fish less active. If it’s too hot or too cold, you might not catch many fish. Try to fish when the sun is high enough to have potentially warmed the water if it is cold out. If it is warm out, aim for the early morning before the fish get too warm.
Light
Fish are sensitive to light and from various studies it shows they prefer early morning and evening sun versus midday sun. In the morning, the sun is warming the water making the fish more active. To stay comfortable, fish will move to the bottom if the water is too warm or the sun too bright.
Best Times to Fish Based on Season
- Spring – Evening
- Summer – Early Morning Before Sunrise
- Fall – Afternoon to Early Evening
Download our free fishing guide by clicking here.
Sources:
TakeMeFishing.org 1, TakeMeFishing.org 2, TakeMeFishing.org 3, TakeMeFishing.org 4
Created by American Heritage Insurance Group, 9675 Montgomery Road, Suite 101, Cincinnati, OH 45242. This document is copyright protected. It may be used with permission from the Marketing & Communications Department and if credited. Contact Marketing@AmericanHeritageIns.com for permission.
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