Going fishing for the first time?
If you are new to fishing, there are a few things that you will want to be aware of. Everyone has to start somewhere, and so being a newbie is not a bad thing, and fishing is something you can pick up pretty quickly. You won’t become a pro overnight, however, you can build up your skills fast and get to grips with all the ins and outs of it pretty quickly.
We will talk you through a few of the things that you need to know before you go fishing, so you are ahead of the game, and one step closer to getting to that pro level sooner. You can also read more here.
What does no one tell you about fishing?
There are a few things that you may not know about fishing that people won’t tell you, and these things are certainly worth knowing.
First, fishing is a smelly hobby to have. The fish smell, bait smells, and it’s all just very fresh on the nostrils. It’s not the best hobby for someone with a sensitive nose.
The best time to fish is in the evening, as well as early mornings. The fishing is better at sunrise and sunset, although it does also depend on the fish, these times are the best overall.
Fishing is not all about catching the fish, but it is about being in nature, being relaxed, and blending in with the environment. It is peaceful and serene, time away from the hustle and bustle.
It is addictive, so after once or twice, expect to find yourself super enthused about it. Finally, fish can be caught under the tip, you don’t need competition-standard skills or set-ups, just use stealth.
Things you should know.
What else do you require knowing before you head down to the water’s edge? Well, here are some things to keep in mind.
#1. Color your fishing lures wisely.
Matching your lure color to the water color is a good move. This is a general rule of thumb for fishing, so in green water try lime or chartreuse, in clear water use white or pearl, and tannic-stained water try root-beer colored lures.
#2. Fishing lure shapes and sizes choice
Then there is the shape and sizes of the lure. Try to match the hatch, so to speak. If predators feed on a school of small fish such as anchovies, then a small and thin spoon that is similar to the size of their typical prey will be a perfect option.
The basic idea is to try and choose a lure that will match the traditional prey of the fish you are trying to catch. It gives you the best chances of making a good catch.
#3. The right size fishing gear.
As well as the lure, the rest of your kit should be matched to the fish you are trying to catch. One-size-fits-all are good options for those who are testing the water, but once you know you want to fish, get a proper set up for your fish of choice. Look at the rods, types of fishing reels, line and so on.
A 12lb class casting reel you use for bass will be too heavy to toss the tiny jigs and spinners needed for black crappy. So, the best step to make when you have decided that fishing is definitely for you, is to choose the fish you want to pursue and get a set-up for catching that fish in particular.
#4. Choose the right type of fishing line.
As well as lures and reels, there are many types of fishing line as well, choose your line wisely.
Different types of line will work for different types of fish. As a rule of thumb, braid lines are very sensitive and have great hook-setting power, monofilament line is not as sensitive and stretches, so it’s great for when fish might nibble on the bait.
#5. Match the fish to the time of day.
Finally, the time of day, which we mentioned earlier. Fishing early and fishing late is ideal. Fishing is great for early birds and night owls, as there is a time of day to fish for both. There are many species of fish that are more likely to bite at dawn or dusk, in ambient light.
During the midday hours cloud cover can make for better fishing, but if you fish during the day in direct sunlight, areas with cover will be better, as fish seek out shade and cooler temperatures.
