Fishing is a great skill. You can fish for food or just for fun! Below you'll find out how to fish properly, and, if you already know how, to improve your skills!
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Part 1 of 4: Finding Fishing Locations
Step 1. Find the location where the fish are
Choose a location that is convenient to spend your time fishing and that has a high probability of catching fish. Public lakes, rivers, and ponds are good locations. Talk to other anglers for good location information for fishing.
- Many fishing locations provide fish that are open to the public, and beginners will find it very easy to fish here, although fishing like this is usually crowded and unclean. Never disturb other anglers and their “fishing area”.
- A remote location around a lake or embankment outside the city is quite good. If you're looking for a quiet and solitary fishing location, make sure you're not encroaching on other people's land, or fishing in a location where fishing isn't allowed.
- If you live on the coast, sea fishing is an option. You will need a sea fishing license, and have special fishing equipment to catch the types of fish that are in the sea. The fishing technique is mostly the same.
Step 2. Find out what kind of fish other people catch in your area
Many newspapers carry news about fishing such as the location and types of fish available, as well as what baits the fish are looking for. You can also ask questions and get directions from fishing, marina and camping shops in your area.
Catfish are a common species found in lakes and rivers throughout the United States. Various types of catfish are often caught for food. Look for the deep water in creeks and lakes, and pay attention to the part of the lake that juts out. Catfish love locations like this, but will head for deep water when the weather warms up
Step 3. Find fish to eat or fish you want
Live in New York and want to fish for crocodiles? It will be difficult if you fish in New York's East River. If you want to fish for a certain type of fish, make sure you fish in a location where that type of fish lives.
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In the Great Lakes region, walleye is very popular, as are Northern Pikes. Lake Huron is a popular location for fishing for this large fish.
Fish Step 3 Bullet1 - In the south, gars and bowfins (a ferocious freshwater fish with a large head) are common in marshy areas. Flounder (round fish) and White Snapper are also types of fish that are commonly caught. The Henderson Swamp area of Baton Rouge is a great location for Gars (a type of crocodile), and Lake Ponchartrain is a fishing destination for a wide variety of fish.
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Trout (rainbow trout) is commonly found in the Northwest, with a characteristic red or pink stripe from the gills to the tail. Crappie, walleye and sea bass are common fish species in this area.
Fish Step 3 Bullet3 - If you've chosen an area you're comfortable with, and want to know what kinds of fish are present, remove any leftover food and wait a few minutes.
Step 4. Find a location where deep water meets shallow water
Most of the sizable fish are usually in deep water and will go to shallow parts to find food. But they won't last long in shallow areas, so you need to find shallow areas where they will appear before disappearing.
Look for reed-infested and filled sections of lakes near steep plains. Many small animals congregate in this area, which makes for a place where fish will forage. The mussel gathering place is also favored by catfish
Step 5. Fishing at the right time
Most freshwater fish are dull predators, meaning they will come out to forage at dawn and dusk, which makes sunrise and sunset a great time for fishing.
If you are an early riser, get out before the sun rises. However, if you are not comfortable with setting the alarm at 4.30 am, you should plan to fish in the afternoon before sunset
Step 6. If you plan to eat your catch, make sure the water is clean
Check the website of your area's Department of Natural Resources for information on the cleanliness of the water and whether it is safe to consume the fish you catch. If you're not going to eat it, then return the fish to the water.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing the Equipment
Step 1. Get a fishing license
Visit the website of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and find out how to get a fishing permit for the location you plan to fish. Usually there will be a fee of around $40 for those who live in fishing locations and can be doubled for those who do not live in fishing locations. You will need a permit for each location you fish and this can be done online, although you may need to visit their offices in some states.
- You can usually get a temporary fishing permit if you don't plan on fishing for a season and can save money. If you live in a fishing location, it may be more profitable for you to purchase a season permit.
- In some states, children under 16 do not need a permit. Make sure the rules apply.
- Most states will determine the number of days that allow fishing without a permit. However, you still need a permit first.
Step 2. Purchase a fishing rod and fishing reel
Going to a sports shop can be confusing, but you don't have to spend a fortune to choose the right fishing rod to start fishing. Talk to the store clerk and ask for options that fit your budget.
- Usually, a medium fishing rod is sufficient for beginners. Choose a stick that is equal to your height, at a weight that is comfortable for your throwing hand. For flexibility, you'll want a fishing rod that's a little loose (not tense) when you start. A rod like this one doesn't break easily but -- although not strong enough to catch big fish -- it's strong enough to lure ordinary fish for beginners.
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There are 2 types of fishing reels: baitcast reels, which wind the line vertically when you hold the rod, and spinning reels, which wind the line perpendicular to the rod. Spinning reels are more used by beginners, and are available in open and closed models. Closed models are push-button operated and are great for beginners.
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Step 3. Find a fishing line as well as a variety of suitable hooks
The smaller the rope and hook, the easier it is to catch fish. You need to match the fishing line to your fishing rod – if you have a tight fishing rod, you need a strong fishing line. If your fishing rod is loose, look for a lightweight fishing line. Smaller rope means more fish.
- You need a hook that matches the type of fish you want to catch. Number 1 hooks are good for many types of fish, but sizes 8 to 5/0 are more suitable for some types of fish. Ask the hook seller about the size of the hook (eg 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0) and the best tools available.
- Making a hook knot is a bit tricky with a small hook and string, and it's hard to get used to doing it. Ask to be taught by a hook shop clerk or your friend who is also an angler.
Step 4. Choose the right bait
Synthetic lures like Power Bait are made to look and smell like live bait, and professional fishing shops have a variety of colorful and intricate baits. However, because fish feed on insects and other life in the water, there are many effective live bait options for a genuine fishing experience.
- You can buy live bait or find one yourself. Many anglers collect worms from their own gardens after rain or at night. You can also get locusts by the river, or try catching small fish with nets and breadcrumbs or small fish traps. Keep it in a bucket of water and keep it alive as long as possible.
- Every angler has his favorite bait, but the old standards are hard to beat. Consider using:
- worm
- salmon roe
- grasshopper
- shrimp
- heart
- sliced bacon (bacon)
- cheese
Step 5. Find a place to keep your fish
If you plan to store your catch, you will need a fish cage to keep the fish trapped in the water, or simply a bucket filled with water to keep them in while you continue fishing. The net is also useful for holding the fish in while you let go of the hook.
If you are fishing on a boat, make sure you bring the necessary equipment. Life jacket and boat ride permit are required. If you're fishing by the beach or river, bring a park bench and waterproof high boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable
Part 3 of 4: Catching Fish
Step 1. Tie the hook to your fishing line
For fishing with artificial laler bait, tying the knot is a challenge in itself. For beginners, learn to make clinch knots to get started. How to make clinch knots:
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Insert the end of the fishing line through the hook hole, then loop it 4-6 times, turning in the direction of the reel.
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Thread the end of the string back through the last loop and pull it tight. To make sure the pull is tight, slightly dampen the string to make it slippery.
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Step 2. Tie weights and bobbers (an object that floats to determine the length of the fishing line that goes into the water)
If the water is flowing fairly fast, such as in a river or stream, it is recommended that you place a weight on your fishing line about 12” above the bait. With a ballast, you make sure the bait is in place a few inches above the bottom of the water – where many fish are.
For beginners, using a float that is visible from the water's edge will help make fishing easier. With the float, you will know when a fish is taking the bait when the float starts to move and enter the water. Use enough weight for the large float so you can still see the float move when the fish bites
Step 3. Put the bait on the hook
Depending on the type of bait you're using, you'll generally hook the bait on the hook a few times so it doesn't come off easily. Hold the hook firmly, starting 1/3 from the bottom of the bait and pushing it through. Bend the bait back onto the hook and pierce through the center until it's through. Just do it again two or three times.
It's uncomfortable to stab the worm a few times, but you need to make sure the worm doesn't come off the hook when you throw it in the water
Step 4. Throw your fishing line
Most beginners will throw with an oblique hand motion, the same as throwing a stone into the water to jump several times on the surface of the water. Move the fishing rod back and forth and aim for the point you are aiming for, while releasing the fishing line.
Removing the fishing line will depend on the type of reel you're using, but if you're using a push-button reel it's easy. Pressing the button will release the fishing line and will stop when the button is released. When you move backwards with your fishing rod, press the button, and when you aim, release the button
Step 5. Wait quietly without making a sound
Some anglers will begin to roll the line slowly, while tugging gently to give the impression that the bait is alive. Depending on your experience, you can do something like this, or just sit back and wait. Experiment with different ways until you get a fish. But don't roll the line right after you throw it.
- Fish will be startled by loud noises and lots of movement, so keep the radio down and limit the conversation to whispers. You will anger other anglers if they get close to you, and you destroy your progress.
- You can tell if a fish is biting the bait by touch, by looking at the fishing line or float, or attaching a bell to the end of your fishing rod. Gently move the rod, making sure the line is tight as you start to pull the fish.
- If after 10-15 minutes you don't get any fish, try another location and wait again.
Step 6. Attract the fish
When you feel someone pulling on the fishing line, you need to prepare your pull. To do this, move your fishing rod quickly back and forth. If there is a fish, the fish will fight back and your fishing line will follow the movement of the fish.
Sometimes it's hard to be sure you've caught a fish or you feel the current move or a fish hits the hook. Only with practice you can feel the difference
Step 7. Pull the fish by lifting the rod vertically while winding the line
Do not use the reel to pull the fish, except for small fish. Keep the line tight and use your hands to pull it towards you, then roll up the loose part of the line.
- Most fish get loose due to loose fishing line. Loose fishing line provides an opportunity for the fish to free itself from the hook. By keeping the fishing line tight, you ensure that the hook stays in the fish's mouth.
- All new model reels have an adjustable pull, but the nylon rope can be adjusted by pulling by hand. When you feel the nylon stretch, the pull starts to work. Larger fish will tire of fighting the constant tension of the rope. Use a fishing rod to direct the fish to an open water location.
Step 8. Catch your fish using a net
When the fish are tired and have been reeled in, take them out of the water and catch them using a net by your friend, or take it slow yourself. Watch out for the fish's sharp fins and hooks, which may protrude from the fish's mouth.
Part 4 of 4: Keep it or Let it Go
Step 1. Measure the fish
If you want to eat the fish, you need to make sure it's big enough to carry and not a protected fish. Hold the fish by moving your hand from head to tail without puncturing the fins. You will be stabbed if you move against the direction of the fin.
Bring a fish breed guide if you plan to keep the fish, and check the rules regarding size limits for certain types of fish
Step 2. Remove the hook
Regardless of whether the fish will be kept or released, slowly release the hook so that it exits in the same direction as it entered. There are special tools for removing the hook, but using small pliers can also be effective.
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You can also use small pliers to flatten the hook to make it easier to remove the hook. Professionals recommend doing this before throwing the line (especially when fishing for catfish), to make it easier to remove the fish. This works well for round type hooks. This kind of hook is easy to hook the hook on the lip/tip of the fish's mouth; without much effort from you.
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Step 3. Decide whether to keep or release the fish
If the fish are small, or you're just fishing for fishing fun, take a photo with your catch and immediately put it back in the water. If you are cooking the fish, you should consider cleaning the fish, or keeping the fish alive until you can clean it later.
Tips
- Put your finger on the fishing line: you can feel when a fish bites without having to look directly at the float. The float can also give the impression of a fish biting, but this can be caused by the movement of the water causing the float to move. Remember that the float will follow the movement of the fish. If it moves against the current, then there must be fish.
- Do not let the whole hook covered with the bait. The end of the hook must be visible so that it can be stuck in the fish's mouth. If using a maggot as bait, hook it to the skin and leave the end of the hook open. Use a large hook when using worms. Attach the worm by sticking the skin at several points. Also try using bread and some types of cheese.
- Don't put bait after you've applied sunscreen unless it's an odorless type, as the smell will prevent the fish from biting the bait.
- Make sure you follow the rules that apply to the number of fish that can be brought. While you can catch hundreds of fish, you may only be able to bring a small number or fish of a certain size. Some fishing areas are catch and release only, so be aware of applicable fishing rules.
- There are many fishing rules, and they vary by region or state. Note the limitations to using live bait. Many waterways, especially those with natural fish stocks, require the use of barb-free hooks and artificial bait only. So make sure you don't fish with worms in waterways with the Gold Medal category which only allows synthetic bait. The fine can be more than the most expensive caviar!
- Make sure you dispose of monofilament fishing line (made of synthetic fiber) properly. Many fishing grounds have special bins for monofilament line. Removable nylon can suffocate waterfowl.
