A lot of people love to go fishing because apart from being a great recreational activity, it can be quite rewarding and exhilarating to make a good catch. For this reason, fishing is no longer just a hobby for many people, but an incredible sport as well. If you are keen on fishing but you have never tried it out before, then read on to gain a good insight into what you need to know. Below, we share an overview of fishing for beginners to help you get started.

Types of Fishing

Freshwater Fishing

One of the most common types of fishing is freshwater fishing, which is appropriate for people who live far from coastal areas. The fishing enthusiasts behind All Fishing Gear suggest that you delve into this type of fishing because this is the friendliest fishing form that can easily be mastered by beginners. Rest assured that even if ponds or lakes prove to be smaller in size compared to the ocean, you will have the chance to catch a wide variety of fishes in them.

To ensure that your freshwater fishing becomes a success, you need to consider the time of the year and the day you decide to go fishing. For instance, during the summer, you need to fish early in the morning or late in the evening. On the other hand, dusk is the best time to fish during the spring or fall.

Another thing that you need to learn about freshwater fishing is the species of fishes in the freshwater body that you are fishing in. The reason behind this is that you may need to use a different type of bait depending on the fish species in the lake. You may also want to explore the corners of the lake, where the fishes love to hide.

Still Water Fishing

In terms of freshwater fishing, you have the option of fishing in still waters such as lakes, ponds, and dams. Here, the fish species tend to be calmer because of the absence of significant water movement. The key is finding the right spot and figuring out the perfect combination of lures and baits for the fish species you want to catch.

Running Water Fishing

You can also delve into running water fishing, which is usually done in rivers or streams. This may prove to be more challenging than still water fishing because the fishes tend to move faster. The reason behind this is that there is more water activity in these bodies of water. You also need to learn how to maneuver fast-moving currents of water while you are fishing.

Saltwater Fishing

Another type of fishing that you may want to consider is saltwater fishing. Just keep in mind that you don’t always need to be in a boat to catch fish from the sea because deep-sea fishing is not an activity that is suitable for beginners. Rather, you are better off starting with pier-fishing or surf-fishing, rather than in a fishing kayak. Both require a minimum amount of fishing gear and expertise.

Pier-fishing can be appropriate all year round, but both pier and surf-fishing entail the need for you to research the tidal activity in your region. In this case, you have the option of joining local fishing groups or asking local fishermen. When it comes to saltwater fishing overall, you need to plan your fishing activity based on the tidal conditions.

Fishing Techniques

There are two basic fishing techniques that you need to learn but before that, you should also understand what casting is. The latter is how you throw bait into the water with the use of your fishing rod. The fishing technique that you eventually go for depends on your casting.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is considered the primary technique that you can use to catch trout. With this fishing technique, you need lightweight baits, which are sometimes referred to as artificial fly. Usually, these baits are made from feathers and animal furs. Because the baits are lightweight, the casting element is the line itself.

Spin Fishing

Spin fishing is known as the most straightforward technique for beginners at fishing. With this technique, you can use the simplest spinning rods. Compared to fly fishing, spin fishing is less challenging, with the possibility of yielding even better results. Just keep in mind that the fishing gear you use for fly fishing is different from the fishing gear that you need to use for spin fishing.

Fishing Gears

Fishing Rod

Apart from the types of fishing that you need to familiarize yourself with, you also need to understand the different types of fishing gear that you need to have. One of the first things that you need is a fishing rod that you will use to cast your bait and reel your catch in. Some of the things that you need to consider in choosing the best fishing rod include its length, power, and action – which also depend on the use you will make of it.

Fishing rods are often made from graphite or ceramic, with the former being more flexible while the latter are more rigid and long-lasting. Hence, ceramic rods tend to be more expensive. You also need to think about the length of the rod because it dictates the distance that you can cast. On the other hand, the power of the fishing rod defines the amount of pressure that you need to apply to the rod before it is bent. For instance, ultralight fishing rods are perfect for small baits while extra heavy fishing rods are suitable for deep-sea fishing.

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Reel

When it comes to reels, you have a couple of choices, namely bait casters and spinning reels. For beginners, the latter tends to be more appropriate because they are simpler to operate. Spinning reels are also perfect for lighter lines. On the other hand, bait casters entail the need for a certain level of expertise before you get used to it. The reason behind this is that they tend to have a more complex mechanism.

Line

You cannot go fishing without a line because your fishing rod will be incomplete. In this case, you can choose between three different types of lines: namely, the monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid. Among the three, the most commonly used one is the monofilament, which is inexpensive, stretchable, and easy to tie. It even floats accordingly, which makes it excellent for topwater fishing.

Fluorocarbon on the other hand can be almost invisible in the water, which means that even if it sinks at the bottom, it won’t alert or startle the fish. Braid is a contemporary type of line that is more portable because it can be stored in less space. Like fluorocarbon, it is also invisible underwater and it is even less prone to tangling. Because braids are relatively new, they are also the most expensive type of line that you can get.

Lures and Baits

Finally, you also need to have the appropriate lures and baits whenever you go fishing. The one that you eventually go for depends on the type of fishing that you will do. For instance, for topwater fishing, you may need to have floating lures.

Final Words

You need to familiarize yourself first with the different types of fishing that you can choose from, because once you have a good grip on that, you will be able to get the appropriate fishing gear that you need. It will also help to have a good background on which types of fishes are easiest to catch. As soon as you understand the basics of fishing outlined in this guide to fishing for beginners, you will be ready to enjoy your first fishing experience!

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Fishing for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide