Fishing Guide for Beginners

Fishing might appear complex to novice anglers, but that can be rectified. With a few pieces of equipment, a fishing license, and by following this guide, new anglers would get all the answers they need. Here are some tips on fishing guide for beginners. You would have enough knowledge and confidence to step out on the lake and hedge your bets at capturing some fish.

The guide focuses on different types of fishing. For beginner anglers, it may not be the best option to go outdoors with very little experience. But that doesn’t mean you cannot end up loving the activity in the near future.

Fishing is not just sitting idly by the shore with a rod in hand. It is an adventure that allows a lot of people over the world to reduce their stress levels. People can bond over fishing, find their true calling.

All the technical jargon can seem a little scary to fresh anglers. But you can rest assure that after going through this guide, you would learn all the basics of fishing needed to go casting. You just need a little time and a passion for the sport.

Types of Fishing

Fishing is categorized depending on different aspects. They can be location, purpose, gear, etc. Figure out which style would suit you before indulging in a particular type of fishing.

Fishing Purpose

The main fishing categories are divided by the purpose behind the fishing. First, you have commercial fishing, which is an occupation. Fishermen have one of the most endangering jobs in the world. The open sea is not the safest place to be. But they still pursue this path.

The second category based on purpose is recreational fishing. This is a fun activity that people dive into as a hobby. Recreational fishers catch fish to have occasional meals or just for the sake of it. Catch-and-release fishing is often seen in recreational fishing. In this practice, fishers catch fish for fun and then release the captured fish from the hook. A lot of places require you to have a license for recreational fishing.

The third category is sport fishing. It can also be considered a sub-category of recreational fishing since the main idea is so similar. Fishers capture fish in a competitive manner where they capture different species or weights of fish.

Water Type

The most common aspect seen in categorizing fishing is probably the type of waterbodies one chooses to fish on.

Freshwater Fishing: Freshwater is part of recreational fishing. Not everyone has the luxury to fish out into the coast. Every city doesn’t have a sea for people to cast their lines in. But there are tons of lakes where one can quench their thirst for fishing easily.

Not just lakes, there are tons of ponds, streams, rivers, and other freshwater reservoirs where fishers can take their boats out for a spin.

Saltwater Fishing: Freshwater and saltwater reservoirs can differ in the species of fish they hold. So make sure you find out whether the fish you wish to capture is actually in the location you are going to fish on.

The earth is covered in saltwater, so it shouldn’t be that hard to find suitable coastal areas. Tons of shorelines are filled with fishing enthusiasts on beautiful sunny days. You can be one of them too.

Saltwater can leave dire effects on your fishing gear since the salt can easily trigger corrosion in some parts. Take proper care of your equipment when you set out to saltwater fishing.

Fishing Style

Another aspect used to categorized fishing techniques is the style one uses to catch one desired fish.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is especially common in the northeastern United States and Canada, where holes are made in frozen lakes. A 3-foot rod with a basic reel to carry a non-freezing polypropylene line and a tilt to indicate when the fish has grabbed the lure is widely used. Crappies, catfish, and perch can be caught thru the ice, as well as bigger game fish such as redfish, northern pike, bass, and speckled trout. In the twentieth century, ice fishing became extremely widespread in many European regions post-20th century where extreme freezing permitted it.

Fly-Fishing: Fly-fishing is a form of angling that uses a 7 to 11 foot-long rod, a basic arbor reel, and a hard plastic-covered line connected to a lightweight nylon leader. You cast artificial flies with the help of the rod.  The flies commonly used are made of fur, feathers, or other synthetic fabrics and are engineered to mimic the fish’s organic food supply. A fly-fisher flips the long rod forward and back, causing the line’s stiffer force to drive the almost weightless fly upward. To stop frightening the fish, the fly should settle as softly as feasible on the surface. A basic reel is just used to keep the line in place and to aid in the wearying of a hooked fish.

Baitcasting: Baitcasting typically involves the use of a reel with a heavy line, typically in the 10-20lbs testing range. A lot of spinning reels are threaded with lighter lines ranging from 6-10lbs. Baitcasting began with fresh minnows but evolved to include synthetic lures, spoons, and spinners. The lures are thrown in potentially fish-filled places and extracted in such a way that they provide a moving motion in the water.

Trolling: Trolling is the method of using living bait or fake lures to pull across the surface. If you are on a boat or a kayak, keep the pace of the vessel to a minimum as you extract the bait. Trolling is most often used on freshwater lakes and rivers, but it is still the main tool for big-time fishing in the seas. The technique has the benefit of spanning a wide area where fish would otherwise be tough to find. The system relies heavily on the lure’s range and pace. For inland trolling, the rod is kept at a correct angle to the boat’s movement to capitalize on the rod’s durability whenever a fish hits. Lures are similar to the ones used in bait casting.

This is just scratching the surface. There are plenty of other fishing techniques and details we haven’t explored. But this much information is adequate for a beginner angler.

Building the Fishing Gear

Before you start fishing for real, you would need the proper fishing gear. Let’s take a look at all the equipment you would need to catch fish. We tried to keep it simple so none of the information goes over your head.

Fishing Rod

Among the most significant aspects in achieving success on the waters is selecting the right fishing rod. The ability to precisely position the bait without scaring any fish will have a significant effect as to whether or not you find bites. If you choose the inappropriate rod, you would not get to cast as reliably as you may hope. You can operate your lure the way it was meant if you choose the correct rod.

Attributes you need to focus on before buying a fishing rod:

Rod Length– The length of a fishing rod can vary from around 4-14 feet. Shorter rods are good for fishing in shorter ranges, or for kayak fishing. Longer rods are ideal for casting at a longer distance. Shore fishing requires you to have a longer rod.

Material– Fishing rods are either made of graphite or fiberglass. Graphite makes the rods light in weight. But that also makes them a little more vulnerable compared to the robust fiberglass ones. There are also combination rods that have both graphite and fiberglass in them.

Power– Rod power determines how much pressure it requires before bending. Less power would mean the rod would bend quicker. More power would lead to the rod being stiff, and less prone to bend. Rods with low power are best for catching smaller fish since they are lighter and would bend easily. This means you would need fishing rods with a higher power to capture big fishes.

Handle- Fishing rod handles have some cork or foam covering on the handle. You need to feel comfortable with the handle in your palm. A comfortable fishing rod handle ensures better grip and control over the casting.

Spinning Reel

A spinning reel is another crucial part of your fishing gear. Don’t rush and randomly pick a spinning reel. Consider these factors before picking out a reel.

Material– The quality of the material and the overall construction would determine how many fishing trips the spinning reel would survive. There are metal reels that are durable but they do have some fear of corrosion. Aluminum reels are lighter, but you won’t have to worry about triggering any corrosion.

Corrosion– If you intend to fish in freshwater locations, then getting any spinning reel should be safe enough. But if you are planning on going shore fishing and casting your line out into the sea, then make sure the reel is corrosion-resistant. Saltwater can cause corrosion on products quite fast, especially metal ones.

Line Capacity– Line capacity helps determine how far a bait can be thrown. When evaluating the line capacity of your spinning reel, take your fishing rod to determine how compatible they would be. Reel spools can identify the line capacity so you can choose according to the size of the fish you wish to capture.

Reel Handle– Comfort is a must when it comes to checking the reel handle. You need a proper grip and excellent construction for it the reel’s favor against any situation. You won’t have proper control over the reel without a good handle accompanying it.

Fishing Line

Picking a good fishing line is just as necessary as picking the rod or reel. How would you feel if the line snaps as you pull on your big catch of the day? To avoid that from happening, pick the fishing line wisely.

Monofilament: There is the Monofilament fishing line which I basically a single thread nylon line. It has been used in typical fishing rods for decades. It may not be the most high-end choice, but it is certainly reliable.

Copolymer: The copolymer fishing line is similar to the Monofilament. The core thread material used in the copolymer is the same, but instead of if being single threaded-there are several layers of nylon. The Copolymer is a remodeled version of the Monofilament.

Wire: Wire is ideal for trolling. Wire lines can reach deeper levels without much damage. You can find both single-strand and braided wire fishing lines.

Braid: Braid fishing lines are stronger than Monofilament. It may be robust, but the extra strength causes it to sink faster and deeper. You can cast a better distance. Braid line does not get damaged by the harsh sunlight so you can use them for a very long time.

Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon is transparent underwater. There is no risk of abrasion so you can rest assured that it would last a while.

Choosing a fishing line depends on personal preference entirely. Every material has its benefits and advantages. But all of them are capable of getting the job done.

Hooks and Sinkers

Hooks are the anchor of your fishing. Without a solid hook in place, you won’t be able to trap a fish. There are different types sizes of hooks available. The best option is to get a pack of various-sized hooks so you can catch any fish you want at any time. As for a sinker, they work to keep the lure and bait under the surface. Get a sliding or split shot sinker for your gear.

Bobbers

For fishing with live baits, bobbers are a necessity. You can either pick the traditional round ones or the thin ones shaped like a stick. But avoid buying a bobber that is too big since it would fail its purpose. Small and lightweight bobbers can help determine strikes easily and would effectively help float the baits.

Baits and Lures

Fishing lures are tiny, man-made items that are mostly built like a fish’s food source. They are often linked to a hook and bound to the edge of a fishing line. The lures are used to draw attract fish so they bite onto them and you can haul them in.

Fishing lures, no matter what they are constructed out of, are often properly balanced. The lures use a variety of motions, sounds, colors, and polished reflection to tempt fish to strike.

Live baits are living, breathing creatures that are used to entice fish to bite on the hook. The baits include bugs, minnows, worms, moths, shrimp, etc. opposed to synthetic lures that resemble a fish’s prey, live baits are the real thing.

How to Pick a Lure

Adjust the shade of the lure with the color of the water. You cannot predict which colored lures would a fish would choose on any particular day, so consider switching the colors while you’re not fishing. But your basic rule should be to begin by picking lures that suit the color of the water.

Select lure shapes that would .ensure more success. Small baits may end up attracting your targeted fish and draw them to bite on them. On the other hand, even large lures may be overlooked by the fish you wish to catch and lead to a failed day at fishing. So choose wisely.

Since the target can be based on the form and shape of the dominant bait and disregard other choices, appearance and size are typically the most important attributes in this aspect.

Common Lures for Beginners

Many rookies struggle to determine which lures are suitable for each scenario. Whenever it comes to fishing though, few decisions are more crucial than the lure. Admittedly, it is the lure that actually draws fish, because if they are not allured, you would not have your capture of the day.

Take a look at these common lures that are easy to use. Both beginners and professionals can use these lures to capture fish without much hassle.

Spoon

A spoon lure resembles a typical spoon. A spoon lure is normally oval-shaped with a sloped curve and is made of aluminum. This contributes to two objectives. Firstly,  the lure has the basic structure of a bait fish. Secondly, the curved shape and shiny surface can reflect light. It can ensure the lure would capture fish’s focus and eventually bring them in. You would need to extract the lure while it’s in the water to make it imitate the action of a prey.

Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait rotors are made of metal blades, and flashy effects are made of translucent materials. When the lure is under the surface, you can pull it, and the rotors would cause the bait to resemble a live, swimming fish as you haul it in. Spinnerbaits are more difficult for novice anglers to master since they require quick movements. When the water is clean, you should retrieve the spinnerbait fast. But if the water is muddy, take your time as you pull the lure back in.

Jerkbait

A soft rubber jerkbait is a valuable addition to every tackle box. Throughout the colder months, as the bass is deeper and extra fussy, a jerkbait can be your ideal choice for capturing the fish. Strap thru the nose with a hook and configure it in drop-shot fashion. The setup can persuade the lazy bass at shallow waters without scaring them.

SwimBaits

This is a large group of baits designed to mimic the wobbling of a fish’s tail. Rather than a fixed jiggle like a crankbait, swimbaits come with a jointed body that bends across the surface like a floating fish. A lot of the movement of the lure is in the tail that mimics the back and forth motion of a naturally moving baitfish. They can be used in a wide assortment. Several are hardbaits that swim straight out of the package, and others are lightweight plastic baits that must be attached to an angled hook. Depth and intervention are generally heavily reliant on user feedback.

Topwater Frog

The Topwater Frog is a lure commonly used on different occasions. It has a spot in the tackle box but the usage of this lure is quite specific.  The Frog lure works well in small, sleazy bodies of water that have increased foliage. in extreme heat conditions, use it to drag bass out of the compact shelter. You can use different colored frogs in shallow places so they can float like lily pads. Crank it across the top and then wait. Look for the second bite to place the hook.

Now, whether to pick a lure or a live bait, there is no definite answer. It depends on the personal preference of the fisher. Both methods are effective in capturing fish. Each of them comes with its pros and cons. You can choose either one or just keep both as an option to switch between.

Swivel

Some bait can cause your fishing line to become twisted, which is not a pleasant feeling. Get a swivel that can help maintain the link between the line and the bait without messing anything up. It would provide enough room for the bait to spin without messing up the fishing line. You can also change baits or lures much faster with a swivel in place.

Pliers

This is a small but important part of your fishing gear. A needle nose plier helps severe the hook out of the mouth of your captured fish. The hooks are often stuck to the fish’s mouth. Pulling it out by hand can end up injuring the fish. So you need to use the pliers to separate the hook without causing the fish much harm. Get stainless steel needle nose pliers. They would last a long time and you won’t have to worry about any rusting.

Tackle Box

Last, but definitely not least, you need a tackle box to complete your fishing gear. How can you carry around all the stuff mentioned above whenever you go out fishing? Simple, get a tackle box. It can contain your necessary fishing equipment. They would remain secure and you can carry them around easily as well.

Fishing Tips for Beginners

Now for some tips that can help render your fishing experience breezy. Utilize them as you set out to cast them in the water.

Safety Measures

Angler welfare would always be a major concern. Before you step out, keep in mind to have all of your necessary items, such as sunblock, raincoat (for rainy seasons), a hat, and other accessories. Also, keep a first-aid kit on deck. Remember to keep adequate drinking water that would last throughout the fishing trip. You need to ensure you are hydrated no matter where you go.

Keep it Clean

Whether you are fishing out in the sea, or by the shore, make sure you keep the area clean. Avoid leaving anything scattered behind or throwing trash in the water. It is your duty as a citizen to keep the environment clean.

Set a Budget

It’s not necessary to spend a small fortune on good fishing gear. You can build perfectly fine gear on a limited budget. Make a list of the things you would need at first and then proceed to do some surfing in the shops. Buying high-end fishing equipment for any beginner is not the smartest idea.

Patience is the Key

Individuals always advise fishing in places where one might catch the most fish. That being said, in order for it to work, you must first determine the habitats of the fish. Patience is essential for every fisher since fishing is a method that requires time. The more you prepare and fine-tune your strategy, the better your grab would be in the end.

Switch Up Your Strategies

An important piece of advice for newcomers is to recognize when to shift strategies because they are not that effective. You can insert and deduct weight while bait fishing. You should also experiment with different lures and levels to see if it makes a difference. If none of this succeeds, it’s usually a smart idea to switch locations. To capture a fish, you must first locate where they are.

Conclusion

Fishing is a highly enjoyable sport. It can take some time for anyone to start scooping good catches. But the odds are that you would actually have fun as soon as you place bait across the surface for a catch.

Readying the lure, designing an appropriate throw, eagerly waiting for the bite, and pulling in the fish- all of this adds up to an incredible experience that both novice and experienced anglers would appreciate. If you’re still unsure about fishing, don’t spend any money just yet; instead, devote your time. You can lend a fishing rod from a friend or ride along with some other angler on their fishing venture.

A single trip can determine whether this sport is perfect for you or not.  You might even return with your own catches and already have plenty of ideas for the second trip.

Also Read: Fishing Laws in Wisconsin in 2021-2022 – State Fisher