Are you thinking about taking up fishing, but unclear on how to begin? Fishing is a lifelong hobby that is a very rewarding and relaxing activity. Here are some tips to help you get started in the popular outdoor recreation of fishing. It won’t be long before you are fishing like a pro!
Fishermen should try to blend in with the environment when they fish. While fish may not have terrific vision, they can see colors, and therefore may be frightened by vibrant clothing. It is best to wear earth tones.
You need to keep your hook sharp if you want to catch fish. The hook is necessary to ensure that the fish remains on the line until you get it to the boat. Test your hooks often for sharpness and replace or maintain them as necessary.
If you are going to be an avid fisherman, then a sharp hook is a must. If the hook can scratch your fingernail lightly when you drag it across, then it is sharp enough. If that does not happen, replace it or sharpen it if you wish to catch additional fish.
Check into where you can catch fish, and cast upstream of that location. This will drag your hook and bait past the fish. This will attract more fish. If the fish are hiding under a ledge or other obstruction, this method will work very well.
A person fishing with bait would be wise to use a bobber or some sort of indicator while fishing. It can be hard to tell when you get a bite at times, and a good indicator will eliminate that problem. Choose one that is easily visible to you on the surface of the water.
Make time to check your fishing line on a regular basis to make sure that it has not frayed, knotted or kinked. If it is then cut away the offending piece and then re-knot it onto the lure. You do not want to be reeling in a fish only to have the line snap.
Seek fishing holes that are deep. If you are fishing on a river, try fishing in the the deepest parts of the water. Fish usually congregate in these types of areas. You will also find them off of ledges and around large rocks. Be sure to make a mental note of your special fishing spot along the river, so you can find it on your next trip out.
Make sure that you are using the right type of bait for the fish in your area. Ask someone at the bait shop for a bit of help with this, if necessary. If you are using the wrong bait, even if it is a high-quality and expensive bait, the fish won’t be attracted to it.
When fishing in colder months and especially when ice fishing, wear plenty of layers, and bring spare clothing. You can always remove extra layers, but you can’t put on clothes you didn’t bring. Fishing is often a wet business, and in the cold, wet clothing can be a killer. Swap out wet clothes for dry when you can.
When you are fishing, make sure that you take care of the surrounding environment. Remember that nature belongs to every animal equally. This includes fishes, humans and other wildlife. Try to make as little impact on the land as possible while you are fishing.
When fishing, be aware of the wind. If it is windy, fish will more than likely follow the current and end up on one side of the lake. Always try to cast into the direction the wind is blowing. Sometimes though, the wind will be too strong and fish will want to lay on the lake floor where they are inaccessible.
Fish are always going to be around regardless of what time of day it is, but there are a couple of times of the day that they are more active. Early in the morning and in the middle of the evening are the best times to catch fish because these are their best feeding times.
Some fish, such as walleye, prefer some types of live bait over others. Keep your arsenal diverse by packing a couple dozen leeches just in case. Keep the leeches alive in a ventilated cup or container that has a few inches of water inside.
Check the hooks on your lures as well as any hooks already on your line to ensure that they are sharp enough to bring a big fish in. If they will still scratch your nail then they are good to go, but if they are too blunt to do even that, then it is time to change them up.
Now, you know how to get started in the fabulous past time of fishing. Fishing is something you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Once you begin, you will find yourself learning on your own and soon you will have your own favorite fishing spots and techniques to share with others. So, take the tips you’ve been given and get out on or by the water and give it a try.