Some people think fishing is an activity that can only be done by professionals that have years of experience, but this is not the case. Anyone can fish, and they can be quite skilled at it, given the proper knowledge. The following information will help ease your mind about the supposed difficulty of fishing.
If you are new to fishing, it can help to learn the art of patience. Fishing is not a fast paced sport, and you might sit for hours before you even get a nibble. Learn to enjoy the peaceful time that you spend with a rod in your hand and the act of fishing will soon become an enjoyable one.
Since having just the right bait is crucial to catching more fish, here is an easy way to tell if you are seeing black or white crappie. White crappie have six spines in their dorsal fin while black crappie have seven or eight. White crappie also tend to have bands across their body while black crappie have a more speckled pattern.
If you really want to enjoy your day on the water, make yourself comfortable. Invest in a high-quality fishing chair and make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather. A fisherman who is not comfortable will never stay on the water long enough to have a great fishing day.
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.
Make sure to buy a fishing rod that is very comfortable for you. If you are not comfortable holding the rod and maneuvering with it, then it is not likely you will be successful catching any fish with it. It is a general rule of thumb for the height of your rod to be similar to your height. The weight is a personal preference.
You should know in advance what the fish you are pursuing respond to in regards to bait. For example, when fishing for catfish you want to use chicken livers, but if you want bream, you will need to use crickets for bait. Most likely you will not be very successful if the bait you use is the wrong kind for attracting the fish you want to catch.
If you choose to utilize a net to bring your fish into the boat, it is best to capture the fish head first. Having the fish enter head first lessens its chances of moving around and escaping. Only use a net when it is necessary.
Keep safety in mind when you are fishing. Wear a life jacket (and make sure it is fastened) if you are on a boat. Cover yourself with sun screen, if you are out for an extended period of time. Place all sharp items (like knives and hooks) in your tackle box when not in use.
The time of day and temperatures of the air and water all have an impact on your fishing success. For instance, if you want to catch a bass or a large fish, you should wait for the morning or the evening. Smaller bait fishes are more active at these times of the day, causing larger fish to be in feeding mode. Always ensure that the water temperature is not below 50 degrees when trying to fish at these times of day.
Even though catching fish may be your top priority, you should do all you can to protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen throughout the day, and wear a comfortable hat with a brim. It may take a little time out of your day, but it’s worth it to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
Do not litter in your fishing waters. The trash harms the environment overall, especially the plants and wildlife, and it takes away the beauty of the surroundings too. Try to leave the outdoors exactly the way you found it or better, so that you can preserve the environment and fishing waters for future generations.
Before you start fishing, you need to survey your surroundings and make sure that all other people are not in harm’s way. If you do not do that, then there is a chance that you can snag someone with your hook and hurt them pretty badly. Safety should always be your number one concern.
After reading this article, you should see that it isn’t hard to fish. Anyone can do it and be successful at it, as well. All you have to do is remember the fishing information you read here, and you will be on your way to casting a line and reeling in a big one.