Fishing for Beginners – How to Get Started (Complete Guide)

So, finally, you have taken the decision!!! Trust me! Fishing is going to be one of the most amazing things you have done in your life.

I know you lack experience, but nobody became the expert on the first day, remember?

This is why I am here to help you out here. Before you go for it there are some things that you need to know about fishing for beginners.

Fishing is something the requires the proper amount of skills, accessories, and tools. Hey! Don’t worry, I’m not trying to scare you.

Fishing for Beginners – Start from Here

Before you change your mind, let me tell you some reasons why I believe you have done the right thing by choosing fishing.

Reasons for fishing to be a better option

Whenever we are choosing a hobby, it needs to be backed by some strong reasons along with the passion for it.

Things aren’t pretty much different in case of fishing either and trust me, I surely can give you some strong reasons why fishing is never a bad choice.

Getting rid of stress

Yeah! You know that life has never been free of stress and people are always looking for an effective way to get rid of it. But admit it, you’re never going to get it out of your life completely.

What you can do is find a way out to minimize the stress to the highest extent and if you ask me, fishing is one of them I believe.

When you are outdoors and set your complete focus on the water, you surely are going to get some relief from your stress.

Positive impact on mental and physical health

Fishing is not only going to minimize your stress, but it can have an amazingly positive impact on your mental and physical health.

As you will have to go out for fishing, that doesn’t let you stay idle both mentally and physically. Most probably this is the best aspect of being an angler.

Strengthen bonding

It is not that you will have to go fishing alone all the time. Actually, it is a lot more fun when you are doing it with your friends and family. Moreover, it actually opens up for socializing in a better manner.

Fun

The obvious part of fishing is fun. If you have chosen fishing, then you can be sure that you are going o have the time worth enjoying.

It will not only get you a little distance from your stress and reality but will also make sure that you are having fun.

After all, after catching some fishes you’re not going to stand with a dull face for sure.

Ease

Why I think you have done a very good job of choosing fishing is because it is so easy that anyone can do it. Even for kids, fishing is surely something that is super easy.

How to get started?

As a beginner, you need to know about things that you will require to get started with fishing. Here, by “requirement” I didn’t mean the gears and tools alone. There are other aspects that you need to be concerned about. I will explain them to you step by step.

Step 1: Choosing the right fishing type

Yeah, you heard me right, there are types of fishing from where you will have to pick! It is not mandatory that you will have to pick one, but as a beginner, it is better to stay focused on one first.

So, first of all, choose one as you will have to get started with something. So, let me tell you about the types so that it can get easier for you to make your pick.

Saltwater fishing

If you are mainly focused on grabbing the greater amount of excitement, then saltwater fishing is a better choice to get started with. You are free to do it from both shore and boat.

But before you make a move, you better talk to someone that has experience on saltwater fishing, so that you can a clear idea on where you should begin, the boat or the shore as they both will throw different kinds of challenges for you.

Freshwater fishing

It is way easier for a beginner to get started with freshwater fishing. For so you can choose any place like a pond, stream, river, lakes, or any other freshwater source with fish.

In the case of fishing for beginners, it is often preferred to start with freshwater as it doesn’t require too much of your equipment and can easily be done without even getting down to the water.

Shore Fishing

Shores are also considered as a good point for beginners to start fishing. With a view to finding one, talk to the local fishermen who will also let you know about the types of fish that you may get there as it is important to know for picking up the right bait.

Catch and Release

If you are one of those who don’t think taking lives are anything cool for fun, then this one is perfect for you. All you will have to do is catch a fish and throw it back.

Trust me, this one is more fun than you are thinking. But in this kind of fishing, you will have to be a little careful at the time of unhooking the fish.

Fly fishing

This kind of fishing can be done not only in freshwater but also in saltwater as well and you are going to need some compatible tools & gears for that as well like fly rods, reel, artificial flies.

For this kind of fishing what you need to be concerned about is learning the right techniques along with having special tools.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is one of the most challenging kinds of fishing in this world. But if you think cold weather is what you are looking for, then ice fishing worth a shot over here.

Both equipment and techniques matter here the most. One of the most important equipments you are going to need over here is the ice auger to drill holes.

Kayak Fishing

This one is as fun as it sounds. In this one what you will have to do is get in a kayak and go fishing. You free to do it on both salt and freshwater.

Step – 2: Choosing the species

Now what you will have to choose is the species that you want to grab. You might be thinking, ‘does it even matter?’. The fact is, it does. Look, when you are thinking of catching bigger fishes, you will have to grab proper gear and tools for that.

But if you are not so focused on so, then you can go with lighter equipment. There are fishes like Burbot, Trout, Bass, Perch, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish, etc. and you can choose any one of them.

Here, another thing that you need to keep in mind and that is the size and nature of the species. It matters because there are fish that are aggressive in nature and requires specific techniques & skills to get a hold on them.

Step – 3: Required gears and tools

Now comes one of the important aspects to focus on to start fishing and that are required tools and gears. You will have to make sure that you’re getting each and everything that will make your fishing experience a good & efficient one.

Though it doesn’t include on the gear list, it is important for you to get the fishing license before you make the final move. Every state has its own rules and regulations in this regard.

• Rod and Reel: The first and most important tools that you are going to need is the rod and reel. Spinning reels and rod is a better choice. Make sure that the one you are getting is one you are comfortable with. Most of the beginners consider closed faced reels as a better option over here.
• Clippers: The next thing you are going to need to cut the fishing line is the clippers. You don’t anything more than simple nail clippers.
• Fishing Line: For beginners, I think the monofilament line is surely a better option. If you are thinking of grabbing small fishes, then check if the line has an 8-pound test on the label.
• Hooks and weights: If you ask me for a suggestion as a beginner on fishing, I’d suggest you get combo kits that will get you the different kinds of weights and hooks. If you are going for small fishes, the hood with the size of 6 & 10 would be better for you.
• Bait: I think live bait is a better option for any kind of fishing and you can easily get a grab on that from stores that sell sporting goods or you can check in the tackle shop as well. I think as ideal live bait crickets, minnows, nightcrawlers are better. But if you don’t want to go with the live bait, then artificial can also be used in this regard.
• Split shots: These don’t look much at first glance, but they are indeed important as a part of your fishing gear and tools. You need them to clip to your fishing line.
• Pliers: You are not thinking about taking off the hook from your catch with your hands, right? Then get pliers to do so.
• Plastic bobbers: This is the indicator to detect if the fish are biting the hook or not.
• Bucket: If you are thinking about catch and release, then get a bucket to keep your catch and bait.

Step – 4: Additional Accessories

What I have mentioned above for you, was the primary or mandatory gears that you must have as a part of fishing for beginners.

But to ease up things a little bit, there are some other extra accessories I’d like to suggest you grab before you make your final move.

• Net
• Ice chest
• Safety glasses
• Hat
• Scale for fish

Step – 5: Primary things that a beginner need to learn in the first place

Now comes the most important part and that is how to get things done. Here I am going to tell you about some of the basic aspects of fishing as you are a beginner.

Putting lines on a fishing reel

The most effective and easiest way to learn how to line on a fishing reel is by watching it being done. You will know how the whole process is being done while putting a line. Practice it by yourself at the same time.

You can also watch some video demonstrations. To ease up things for you a little more I will tell you about the steps to do that.

First of all open the bail. There is an arbor knot. You need to use it to tie the line on the arbor. Now place the spool on the floor. But ensure that the label is facing up.

When you are about to turn the reel for 20 times, give some light pressure. This pressure will help you to tighten the line. Now check the line for twisting.

You have to turn your spool again if the line is twisting. Fill your spool, but make sure that it is not over-filled or under-filled.

Baiting a hook

Baiting a hook is indeed one of the easiest parts of fishing. There is no need to try it for the second time when knowing how to get it done at once.

For this, you need a sharp hook obviously. Get some worm as well. Take the hook and position it that pointing upwards.

Now pass the hook through the worm and ensure that it is closer to the knot. To reach the end of the worm, push the longer end of the worm.

Make some space for it to be near the barb of the hook.

Casting the spinning reel

Knowing how to cast the spinning reel is something that can change the game for any anglers.

To cast the fishing reel, first of all, hold the rod perfectly with perfect posture and position. Make sure that the rod is positioned horizontally and facing toward.

The reel must be under the rod. Now you should reel the line for minimum a foot of line hanging from the rod. Pull the line perfectly using your finger.

Grip it strongly against it. Your other hand needs to be used to flip the bail. Now over your head, bring the rod back. Forwarding through is the last thing to do here.

Release the line while throwing forward. If your arm goes past 45 degrees, then it may get you some good results.

Step – 6: Maintaining safety measures

You can never deny that safety is the first thing that should be prioritized when it comes to any out sports or hobbies. The same rule should be followed about fishing as well.

You never know what kind of dangerous situation might come up all of a sudden due to minor or major negligence to safety.

Here, I am going to tell you about some of the safety measures that you should follow with a view to avoiding any kind of danger while fishing.

• When you are fishing on a boat, always put on a life jacket and get everyone else along with you a life jacket.
• If you are going to a natural environment like a waterfall for the fishing, stay updated about the weather, because you never know when things can get rough all of a sudden with the weather.
• Avoid prohibited areas for fishing. They are prohibited for a reason, right?
• Always keep safety items like lighter, flashlights, maps, cell phones, water with you in case things go under unfavorable circumstances.
• Footgear is a very important thing under certain conditions or places of fishing. So, make sure that you are wearing them where you need to.
• Always try to keep yourself dry and warm. Constantly staying wet for a long time may cause cold to hypothermia.
• You should always be careful while handling the fish. Often accidents take place because of lack of cautiousness.
• Insect protection is also important while fishing. So, make sure you have done enough to keep yourself protected from harmful insects.
• Always keep a fishing knife with you, but don’t keep the blade open when you are not using it.
• You must keep safety glasses at the time of casting.

Fishing Tips

If you are a beginner in the world of fishing, you surely need to keep a lot of things in your mind. But I think following some specific tips can get you some great aid over here.

Let me tell about a few that I think should be followed at the beginning stage of fishing.

Practicing at home

Nothing brings perfection, but practice. So it is in the case of fishing. So, before you get started on any actual lake or shore, practice a little in your backyard.

Don’t hesitate to ask

You should never feel hesitant when you are asking for information about fishing to the local anglers. Because they know better how things work better over here.

Going with expert anglers

If you really want to learn practical things about fishing, then you better go with expert anglers.

Patience

If you are thinking fishing is something with instant outcome, then you are on the wrong perception. It will require your patience more than ever.

Spend carefully

Yeah, you are going to need things, but that doesn’t mean you will have to be on a spending spree. You need to ensure that the equipment you are buying is not anything unnecessary.

Leaving plenty of lines

When you are trying to catch a fish, make sure that you are leaving plenty of lines. This is important as you need to give the fish enough space for wiggling so that it can get tiring and become easy to pull off.

Silence: It is important to keep things quiet. You don’t want to scare the fish away, I guess.

Be careful about the environment

It is your duty as well to keep the environment clean. So don’t do anything that will hamper the environment.

Conclusion

Fishing for beginners is surely something that is capable to render them great joy and a better experience.

As a beginner, you better focus on things like safety, choosing the right gears, and mostly, enriching yourself with the required expertise.

Here, I have tried to render you some of the essential information that I think will be helpful for you when you are looking for your next catch in the water.

But you being practically there can teach you more than anything else.