James RickardTips for the beginning angler
January 8th 2008 04:43
Don’t worry if you’ve never done much fishing or are totally new to the sport. It's not hard. On the other hand, it’s one of those things that can take a lifetime to master. It doesn’t take a lot of equipment to catch fish. All you really need is a rod, some line, hook, and bait. BUT, a reel, bobbers, a few sinkers, and a fishing license to keep things legal can make it a lot easier.
It never hurts to know a few simple things about where fish live, what they eat and when they are hungry. AND, you’d better know your local fish regulations!
Equipment
The basic fishing rod is around 6 feet (1.5-2 m.) long and is medium "weight" (which means it's a good all-purpose rod). Almost anything will work for panfish (crappies, sunfish, bluegill, etc.)
The easiest reels to use are spin-cast reels. Spinning or baitcasting reels are popular, but they are a bit harder to use.
Line is sold according to strength (called "test"), which usually ranges from 2-pound test and up. Despite my own preferences, a good all-purpose line is 8-pound test.
Bait fishing
Any type of hook will work. But check local regulations as to what is allowed. You may think that a hook is a hook but it can get pretty technical and certain types of hooks are not allowed in certain areas.
Here’s one of those fishing truisms that is as true today as the first time it was said, the smaller the number, the larger the hook. You’re best bet will be sizes 4-10. A 4 or 6 comes in darned handy and will hook most fish out there. Hooks with a long "shank" (the part between the eye and the barb), are called Aberdeen hooks and may be good if you’re just starting out because it can be easier to remove them from fish with small mouths. Think about the size of your intended target and choose you hooks accordingly. If you’re after those panfish we mentioned earlier, an 8 or even 10 are in order.
Sinkers keep your bait down near the lake or river bottom or at the depth you desire. You may notice that a lot of the sinkers out there, called split-shot, are about the size of a BB. Use only enough to sink the bait but, I don’t like to use a lot of little weights when one big one will do the trick. You have to strike a happy medium because if the fish feels too much weight he’s going to drop the bait before you even know he’s there.
New alternatives to lead sinkers are made from various metals, or even cement. If you lose a sinker (which often happens), these alternatives are safer for water fowl.
When it comes to bobbers, the smaller and thinner ones usually work best. But, don't use one so small that the weight and bait sink it. I still like those old floaters that grandpa used but paint them with orange florescent paint to make them a little more noticeable. Despite what I just said, I’m also a little partial to the lighted variety for fishing at night. If you see the bobber go under the surface, FISH ON! A bobber also adds some weight and helps you cast further.
There is a lot of bait to choose from. It’s best to ask someone in the know because what works in one area is probably not good in another. A good all-around bait would be nightcrawlers or worms.
Waxworms usually work for sunfish. A kernel of canned corn can get carp to bite. Catfish are partial to a piece of chicken liver. Minnows are great fish-getters. As you can see, the possibilities can be mind boggling!
On the down side, worms, minnows, and nightcrawlers die easily, so; you have to keep them in a cool, moist place, out of the sun. Put minnows in a bucket with a few small holes punched in the sides and keep it in shaded water nearby. To keep water from spilling out, transport the bait bucket in a larger bucket.
Take needle-nosed pliers or surgical forceps to remove hooks from the mouth of any fish you catch.
Lures
Of the hundreds of lures on the market, the most popular are spinners , crankbaits, and jigs.
Basically, a jig is a lead ball with a hook sticking out. Retrieve a jig by bouncing it along the bottom of the lake or river.
Spinners vibrate when retrieved through the water, attracting fish. They are easy to use and will catch a wide variety of fish.
Spoons get their name from what you eat your cereal with in the morning and can be cast way out there but, be wary of getting hung up!
Crankbaits can be more expensive than other lures but their uses outweigh their cost. Cranks have their own wiggle that is controlled by a diving lip on the front of the lure. Crankbaits are excellent for a variety of fish and their use can never be downplayed.
One last bit of advice--get out there and do it. You can read about fishing and watch the guys on TV. You can only absorb so much. Sooner or later, you'll have to put it all into practice!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
It never hurts to know a few simple things about where fish live, what they eat and when they are hungry. AND, you’d better know your local fish regulations!
Equipment
The easiest reels to use are spin-cast reels. Spinning or baitcasting reels are popular, but they are a bit harder to use.
Line is sold according to strength (called "test"), which usually ranges from 2-pound test and up. Despite my own preferences, a good all-purpose line is 8-pound test.
Bait fishing
Any type of hook will work. But check local regulations as to what is allowed. You may think that a hook is a hook but it can get pretty technical and certain types of hooks are not allowed in certain areas.
Here’s one of those fishing truisms that is as true today as the first time it was said, the smaller the number, the larger the hook. You’re best bet will be sizes 4-10. A 4 or 6 comes in darned handy and will hook most fish out there. Hooks with a long "shank" (the part between the eye and the barb), are called Aberdeen hooks and may be good if you’re just starting out because it can be easier to remove them from fish with small mouths. Think about the size of your intended target and choose you hooks accordingly. If you’re after those panfish we mentioned earlier, an 8 or even 10 are in order.
Sinkers keep your bait down near the lake or river bottom or at the depth you desire. You may notice that a lot of the sinkers out there, called split-shot, are about the size of a BB. Use only enough to sink the bait but, I don’t like to use a lot of little weights when one big one will do the trick. You have to strike a happy medium because if the fish feels too much weight he’s going to drop the bait before you even know he’s there.
New alternatives to lead sinkers are made from various metals, or even cement. If you lose a sinker (which often happens), these alternatives are safer for water fowl.
When it comes to bobbers, the smaller and thinner ones usually work best. But, don't use one so small that the weight and bait sink it. I still like those old floaters that grandpa used but paint them with orange florescent paint to make them a little more noticeable. Despite what I just said, I’m also a little partial to the lighted variety for fishing at night. If you see the bobber go under the surface, FISH ON! A bobber also adds some weight and helps you cast further.
There is a lot of bait to choose from. It’s best to ask someone in the know because what works in one area is probably not good in another. A good all-around bait would be nightcrawlers or worms.
Waxworms usually work for sunfish. A kernel of canned corn can get carp to bite. Catfish are partial to a piece of chicken liver. Minnows are great fish-getters. As you can see, the possibilities can be mind boggling!
On the down side, worms, minnows, and nightcrawlers die easily, so; you have to keep them in a cool, moist place, out of the sun. Put minnows in a bucket with a few small holes punched in the sides and keep it in shaded water nearby. To keep water from spilling out, transport the bait bucket in a larger bucket.
Take needle-nosed pliers or surgical forceps to remove hooks from the mouth of any fish you catch.
Lures
Of the hundreds of lures on the market, the most popular are spinners , crankbaits, and jigs.
Basically, a jig is a lead ball with a hook sticking out. Retrieve a jig by bouncing it along the bottom of the lake or river.
Spinners vibrate when retrieved through the water, attracting fish. They are easy to use and will catch a wide variety of fish.
Spoons get their name from what you eat your cereal with in the morning and can be cast way out there but, be wary of getting hung up!
Crankbaits can be more expensive than other lures but their uses outweigh their cost. Cranks have their own wiggle that is controlled by a diving lip on the front of the lure. Crankbaits are excellent for a variety of fish and their use can never be downplayed.
One last bit of advice--get out there and do it. You can read about fishing and watch the guys on TV. You can only absorb so much. Sooner or later, you'll have to put it all into practice!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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