Fishing is a popular activity where you can kick back and enjoy some time with your friends and family.It can also be an intimating adventure if you don’t know what you are doing. Many beginner fishers think they won’t be able to enjoy the time as much due to their inexperience.This simply isn’t true!
There are plenty of simple tips and techniques that you can incorporate to maximize your enjoyment on the water.Here’s a list of my favorite pointers you can try out the next time you fish.
Learn Proper Casting Techniques
If you want to do anything better, practice is the answer.Nothing could be more important in fishing than learning how to cast properly.It will make the difference between hitting the jackpot and having missed opportunities.Spend time watching instructional videos on YouTube and practice what you learn.
While you practice, be sure to use cheap lures.This will keep you from becoming too protective over your “special” lures.When you aren’t worried about losing lures, you’ll take more risk and become a better fisher.
Consider Using a Kayak
If you are new to fishing, you might not have a boat.That’s okay because kayaks are a great tool for finding fish.They are affordable, easy to transport and lightweight.Using a kayak will help you get to those hard to reach areas that the power boats cannot reach.You can find some of the biggest fish in these areas, so it is a great place to practice.
Pick Your Bait Carefully
When you are fishing in freshwater, live bait is the best option.You can choose worms, crayfish or minnows as a way to get started.Research the species of fish you are after and you will soon find the best bait to use.
If you find that you must use artificial bait, there are some options that tend to do well.Consider using spinners or crank baits and see how they work for you.
Keep Your Hands Clean
I know you are thinking this couldn’t possibly matter, but it does!When you fish in freshwater, the fish have a heightened sense of any foreign smell on the bait or lures.If they think something isn’t quite right with the smell, they will not bite.Take the extra time to ensure there is no scent on your hands because it will transfer to everything you touch.
Don’t Crank all the Way to the Tip
Believe it or not, this is a common mistake by rookie fishers.Consider this.When you have to remove the fish from your rod and it is hanging at the tip, where will you put the rod?That’s right!You are going to have to set it down.That might be at the bottom of your boat or on a sandy beach.Consider instead leaving a rods worth of line out.Once you do this, you should be able to lift the rod and gently swing the fish into your other hand.By simply sliding the rod under your arm, you can easily unhook the fish.
One more point to consider.If you are unhooking the fish while it is at the tip, you will be fighting the rods flexing strength in addition to the flopping fish.This is when the hook ends up inside of you!When you have a rods worth of line still out, this isn’t likely to happen.
Consider Hiring a Guide
If you are struggling to get starting and want some expert help, hire an experienced guide.They will have insight into the best equipment to use.They can be a big help in scouting out unfamiliar territory as they will have the inside scoop on the best locations. Having a skilled teacher with you will make the time more enjoyable.
I know you want to have fun with your family and friends, but you need to do it quietly!Fish have a keen sense of hearing.The big fish have grown that way because they listened and stayed away from boat noises.
It is a known fact that fish communicate with each other.They do this to find one another as well as hunt.They will hear you and alert the other fish of your presence.
If you feel the need to make some sort of noise, consider something that will attract them.There are stories of how making the sound of lobster can attract striped bass.
If you’ve attempted different lures and depths, but still haven’t caught anything, it is time to change the location.A great way to find your next location is to search out the top fishfinder to use on a boat.This will give you an advantage as to where the fish might be.
You have your best chance of success when fishing in freshwater if you head out early.Sunrise tends to be a successful time to catch fish.If you aren’t a morning person, this tip might not be easy for you to follow. Another great time to fish is when the barometric pressure is changing due to an overcast or light rain.
Learn When a Fish is Biting
It can often be difficult to tell when the fish is biting.If you are using a bobber, the movement might not be obvious enough.If you don’t use a bobber, you’ll have to pay close attention to the rod tip and the water.When your line moves in a jumping motion, you are experiencing a bite.You could feel the bite on the road tip if it’s hard enough.As soon as you think you are getting a bite, be sure to pull on the rod quickly.
Most of All, Enjoy Your Time
Don’t be in a hurry to catch all the fish right away.Part of the experience is taking in the smells, sights and sounds of the day.Enjoy the time you have on the water with your friends and family.As you continue to implement new techniques and strategies, you will be catching more fish in no time.Until then, just savor the moments.