| Fishing is a healthy, relaxing hobby that can help | | | | with all the rules and regulations in the area where |
| relieve stress and strengthen relationships. Taking | | | | you plan to fish. |
| up fishing as a hobby can be intimidating, but in | | | | How Do I Fish? |
| reality, it's easy to begin hooking fish with only a | | | | The following is a brief introduction to basic fishing |
| little background information. Below, you'll find basic | | | | lingo and techniques. |
| information on fishing equipment, methods, and | | | | -- Still-fishing involves baiting a hook, putting it in |
| how to catch and clean a fish. | | | | the water, and waiting for fish to bite. Done from |
| What Fishing Tools Are Required? | | | | boat, dock, or shore, still-fishing typically employs |
| The most important piece of equipment you'll | | | | the use of bobbers and sinkers. |
| need is a rod and reel. For novices, a cheap or | | | | -- Jigging: Moving bait up and down underwater by |
| borrowed pole often works best. Many experts | | | | lifting and lowering the rod. |
| recommend beginning with a spinning or fixed | | | | -- Trolling: Dragging a lure or bait through the |
| spool reel, rather than a conventional or bait | | | | water using a boat. |
| casting reel. | | | | -- Casting: Throwing or "casting" bait with a fishing |
| The term "tackle" is used to describe the various | | | | rod and then reeling it back. Casting is usually |
| equipment used for fishing. The following list will | | | | performed with an artificial lure to attract the fish |
| give you an idea of what a beginner's tackle box | | | | as it is being reeled in. |
| might contain: | | | | -- Fly fishing: Casting small, light-weight artificial flies |
| -- Hooks | | | | that emulate insects and other fish food. This |
| -- Bobbers | | | | method is vastly different from traditional |
| -- Sinkers | | | | methods, as it requires a special rod, reel, line, |
| -- Lures | | | | bait, and technique. |
| -- Bait | | | | Regardless of which method you use, one |
| -- Fishing line | | | | technique you'll need to know is how to land a |
| -- Stringer | | | | fish. Essentially, the process consists of three |
| -- Fillet knife | | | | steps: setting the hook, pumping the rod, and |
| -- Fishing scissors | | | | netting the fish. |
| -- Needle-nosed pliers | | | | Finally, if you plan on keeping and eating the fish |
| -- Basic first aid kit | | | | you catch, you'll need to clean them. To clean a |
| -- LED flashlight | | | | fish, use a fillet knife to make an incision along the |
| -- Net | | | | belly, from the rear to the head. Remove all the |
| Most outdoor recreation retailers carry these | | | | entrails until only the meat is left. Removing the |
| items and can explain their design and function. | | | | head and tail are optional, but not necessary. |
| Wear the right clothes when fishing. Dress | | | | Now What? |
| warmly, as temperatures tend to be cooler on | | | | Go fish! Trying new methods and equipment and |
| the water. Additionally, a sturdy pair of | | | | eventually developing your own unique style is |
| waterproof boots are an excellent investment for | | | | part of the excitement of fishing. Just be sure to |
| any outdoor activity. | | | | develop your talent for tall tales as well, so that |
| You'll also need a fishing license. Fishing licenses are | | | | no matter how many fish you reel in, you can |
| typically granted by the state, and may be | | | | spread your arms wide and swear, "It must have |
| obtained from your local fish and wildlife agency | | | | been this big! |
| or outdoor retailer. Be sure to familiarize yourself | | | | |