Fishing has been around for more than 40,000 years ago. It’s one of the main sources of nourishment back then. Nowadays, we get our seafood fix from supermarkets while fishing or angling is now more popular as a sport. But if you want to be self-sufficient, fishing is one of the skills you should learn. To get a better grasp, you should know the many valuable fishing tips.
Get A Fishing License
One of the most important fishing tips that you should know before grabbing those rods and reels is to find out what the fishing rules and regulations are in your state. Once you read up on this vital piece of information, you can now get a fishing license. You can purchase one here.
There are a variety of fishing licenses available. You can get a lifetime license if you feel like you’ll be fishing for the rest of your life. Other options include yearly, daily, and short-term fishing licenses.
Know the Fishing Essentials
Every newbie needs to read up on fishing tips detailing what gear you need. This will give him an idea what the fishing essentials are and which ones to purchase. The Art of Manliness came up with a complete list of basic fishing gear every man should have in his fishing tackle box but here is a quick peek on what you’ll need.
Rod and Reel
Start off with the rod and reel. A spinning rod and reel is recommended for adults. If you’re taking a child with you, he can use a rod/reel combination.
Fishing Line
Use a monofilament fishing line that withstood the 8-pound test, at least. Pack extra line in case yours break or get tangled up.
Fishing Hook
Size 6 and 10 fishing hooks are ideal for catching small fish. Circle hooks, meanwhile, are best for catch and release. For beginners, u can use a combination of hook and weight. Just make sure you have plenty of hooks in your tackle box. They should be in different sizes, as well, so you can use the right-sized hook for catching different fishes.
Lures and Baits
It’s fun to use live worms as bait, especially if you’re fishing with your kid. But if prefer not to harm other living things and just want to catch and release you can use plastic lures instead.
Other Basic Fishing Gear
Your fishing tackle box should also contain needle nose pliers for removing hooks from the fish (and you if you’re too clumsy), clippers for cutting the line, bobbers or floaters to indicate if you have a bite, and sinkers to put some weight on your line. Just stay away from the lead ones. They’re not good for the environment.
Wear the Right Base Layers
When it comes to what to wear, most lists of fishing tips will tell you to be in comfortable clothes that gets rid of moisture fast. Choose a thin, quick-drying T-shirt as your base layer. Shirts with UV protection are preferred though they are a tad pricier.
Wired for Adventure came up with a short list of base layers men can wear during summer. You can use it as a guide on what to buy.
Wear Proper Fishing Attire
Aside from your base layer, you should also put on something that is appropriate for fishing. Remember that you could be gutting fish so a shirt that wards off the bloody mess is perfect. Go with a nylon button-up shirt with quick-dry features.
Check out this more detailed guide on what to wear while fishing from Bass Resource.
Pack Extra Clothes
When it’s hot, the tendency is to dress up in shorts and a shirt or tank top. But if you’re going fishing, you need something that will cover you up and offer better protection from the sun’s rays while still feeling cool and comfortable.
You can make do with a pair of shorts and a button-up shirt over your base layer, especially if you’ll be staying under a fishing umbrella or tent. But when the bugs come buzzing, you may want to change into a pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt. An interesting option is to wear pants that transform into shorts with a couple of zips.
Wear Sunscreen
Lots of fishing tips you’ll encounter will have something to do with the sun and heat. That’s because you’ll be spending a long time under the sun. Sunscreen will be your best friend during this time. Slather yourself with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will block 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50, meanwhile, can block 98% of UVB rays.
Don’t Let the Fish Smell You
Some fishes know when something fishy is going on by using their sense of smell. Redfish, for example, will not fall for your lure if it smells like sunscreen or any other stuff you touched with a strong scent. Use lava soap to eliminate such scents.
Use Sharpie
Sharpie pens or any other assorted markers are great for customizing crankbaits. Use different colors to mimic fish or something else. Use a red Sharpie, for example, to draw a line along the gills and mimic blood. A black dot drawn behind the eye will make your crankbait look like a shard.
Use Superglue
It’s quite a hassle losing the worm from your hook before it even hit the water. Superglue your lure to the hook so this won’t happen. Fishing tips such as this may be a little too much for some people. It’s entirely up to you if you want to give them a try.
Learn How to Tune Crank Baits
Fishing tips such as tuning crankbaits seem to be meant for the experts and veterans. But if you really wish to fish well, you should know how to do this properly. According to Walt Ermanson on Discover Boating, lures that are not tuned will not catch fish.
To tune crankbaits, you should first cast the lure then reel it in making sure you observe its movements. If the lure goes to the right, use your needle nose pliers to adjust the eyelet to the left. If it runs to the left, twist the eyelet a little to the right. Cast it once more and see if it runs straight this time.
Be Careful Handling the Fish
If you’re lucky enough to catch a fish on your first try, you must know how to handle it so it won’t go flying off your hands. You should also handle it with care so it won’t get hurt f you plan on releasing it back into the water.
Handle fish with wet hands. Hold it straight up or down and support the belly if you wish to hold it horizontally. Don’t remove the slimy coating It’s their way to protect themselves from infection. Make sure to put the fish back in the water quickly since they can’t breathe in air.
Fishing is an outdoor adventure like no other. If you want to experience it for the first time, the best way to enjoy it is to follow the many fishing tips that experts are willing to dole out. And if you want to take your fishing skills to the next level, check out the Pro-Bass Fishing Training Manual.
Of course, one should be wary of the possible risks while out fishing. Check out The Gentleman Pirate to see more fishing tips as well as tips to stay safe while outdoors.
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