A Beginners Guide to Fishing

Fishing is an old practice dating almost 10,000 years back. Newbies to the sport of fishing need to familiarize themselves with the basics. Just like any other form of hunting, fishing entails people around you and the environment and to perfectly enjoy this treasured leisure there is need to be respectful of the two. Here is a Beginners Guide to fishing for starters. 

Over the years, various fishing traditions and techniques have been used. Although contemporary technological developments might have altered modes of fishing, the social norms, regulations, and rules that involve fishing remain. When fishing, you are advised to practice excellent stewardship of waterways all the time. Bear in mind that these waterways existed many years before you and will still be here for other generations after we are gone. Therefore, make a conscious decision to leave fishing areas in better conditions than you found them. Take good care of rivers, lakes, among other waterways for the benefit of future generations. 

Practicing certain behaviors can help take care of fishing areas. When fishing, try your best not to litter. Consider bringing with you a trash bag or any other receptacle to collect your trash. Ensure that your refuse is dumped properly in assigned dumping stations rather than throwing it in the water. When fishing, always use the right fishing gear as well as the right type of bait. Some areas allow for particular gear and bait. Additionally, you may encounter limits on the size, kind, and the number of fish to keep. Familiarize yourself with these limits and take notice on to them. Don’t start searching for what is prohibited and what is not when you are already in your fishing area. Confirm with your destination to find out what the local guidelines allow before heading out on your fishing expedition. If you intend to use a boat, do a thorough research to find out the allowed kinds of watercrafts. 

Fishing locations differ thus pay attention to cautions and local procedures. This is also applicable to when cleaning your fishing boat after leaving the water. Following local procedures and cautions of a fishing location will ensure that you don’t spread non-native species from one water body to another. More importantly, never fish in prohibited areas. There are always concrete reasons why it is not permitted. Some reasons may include proper care of vegetation, your safety, and the protection of wildlife. 

A Beginners Guide to fishing will come handy especially for first timers. Just like all other types of hunting, safety is important. Always wear a life jacket while fishing if you are using a boat. Additionally, ensure that your passengers have their life jackets on as well. Bait and remove hooks with a lot of carefulness and never fish on prohibited waterways. When using a boat, follow the posted wake warnings and speed limits. Tag along all the necessary safety items such as flashlights, cell phone, maps, and water. If you take pleasure in the sport of fishing, follow the guidelines that allow for its continuation. Take care of the environment and be courteous to the people around you.

Carla Arbuckle
Carla Arbuckle

Carla is a staff writer for Fishing.org and Shooting.org. She is an avid outdoors enthusiast and photographer. She can be found most weekends fishing and exploring the wilderness.