Learn Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing is a fun and tranquil sport that lets you spend quiet time with your friends, family and Mother Nature.

Freshwater fishing is a sport involving the catching of fish in lakes, rivers and streams. It requires a lot of patience and skill acquired over time.  But, anyone can participate in this fun activity, including the kids.

To start things, you need to check your state’s fishing laws and determine if a fishing license is required in order to go fishing in your state. If a freshwater fishing license is needed, you may obtain one at a local sporting goods store. They will be more than happy to help you with the details and provide you with the proper fishing license.

During the time that you are in your favorite local sporting goods store, you can look around and buy the right freshwater fishing tackle (equipment) that you will need for your fishing trip.

Considering that you are a beginner, make sure that you carefully budget your spending on fishing equipment and buy only the basic things you will need.

When in doubt as to what is needed, ask the help of the store clerk, but keep in mind that you need to stick to a budget. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask how to use each piece of equipment that is offered to you. Artificial lures for bait can be used or you can simply look for worms from your back yard.

An inexpensive fishing rod and reel will be enough along with a fishing line, hooks, weights, a bobber (this keeps your line afloat), fishing lures and net. A pair of polarized sunglasses is also essential, as it will help you to see clearly through the water and lessen the glare.

Then if you don’t know any good locations to fish, ask about local “hot” spots, or check your state’s fishing regulations for information about fishing locations in your state.

The time will surely come when you will be a better fisherman; then you may decide to upgrade your equipment. In the meantime, keep things simple.
 
It is advised that you avoid fishing alone.  Always fish with a friend, in case an accident occurs, there will be someone who can call for help.

It is wise to start fishing in shallow waters. Aim your cast toward shady or rocky areas where the water is deep, since this is most likely were the fish can be found. Keep in mind that this is all practice at first.

Practice, Practice, Practice ...

As your skill level develops and increases, you can then attempt to fish in deeper waters. But before going, take the time to practice casting to familiarize yourself with your rod and your reel.

What better place to practice than your back yard. To do so, mark off an area using a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your cast. Rehearse and study your movements to discover a method that will work for you. Bear in mind, cast with your wrist, and not with your arm.

Fishing hooks are very sharp and needed to be handled with care to avoid injury.  Before casting, it is important that you should look around you and stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people with your hook.
 
When the right time has come and you go freshwater fishing for real, keep in mind to cast your line always ahead of the fish, making your bait land slowly, with as little splash as possible. The fish will see well at a close point, but cannot see behind.

If your casts are going in a disorganized manner, move closer to the water so you can gain better accuracy.

Watch the bobber closely for any movement. If and when a fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under water. This signals that you have a fish on the line.  Don’t get too excited.  Remain calm.

Keeping your line tight, slowly reel in your catch. Place the net near and use it to bring the fish out.  Remove the hook from the fish with great care.
 
If you caught an undersized fish (as noted in the state’s regulation book), quickly return it to the water. Likewise, if you have no intention of eating your catch, return it to the water. Releasing fish will allow them to grow larger, giving future fishermen the experience of an even better catch.

Lastly, look around and feel the calm, restful and serene view of the river. 

Have fun with freshwater fishing!