Fishing is fun! An activity people of all ages can enjoy. It can be a family activity to enjoy when you want to spend a day relaxing by the water or aiming to catch a trophy fish. The entire family can get endless hours of entertainment and satisfaction with this activity. A beginners guide to fishing is all you need to get started on this hobby.

Do not get your fishing line tangled up in anxiety over what you must learn. We will keep it simple and discuss the types of fishing, gears, and techniques. Think of this fishing basics 101 as your guide to unlocking the secrets of the angling universe.

Types of Fishing

Fishing styles are like shoes - you must find the right fit to enjoy your angling experience. We will focus on the top four types of fishing here and dive into the thrilling highs and frustrating lows of each.

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing offers the advantage of being adaptable to various environments, from serene mountain streams to lively urban lakes, providing diverse experiences. An activity that promotes family bonding while enjoying the beauty of nature. An ideal recreational pursuit for all ages. The kind of fishing that happens in rivers, lakes, and streams. It is all about catching fish that live in freshwater. If you want to catch trout, bass, or catfish, then this is what you must go for.

Saltwater Fishing

If you are adventurous, saltwater fishing is for you. This type of fishing takes place in salty bodies of water. It can be in the sea, ocean, or a bay. Unlike freshwater fishing, fishing in saltwater can be considered more challenging. You get to face the unpredictability of the currents and changing tides. Nevertheless, the chance of your reels catching a diverse range of fish species makes it worthwhile.

The thrill of catching large and powerful fishes like tuna, marlin, and sharks, as well as other species such as redfish, snapper, and tarpon is something to look forward to. Whether on a boat, pier, or shore, fishing enthusiasts enjoy the excitement and adventures involved in saltwater fishing. 

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is typically done in freshwater where the fishes are most likely attracted to a fly bait. It uses a unique set of skills and equipment. Anglers will need a lightweight rod and an almost weightless artificial fly as bait. The fish bait looks like an insect that the fish feeds on. 

The challenge involved is to cast and propel a weightless fly bait to a desired location in the water, a method that requires timing and control. Although challenging, it is still popular because anglers feel a unique connection with nature as they try to understand the environment of the fish they are trying to pursue.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is done in areas with cold climates where the lake and ponds would freeze during the winter. It involves catching a fish from a hole made in a frozen body of water. An ice auger is used for drilling holes through the ice. Then, the angler can lower the bait into the water and wait to catch a fish.

The most exciting aspect of ice fishing is accessing areas that are impossible to access outside of winter, like fishing in the middle of a frozen lake.

Fishing Gear

 As soon as you have decided what type of fishing you want to pursue, then it is time to choose your gear. Must-have fishing basics for beginners are the following: 

1. Fishing Rod and Reel - The rod and reel are very important when it comes to fishing. The rod is used for casting a line and the reel is for reeling in your catch. Choose it according to the type of fishing you want to do, your skills, and your budget.
2. Fishing Line - Your fishing line connects your bait to the rod and reel. Nylon is the most popular, but we have Dacron, Spectra, and Dyneema. Choose it according to the size of the fish you are aiming for.
3. Bait and Lures - Your bait and lures will attract the fish to your line. Typically, an angler will use insects, worms, or small pieces of meat as bait. The lure, on the other hand, is an artificial bait and is usually effective in mimicking the movements of live prey.
4. Tackle Storage - The tackle storage is where you place all your fishing gear, including your bait and lures and other fishing essentials like pliers and cutters.

Fishing Techniques 

To complete this beginners guide to fishing, we will tackle fishing techniques that you can use when trying to catch a fish. For every type of fish, there is a unique technique involved, aside from the environment that you will select and the equipment to use. Here are just some of the fishing techniques you need to learn:

1. Casting - is a fishing technique where you throw a bait or lure into the water and then reel it in to imitate the movements of prey. The goal is to trick fish into biting the bait or lure.
2. Trolling - is a fishing method where you pull a bait or lure behind a moving boat to cover a wider area. This method helps to catch fish that are far away from the shore.
3. Jigging - this fishing technique involves moving your bait or lures up and down in the water to get the attention of fish swimming near the bottom. By mimicking the movements of small prey, you can entice fish to bite your bait or lure. This technique is particularly effective when trying to catch bottom-dwelling fish.
4. Drift fishing - is a technique where you let your bait or lure move along with the water's natural flow, hoping that a fish will be drawn to it.
5. Bottom fishing - if you want to catch fish that feed on or near the seabed, this one is for you. It involves dropping a baited hook into the bottom of the water.
6. Spearfishing - catching fish with a spear (long-pointed instrument). A technique usually used by scuba divers. It does require skills and practice to get a catch.