FISHING BASICS

In order to appreciate the sport of fishing, you should learn about its history, basic fishing techniques, and what to do with the fish once you catch them. While fishing grew out of the necessity to have food to eat, today, it is a sport that people regularly participate in to enjoy the spirit of completion as well as the food. Fish are one of healthiest sources of protein because of its heavy concentration of nutrients such as Omega 3 fats. While some types of fish are more nutritious than others, incorporating fish into a diet can help people lose weight, have more energy, and look more youthful.

BRIEF HISTORY OF FISHING

As stated above, fishing was probably started out of necessity. Early Egyptians fished in order to provide a stable diet to their families. Other cultures have documented the same by through drawings and writings about how to catch fish. Using animal bones that were sharpened, these cultures created spears that were used to catch fish.

Ancient Greeks also documented fishing activities and perfecting fishing techniques, but it wasn’t until the early 1500’s in England that books began to surface that included fishing techniques, the use of artificial lures, and other equipment for fishing.

This is when fishing started to become more sophisticated. While spears were still being used, in some regions this technique was not as useful. Fishing poles that used string and raw meat on the end of hooks were now used to catch fish.

In 1653, a book by Izaak Walton, an authority on fishing, was published which described how fishing poles were made and how artificial tackle was being used to bait fish. Fishing was starting to become more than just a resource for food. People began taking pride in their equipment and saw the possibilities of fishing as more than just a way to catch their dinner.

As technology advanced, canning processes became more widely used, fishing companies that caught fish to sell were established, and other types of food was more readily available, fishing for sport become more of a pastime for many. Leisure fishing, as it is referred to today, is done purely for the sport of it. While those who fish may enjoy feasting on their catch, survival is no longer the main purpose.

Today, fishing for leisure or for sport is popular. There are many competitions all over the world that measure the size of fish, catching rare breeds of fish, and catching the most fish. While in some countries fishing is still used as a way to feed families and villages, for many regions, it has become just another way to enjoy being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

TYPES OF FISHING

There are two main categories for fishing: salt water fishing and fresh water fishing. Both are different in that the equipment used is not the same and the fish you will catch are not the same. You will learn in later chapters the difference between these types of fishing and how to choose the one that is right for you.

POPULAR PLACES TO FISH

There are many places people like to fish. These may be places where they fished with their families, new places they have recently discovered, or public places that boast a large variety of fish. Some of the most popular places people like to fish include:

Local lakes and streams
Ocean (on a boat or in a marina, dock fishing)
Fish and pay lakes
Rivers and creek beds

When choosing a place to fish, you will need to do your homework. Unless you live in a community that supports its own fishing lake, you may have to get a fishing license in order to fish in certain areas.

Obtaining a fishing license

Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on where you can fish. While there are plenty of lakes and streams in most areas, they may be situated on private property or they may be government owned and operated. This means that the government will allow you to fish as long as you have a license.

License fees allow the government to stock lakes and streams and protect the wildlife, land, and other areas that surround the lake. It is important to research the area you live in before heading off to the lake. If you are unsure about a certain area, call your local parks and recreation department to see if the lake is government operated.

Obtaining a fishing license is easy. After filling out paperwork, showing proper identification and proof that you live in the area, and paying the fee (fees will usually cover a season of fishing), you will receive your license. Children under the age of ten usually do not need a license as long as you have one.

You may also need a fishing license:

If you live near the ocean, you may need to obtain a salt water fishing license as fishing in lakes and streams requires a fresh water fishing license.

If you plan on fishing outside your home state on a fishing trip. Some states require fishing licenses, while others do not. Some states may issue you a temporary license for the days you will be fishing.

To compete in fishing competitions, you may need the proper licenses in order to show that you are allowed to fish in the area.

Along with a fishing license, you should also familiarize yourself with the rules state governments have for fishermen. Many times, fish under a certain length (usually 7inches) are considered too young to be caught and will need to be thrown back. Understanding this rule and following it will help you have a better time while fishing.

If you catch a young fish, unhook it and return it to the water. If you are caught with fish that are below the legal limits, you can be fined and have your fishing license revoked.

Fish and Pay lakes

Since these lakes are owned by another person, you do not need a fishing license to fish in them. These lakes are constantly stocked with fish which increase your chances of catching something. Most fish and pay lakes require that you pay for each fish you catch, pay by the hour, or pay a flat fee for the day.

While you can bring your own equipment, many fish and pay lakes sell equipment including fishing poles, bait, hooks, fishing line, and nets.

If you are new to fishing and don’t want to obtain a fishing license until you are sure this is a hobby you want to pursue, visiting a fish and pay lake may give you the exposure to fishing you need in order to decide if this is the right pastime.

Fishing on Private Property

For the most part, those who own the land surrounding the stream or lake do not mind that you fish as long as you don’t disturb the natural beauty by leaving trash and other objects behind.

A word of warning: If you see ‘No Trespassing’ signs anywhere on the property, you should not fish there. You could be arrested and pay a huge fine.

Ocean Fishing

Fishing in the ocean is considered salt water fishing. Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a license because your property taxes may cover the expense of keeping the ocean and surrounding land areas clean.

Ocean fishing will require you to learn how to use weights, floaters, and other equipment to attract the different types of fish that live in the ocean. This type of fishing may be easier to learn than fresh water fishing because you usually stay in one place for a longer amount of time.

REASONS TO FISH

There are many reasons why people like to fish. Common reasons include:

Spending time outdoors
Being on a boat
Relaxing on the water
Spending time with friends and family
Learning a new skill
Teaching others how to fish
Catching fish
Trying out new equipment
Reducing stress

If you looking for an outdoor hobby that does not cost much, then fishing may the one for you.

FISHING WITH CHILDREN

For many children, spending time with a parent while learning a new skill is an adventure. While some children may not want to bait their hook, most do enjoy learning how to cast their fishing line into the water and waiting for that first bite.

When teaching children how to fish, you should keep the following in mind:

Children should be at least six years old
Attention span of children is less or more depending on the child
Always be patient while children are learning
Don’t plan on spending the entire day fishing
Watch children around the water
Try to make the experience as pleasant as possible

If your children enjoy fishing, then you may have found the perfect activity to participate in on the weekend or on family vacations. If your children don’t enjoy fishing, then you may need to find another activity.

BAITING THE HOOK AND OTHER BASICS

Baiting your first hook may be uncomfortable, but once you have done this a few times, it will become easier. When fishing, it is important to make sure your bait will not only attract fish, but is secure enough on the hook that the fish cannot take it off and get away. Below you will learn the fundamentals of fishing. These include:

Types of bait
How to buy bait
How to bait a hook
How to cast
Storing fish after they have been caught

While there are many skills you can learn in addition to other styles of fishing, you should learn the basics of fresh water and salt water fishing.

Types of Bait

The type of bait you use will depend on the types of fish you want to catch and if you are fishing in salt water or fresh water. Common bait includes:

Earth worms
Types of larvae
Centipedes
Beetles
Artificial bait (rubbery plastic)

If you are unsure about the types of bait to use, you should ask when visiting the bait and tackle shop. Regional bait may also be available for certain types of fish.

Many times, live bait is used in both fresh water fishing and salt water fishing. Conducting a little research will help you choose the right bait for your fishing trip.

How to Buy Bait

While most fish and tackle shops carry fresh, live bait, you need to be careful when buying it. Always look to see the color of the bait. If the bait appears dry or discolored, then it may be too old to use. Worms should be flesh colored and not gray or blue. Other types of bait should look healthy.

The movement of the bait is also a factor to consider when buying bait. Bait that is moving will attract more fish. Bait that is dead or dying will not move around as much. Only buy live bait if it is live.

Bait shops also sell frozen bait. While this bait is similar to live bait, it is not longer alive. Frozen bait is better for salt water fishing because you will be using weights and other items to attract fish. Frozen bait does not smell as bad and may be easier to get on the hook if you have issues baiting a hook with live bait.

Only buy enough bait for that day. While you can always freeze bait at home, most people want to fish using the freshest bait possible.

You may find bait machines outside some bait and tackle shops, gas stations, and convenience stores. Be aware that these machines are not always cared for the way they should be which could result in bad bait.

How to Bait a Hook

Baiting a hook is not as hard as people may think. After you buy your bait (live or frozen) and you get to your destination, follow these instructions on baiting your hook:

1.Use a small knife to cut your bait into small pieces. Worms will regenerate when cut and will essentially become two when cut.

2.After cutting up your bait and attaching a hook to your fishing line, insert the hook through the piece of bait longways (through the body). This will help keep the bait on the hook even when fish are pulling at it.

If you bait your hook by pushing it through the bait in a horizontal manner, the bait will more than likely fall off or be eaten by a fish.

After baiting your hook, cover remaining bait. This will keep it from drying out.

Bait should last until a fish is caught. Even after you unhook the fish, the bait may still be attached. Use the bait for as long as you have it.

How to Cast

Casting will take some getting used to if you have never used a fishing pole before. When casting, the most important thing to remember is to keep your fishing line taut. This will allow you to know when a fish is biting and caught on the line, and will help you reel it in quickly. While you don’t want the line to snap, there should be very little slack.

When casting, pull your pole back and watch out for others, snap the pole and release the line into the water. This may take a few tries, but once you learn how to control your fishing pole, it will become easier. Adjust your line using the reel.
This type of casting is different from fly fishing. While some people will argue it is easier to cast a fly than use a pole, the concept is similar and requires practice.

Storing Fish After they have been Caught

You have three options after catching your fish:

Throw them back into the water
Put them in a water filled bucket
Put them on a nylon line and let them swim on a tether

If you are not planning on eating the fish you catch, or the fish are too small, you should throw them back into the water. Removing the fish from the hook requires you to grab the head of the fish and angle the hook out. Be careful when doing this with catfish and other fish that have sharp pierces on their faces.

If you are planning on eating the fish, you will want to keep them alive until you get home so they are fresh.

Filling a bucket with water and storing fish in it while you continue fishing is one way to keep them alive. Make sure your bucket:

Big enough to hold fish that are at least a foot long
Can hold more than four fish at a time
Has a lid to keep fish inside
Has a handle that is easy to carry
Does not contain any holes or cracks
Can be tied down when on a boat

Buckets are inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores and home improvement stores.

Another option is a nylon cord that has a spike on the end of it. After catching your fish, run the cord in through their mouth and out through their gills. Put the spike into the ground near the waters edge and let the fish swim in the water. The cord will keep the fish attached and the water will keep them alive.

This option only works for those who are fishing on land or who have a designated spot when on a boat in the water. If you are planning moving around a lot, then this option may not be the right one for you.

After bringing the fish home, they will need to be scaled and filleted in order to be cooked. Preparing a fish dinner from the fish you caught is a rewarding experience that you and your family will appreciate.

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