If you are just starting to learn fishing you should first decide what kind of fish to go after. Use your computer and the web to do some of the research.

TYPES OF FISH : Warm water fish. Easy, (Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish) are called Pan-Fish because they are small and when filleted (pronounced "fill-ayed"), they are then fried up in a pan. Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Striped.) have an entire industry devoted to them. Incredible amounts of cash and prizes are awarded to the top fishermen in tournaments all across the country. Catfish (many types) have whiskers like a cat. They can be found in warm or cool water. Trout (Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Cutthroat, Lake, Bull, ) as well as Walleye (another tournament fish) are found in cold water. So are Sturgeon (huge prehistoric fish), Shad, and Salmon (Chinook or King, Coho or Silver, Steelhead, Kokanee, and others). They all are good to eat (except maybe the very bony Shad), and fun to catch. A note here. It will be best to fish close to home at first until you get the basics down. It takes a little time to get coordinated with the equipment.

Check around locally at tackle and bait shops if you plan to fish close to home. There are many small lakes and ponds in every state that are planted with fish (usually Rainbow trout) that can be caught on most any fine day. Check the resources page in this site. Ask about what kind of fish is being taken and where, and when is the expected peak date for the run (groups of fish going upriver to spawn). Also ask what types of gear (rod, reel, line size in pound test) are being used and what kind of terminal rig ( sinkers, bait setup, lures ) is producing the most fish. Or call a resort, with guides in the area you plan to visit and ask the questions there.

Get your gear before you go to an area because tackle purchased close to good fishing is expensive and then some. Guides are usually available by phone in the evening after sunset (they fish all day, sometimes every day they can ), and are a source of valuable and specific information. This will determine what kind of gear you want to buy. For kids over 6 years old I recommend a spinning outfit, custom picked to fit, rod and reel. The rods are made in several grades of toughness and/or sensitivity, and match up well with spinning reels that are light enough yet contain plenty of desired line.

YOUNGSTERS don't have a very long attention span, so plan on letting them do their own thing. If they are going to get interested in fishing YOU will have to be the patient one. Remember, the main thing is to have a good time outdoors. For kids and adults over 6 the only type rig to start with is a spinning outfit. Even if you want to become a fly fisherperson, start with a spinning combo so you can go back to it when your arm is tired. Unless you intend to only troll from a boat, or become a professional Bass angler, Do not try to start fishing with a level wind or bait casting outfit. You will have THE most maddening experience of your life. Level wind or bait cast reels have a tendency to over rotate when you cast, creating the monster tangle known as a birds nest or "professional over-run".

Reel manufacturers are getting close to overcoming the problem, but ultimately you will have to develop an educated thumb to use them. They are super for boat use while trolling. But eventually you will want a spinning outfit anyway. If you go fishing on a charter "party" boat or with a guide, they will provide you with equipment so you can get a feel for what is used from boats. However, most folks learning fishing are stuck with shore angling. Shore anglers are endearingly referred to by redneck boaters as "Bank Maggots", just consider the source.

CASTING takes practice. You can learn to cast anywhere there is enough room. A back yard or driveway, a park or deserted athletic field, even an empty parking lot will serve. Just don't freak out some unaware folks in the middle of some other activity. We all have equal rights when it comes to recreation, and courtesy is universal. In fact there are rules about fishing etiquette. ( I will cover these later on. ) After you get your rod and reel put together and spooled with your choice of line, you will need to tie a weight on the end of the line to practice with. Start with 1/4 ounce, a commonly used weight. Please don't use lead. Read about how toxic lead is on the success products page. I recommend ECOSINKS® , our own patented non-toxic, biodegradable, selectable, snagless, fishing sinkers. Attach the weight with a snap swivel on the end of the line. Learn to tie an improved clinch knot right now. It is the only knot you need to start fishing. There is a lot of coordination required to learn how to cast. Even the kids push button style spincast rig has to be learned. Pushing the button down and holding it, releases the line and holds it at the same time. The button has to be released just as the rod stops when you cast. Prepare to cast by reeling the lure or swivel to within one foot of the rod tip. Now put the rod in a two o'clock

trout fishing tips



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