How to Fish

• Contributed to Mahalo.com by Darcy Logan

Mahalo Daily: How to Fish

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• Mahalo Daily: How to Fish, Deep Sea Fishing, and Sport Fishing (Time: 4:31)

Introduction

• Once fishing was a necessary task for survival. Although some devoted fishing lovers would say it is still that serious of a task, today fishing is more about the sport. If you are about to embark on your first fishing trip, or simply want to learn how, now is the time. Before long, you will be able to fish with the best anglers (a.k.a. fishermen).

Basic Fishing Equipment

• In order to choose the right type of fishing equipment, you will need to have a basic idea of what type of fish you will be trying to catch. Often times, you will hear the term "sensitivity" used to describe different material in relation to the fishing pole, line and other gear. Sensitivity describes the rods ability to telegraph vibrations on the line, down the pole and into the handle.

Fishing Poles

• There are three types of fishing poles used for basic freshwater fishing: bait-casting, spin-casting and spinning. Within these three categories, there are huge array of types and models. When shopping for your fishing pole, you will need to consider where, how often and which kinds of fish you plan to fish for.¹ With that in mind, here are the basics about the different rods:

1. Bait-casting rods (or baitcasting) are stiff and usually made from graphite, fiberglass or split-bamboo with cork handles. These rods are favorites of bass fishermen because they can cast long distances and stronger than other types of rods. They are usually 6 to 7 feet long and used for bigger freshwater fish and small saltwater fish.² However, since it is difficult to learn how to cast with a bait-casting rod, it is not a good choice for beginners.³
2. Like bait-casting rods, spin-casting fishing poles are made of graphite or fiberglass and have a cork handle. They are so similar, that spin casting and bait casting reels are interchangeable.⁴ However, spin-casting fishing poles are shorter and more flexible. Spin-casting rods are good for beginning anglers and catching panfish and trout.²
3. Spinning rods are the most popular type of rod when fishing for bass, trout, pike and walleye.⁴ The average spinning rod is 6 to 7 feet and is capable of handling large fish.²

• Fishing poles are also defined by how much flexibility they have, called power value or rod weight. The more flexible they are, the less power it takes to bend them and the lighter the power value they are assigned. The lighter the power, the smaller the fish they can catch. The power values include (from smallest to greatest) ultra light, light, medium-light, medium, medium heavy, heavy and ultra-heavy.

• Another quality used to describe fishing poles is action. Action describes how responsive the rod is to bending force, the speed in which it returns to its neutral position and where it bends.⁴ An action may be slow, slow-medium, medium, medium-fast or fast. Slow action rods are more accurate, but fast action poles work better in windy conditions because they can perform a longer cast.⁵

• If you are a beginner, you should consider getting a 6-foot long spinning rod with medium action and weight capable of casting 1/4-ounce to 1/2-ounce lures and baits.^{6 1}

Fishing Reels

• Make sure you choose a reel with a crank on the appropriate side. If you are left handed, you will want a left-handed crank.

1. Baitcasting reels are also known as overhead reels because they are mounted above the fishing rod. Baitcasting reels are more sensitive, but more difficult to learn how to use.⁷
2. Spincasting reels are similar to spinning reels except that they are covered to minimize tangling. The line comes out of a small hole on the front of the reel. It mounts on top of the rod's handle. These reels are also nicknamed "pushbutton reels" because they are easy to use, making them perfect for children. However, they are also the least sensitive to the movement on the line.³
3. Spinning reels do not turn when cast. Instead, it flows out of the reel while a curved bar, or bail, guides it. When the reel handle is turned, the bail turns and winds the line onto the spool. Spinning reels are less sensitive and larger than baitcasting reels, but have no problem with backlash.⁷

Fishing Tools

• There are a number of other fishing tools that you can acquire for your fishing trip. Here are the essentials:

1. Clippers are used to cut the fishing line when attaching hooks or lures. You can buy a special device that hooks to your fishing vest or use a knife or fingernail clippers for this task.
2. Long-nose Pliers are essential when fishing. You will need it to bend barbs on fishhooks, tightening loose lines on lures and even removing hooks from your fish.
3. A de-hooker is a long, thin rod with a slot at one end that is used to remove hooks from fish. This is a great tool to have in case your fish swallows your hook.
4. Hook Sharpeners are exactly what they sound like, devices used to sharpen fish hooks.
5. Landing Net will help reduce the chances that you lose your fish when you bring it back to the boat. They vary in size, depending on the type of fish they are designed to hold.
6. Bait Tanks are designed to store and transport live fish bait. It will keep your bait alive, making it more desirable for the fish.

Fishing License

• A state fishing license: State fishing licenses are required if you're an adult. Minors may or may not need a license, depending on their age. You can get one from your local Fish and Wildlife Service. You can find yours by checking one of these two links:

1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Office Directory
2. Take Me Fishing: Get a License

Terminal Tackle

• Terminal tackle is the term for anything that goes on your fishing rod and reel. This includes line, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, jigheads, scents, rigs, snaps and swivels.

Fishing Line

• For beginner anglers, choosing the right fishing line can seem overwhelming. Not only do the come in different types, but also different colors, diameters and strengths. The strength of a fishing line is determined by a pound test, which measures how much pressure can be placed on a line before it snaps. Beyond that, your major decision will be about the type of line you want. Here are your major choices:

1. Monofilament is a nylon line and accounts for more than two-thirds of all fishing lines sold.⁸ Its benefits are that it is almost invisible to fish, easy to handle and cast and can be used with all types of rods. Its drawbacks are that it absorbs water which loosens knots, sensitivity decreases when it is wet, weakens when exposed to heat or sun and has "memory" so it may come off in coils or loops if it is stored on the reel too long.⁹
2. Braided or Braided Dacron is popular with saltwater fisherman and catfisherman.⁸ Its benefits are that it is the strongest, absorbs less water than monofilament, retains sensitivity when wet and is resistant to abrasion. However, it is so strong that it can cause abrasion to hands, fishing rod and reel. Plus, it is opaque which means fish can see it in the water.⁹
3. Fluorocarbon is made of a polymer of fluorine bonded to carbon. It is nearly invisible underwater, does not float and has a low stretch.¹⁰
4. Multifilaments is the newest type of fishing line on the market. It is made out of polyethylene strands, making it five to ten times stronger than steel.⁹ It is as sensitive as braided Dacron and nearly invisible in water. Since it does not absorb water, it won't weaken or stretch like nylon fishing line.⁸ However, it can be up to four times more expensive than monofilament.¹¹
5. Co-filament lines are made of nylon but have an inner and outer wrap to make it stronger and more durable, while retaining line sensitivity.
6. Fused has layers of microfilaments spun together with polyethylene fibers. It is easy to cast, strong, sensitive and has good abrasion resistance.¹⁰

Fishing Hooks

• Fishing hooks come in different sizes and shapes. You will need to purchase hooks that are small enough to catch the fish, but not too small that the fish swallows it. Here are some of the various types of hooks:

1. Treble hooks have 3 points or hooks on the lure.
2. Circle hooks are shaped like a circle and good for hooking the fish at the front of the mouth. It is excellent if you plan on catching and releasing your fish.¹²
3. J Hooks are the most common but can cause more fish to die after being released.¹²

Leaders

• Leaders are small lengths of heavy-duty monofilament fishing line or wire. It is tied to the end of your line to prevent the line from being cut by sharp teeth.

Bobbers

• Bobbers are used to keep your bait dangling in the water. It also signals when your get a bite. There are three basic types of bobbers.

1. The ball bobber is a round plastic device that has a recessed hook on the top and bottom. It sinks underwater when you have a bite.
2. A slip bobber is round or pear-shaped and made of plastic or hard foam with a hole in its center. To use it, you run the line through the hole and insert a tapered plastic or wooden stick.
3. A pencil bobber or stick bobber is long and slim with a hook on one end. This bobber stands up, rather than goes under, when you have a bite. It is excellent for windy weather.¹³

Sinkers

• Sinkers are weights that prevent your bait from floating on the surface of the water. There are three basic types of sinkers.

1. Sliding Sinkers include egg sinkers and bullet sinkers.
2. Casting or dipsey sinkers are heavier, bell-shaped sinkers used for fishing in deep waters.
3. Split shot sinkers are little round balls with a slot cut halfway through. They come in a range of sizes. They are clamped onto the fishing line about a foot above the hook or lure.

Snaps, Swivels & Snap-swivels

• Snaps are clips that allow you to change hooks and lures easily. They look like a small pin that is tied to the end of your line. Swivels are devices that are tied at the end of your line, usually before the leader, that will reduce the amount of line twisting. These two devices are often combined into one device, called a snap-swivel.

Bait and Lures

• After all that, you still need to choose the right bait or lure. This is an important decision because if you choose wrong, you could end up spending the day without a bite. As Steven Wright said, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot." Most beginning anglers will find it easier to handle fishing lures or preserved bait, then live bait. However, it can be a matter of preference.

Live Bait

• Live bait can be the most effective means of luring a fish, unless you are particularly squeamish. Part of using live bait is learning how to attach it correctly to the hook, which most would agree is no fun. Here are some of the most popular types of live bait and how to attach it to your hook.

1. Minnows, especially shiners, are one of the best natural baits for freshwater fishing.¹⁴ You should hook minnows either through under the skin next to its dorsal fin or through its lower and upper lip.^{15 16} You will need a bait bucket if you plan on keeping them alive.¹⁶
2. Worms are good for nearly all freshwater fish.¹⁶ To use, thread the hook through the side of the worm in several places on its body or hook the worm through its collar, which is a short, tough band located in the middle.^{16 17}
3. Crayfish or crawfish look like two inch long lobsters and are good for bass, trout, catfish and walleyes.¹⁸ You should hook them through the tail. Always use a bobber when fishing with crayfish.¹⁴
4. Insects including crickets, grasshoppers and beetles are good later in the summer and autumn.¹⁹ Trout, crappie, bluegill and smallmouth bass are just a few species of fish that will be attracted by them.²⁰ Hook crickets below the collar behind its head and grasshoppers through the stomach so the hook come out its back.¹⁴
5. Leeches are also good bait, especially for Walleye.²¹ You should hook leeches through the sucker in the tail.¹⁹

• Other types of live bait includes clams, mussels, sea worms, shrimp, hellgrammites, mealworms, grubs and frogs.^{16 14 21}

Lures

• An alternative to using live bait are lures. Lures are a decoy that simulates the actions and appearance of a fish's natural food. There are thousands of lures available, however most will fall under one of the following categories:

1. Jigs consist of a small hook with a lead ball near the eye and a "tail" made of animal hair, soft plastic, feathers or rubber.²² It may be decorated with feathers, artificial eyes, rubber legs and tinsel. ¹⁹ Jigs are considered one of the most versatile lures available because it attracts most species of fish. ²³
2. Spinners have small blades or propellers that revolve around a wire shaft and tails made of animal hair or soft plastic.²² They attracting fish using motion, vibrations through the water and flashes they make when they are retrieved.¹⁹
3. Spoons, or wobblers, look like teaspoon without the handle. They are designed to imitate a swimming minnow and attract fish by reflecting light and random movements. ^{22 23}
4. Crankbaits or plugs are designed to look and act like minnows. They can be either surface, medium divers or deep divers. After casting, they are retrieved by reeling, or cranking, the line back in.¹⁹
5. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are lures that spin, which creates flashes and noises when they are retrieved.²³ They are also called hairpin lures.

Prepared or Preserved Bait

• A third type of bait is prepared and preserved bait. This includes bait you can make yourself such as stinkballs and doughballs, as well as preserved baits such as salmon eggs, bottled minnows and pork rinds.^{24 25} These are less popular as lures and live bait.

Putting it Together

• Once you obtain all this equipment, you will need to learn how to tie a few fishing knots. One of the best places to learn is Grog's Animated Knots.²⁶ Tying your first knots will take practice. If done incorrectly, you could end up losing both the fish and your new lure. For best results, assemble everything together before you go fishing. This will ensure that you can get started fishing as soon as possible.

Casting

• Learning to cast a line takes practice. For safety reasons, consider purchasing a practice-casting plug, which is a rubber or plastic weight without hooks. Practice casting with it before attaching any hooks to the line.²⁷

1. Reel in any extra line until the lure or hook is about 6 inches to 1 foot from the tip of your rod.
2. Grip the handle of the rod with your hand (right or left).
3. If you have a spinning wheel, hold the line under your index finger and flip over the wire bail. If you have a push-button reel, push and hold the button with your thumb.
4. Turn your body slightly so that the arm holding the rod is closest to your target.²⁷
5. Point the tip of the rod toward the target (better known as the water).
6. Quickly pull the rod straight back. Stop when the rod when it is almost above your head, or at the one o'clock position.
7. Start the rod forward.
8. When the rod reaches eye level, lift your thumb off the button or finger off the line (depending on the type of reel).
9. When the bobber hits the water, crank the reel's handle (if you have a spinning reel) or engage the reel (with a push button reel). Reel in any slack.

• If you cast fell short of the target, you let the line go too late or too soon.²⁸ Keep trying until you get it right.

Hooking and Landing the Fish

• The rest of fishing occurs once you actually get a to bite on your line. This could happen rather quickly or take forever. If you haven't gotten a bite in about 10 to 15 minutes, you might consider reeling your line in and trying a different spot. However, fishing is about patience.

• When you feel that first tug on your line, here is what you need to do:

1. Set the hook by jerking your fishing rod quickly backwards and upwards.
2. Bring the fish in by pumping and lifting the rod vertically while you reel in your line.²⁹
3. Keep the line tight.
4. When the fish gets close to the boat, drop your rod and reel to your waist.³⁰.
5. Use a net to scoop up your fish.
6. If you plan on releasing your fish, keep it in the water as you remove your hook.
7. If you plan on keeping your fish, take it out of the water and remove the hook.

• Of course, that is a very brief overview of the process. Many techniques can be used to fight or play with the fish when bringing it in. Those techniques can be learned once you've mastered the basics.

Conclusion

• Now that you caught your first fish, all that is left to do is to start trying for the next one. Don't worry if you failed to land your first fish. Every good angler has a story about the one that got away. Just remember to exaggerate the size of the fish before telling your story.

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References for How To Fish

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} ConsumerSearch: Fishing Rods
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} UltimateFishingSite.net:Fishing Rods
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Reels - Types
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} Wikipedia: Fishing Rod
5. ↑ PickyGuide: Fishing Pole : What is it?
6. ↑ Fundamentals of Fishing: Basic Equipment needed for fishing
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Reels - Types
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2} Bass Pro Shops: Choosing the Right Fishing Line
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Lines - Types
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} PickyGuide: Fishing Line : What is it?
11. ↑ Wikipedia: Fishing Line
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1} UltimateFishingSite.net:Fishing Hooks
13. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Tools - Bobbers
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3} Fishing Secrets: Fresh-Water Bait
15. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Baits - Minnows
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4} Outdoor Adventures: Natural Baits & Baiting Your Hook
17. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Baits - Worms
18. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Baits - Crayfish
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4} Discover Boating: Selecting Your Freshwater Fishing Gear: Fishing Rods, Fishing Reels, Natural Bait and Artificial Bait
20. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Baits - Crickets and Grasshoppers
21. ↑ ^{21.0 21.1} ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Baits - Uncommon Bait
22. ↑ ^{22.0 22.1 22.2} Outdoor Adventures: Lures
23. ↑ ^{23.0 23.1 23.2} ABC-of-Fishing.net: Fishing Lures
24. ↑ Outdoor Adventures: Prepared Baits
25. ↑ ABC-of-Fishing.net: Preserved Fishing Baits
26. ↑ Grog's Animated Knots: Fishing Knots.
27. ↑ ^{27.0 27.1} Discover Boating: Freshwater Fishing Tackle
28. ↑ Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commision: Casting Basics
29. ↑ wikiHow: How to Fish
30. ↑ Take Me Fishing: Landing the Fish

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