LET'S WE FISHING

Fishing is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're wanting to spend time with friends and family or catch meals. You may catch a variety of colorful fish in the waters. To begin fishing, make sure you have everything you need. Gather your equipment and choose a decent place during the peak hours of the fish's activity. Then, to haul in your trophy reward, cast and reel in your line. If you like, you may either release the fish back into the sea or keep it and bring it home.

01.Selecting a Fishing Spot

In your location, go to a well-stocked lake, river, or pond. Choose a location where you won't mind remaining for several hours. Fish of many kinds exist in public lakes, rivers, and ponds, so there's always something tasty to catch. In the spring and fall, when the fish are preparing for the winter, they approach near to the beach. They tend to be in deeper seas in the summer, so take a boat out from the beach.

Outside of town, secluded locations around ponds or levees are good possibilities. Make sure you're not fishing on private land or in an area where it's prohibited. Also, avoid trampling flora near the shoreline.

Consider ocean fishing if you live near the water. It's the same as freshwater fishing if you acquire a separate ocean fishing license and poles and bait for the exact fish you wish to catch.

a. Find out what kind of fish are common in nearby fishing spots

Local fishing reports in newspapers mention fishing holes and the kind of fish that are biting there. You might also seek advice from local angling stores, marinas, and camping equipment stores. Because there are so many different kinds of fish, getting started might be a little intimidating at first, so pick one to focus on. Bass, crappies, sunfish, bluegills, and catfish are just a few of the species that are reasonably simple to catch for novices.

Catfish, for example, may be found all throughout the United States. Around huge streams and rivers, look for regions with deep water. In the spring and fall, go there to obtain a fish that will create a great supper when fried and presented at your table.

b. Seek out a specific trophy or food fish you want to catch

You'll need to get out on the water if you want to catch a blue marlin. Read up on the species of fish you want to catch, where they reside, and what sort of bait you'll need to succeed. Fish populations shift from freshwater to saltwater and from one place to another. It's sometimes necessary to arrange a vacation in order to acquire what you want, but it's an opportunity to see something new! .

For example, a variety of freshwater fish may be found in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Popular catches include walleyes and northern pikes. Set up camp on the beach and prepare to cast your line.Gar and bowfins dwell in marshy places in the southern United States. Flounder and perch are two popular species to target when fishing.

Rainbow trout may be found in plenty in the northwest United States, making for great eating or trophy shots to show your friends. Crappie, walleye, and bass are also plentiful and quite easy to catch.

If you're not sure what kind of fish exist in a body of water, toss some food scraps in and see what happens. Take a look at the fish that come to the surface. When you're first starting out, identifying the fish might be difficult since you don't know how various fish act, but it's something you can learn through fishing frequently.

c. Fish at places near deep water or moving currents

The majority of large fish spend their days in deeper water and only return to shallow places to eat at night. They don't spend much time in these shallow places swimming. They also dislike swimming against strong currents, so try to find a spot at the end of one. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of fish activity, such as bubbles, splashes, or even flocks of hungry birds. [6] Fish will go where there is food. Look for reeds, logs, and rocks, especially near cliffs and drop-offs. These locations also give ample protection for the fish when they feel threatened.

If you detect water currents, search for intersections where the faster and slower currents meet. The fish frequently hang out beneath these areas, catching food that floats by on the currents.

02.Choosing Fishing Gear

a. Get a fishing license from a state department.

To apply, go to your government's website. In the United States, applications are normally handled by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Natural Resources. It's simple to obtain a license since all you have to do is enter your personal information and pay a little price. The license is then emailed to you the same day for you to print and bring with you on your journey.

You can also pay for your license by calling or visiting the department. Unless you don't mind waiting 2 to 4 weeks for the license to arrive in the mail, have them email it to you or print it out in the office.

You must obtain a license for each state or province you want to visit. A license issued in one location is not valid in another.

Most places provide a variety of permits that range anywhere from one day to ten years. Children's licenses are available, however children under the age of 16 may not require one.

b. Purchase a medium-strength spinning fishing rod and reel

You might be taken aback the first time you look through a sporting goods store's rod selection, but you don't have to spend a fortune. For novices, a 7 ft (2.1 m) medium-strength rod with a decent combination of range and flexibility is recommended. Choose a spinning reel over a baitcaster reel since it is easy to set up and cast. [9]

Flexible rods are weaker than stiffer ones, but they are less prone to snap. Your basic rod won't help you capture huge game fish, but it will let you land a variety of common species.

If you're undecided what to buy, get help from store staff.

c. Choose a monofilament fishing line that fits the length of your rod

Match your fishing line to your fishing pole. If you're fishing in freshwater, use a 6 to 12 lb (2.7 to 5.4 kilogram) line, and if you're fishing in saltwater, use a 10 to 12 lb (4.5 to 5.4 kg) line. The weight, also known as the test, indicates how strong the line is. Only fish that weigh less than the line can be caught. [10]

Aim for the lightest gear possible when fishing so you don't tire yourself out while having fun. If you're fishing for a certain species of fish, look up its typical weight to figure out how much line to bring.

d. Select a small hook to lure in a wider variety of fish

Fish will only pursue hooks that are around the same size as the bait they are pursuing. A little fish will not attack a large, scary hook. As a result, if you want to catch a lot of fish, start with a 6 to 10 hook. To utilize larger bait for bigger fish, upgrade to a hook size of 2 to 3/0.

The hook numbering system is a little strange, but not too perplexing. A 16 is the tiniest hook, while a 1 is the medium-sized hook. Hooks with a larger size range from 1/0 to 6/0.

If you're not sure what size hook to acquire, talk to someone at your local tackle shop about the sizing system. If you fish frequently, keep a range of hook sizes on hand.

e. Select a bait like minnows, shrimp, worms, and crickets

Stick with something synthetic if you're not a fan of squirming animals. Fish will be fooled by lures that look like real bait. Keep in mind that to stay alive, live bait must be stored in water in an insulated cooler. Because most fish consume insects and aquatic life, bait shops provide a broad variety of options if you want a more realistic fishing experience.

Get a range of baits so you may modify your setup depending on the type of fish that are active in the region.

Try trapping your own bait if you want to capture something without using your rod. Catch some minnows, for example, to attract species that feed smaller fish, such as pike, bass, and walleye.

If you're fishing for a certain species, find out what it likes to eat. Many saltwater fish, for example, enjoy shrimp. Other fish eat a variety of foods, including salmon eggs, bacon, and cheese.

03.Using a Rod to Catch Fish

a. Tie your hook on your line

Stick to a simple clinch knot when you're initially learning. Thread the line through the hook, then wrap it around itself 4 to 6 times before returning it to the reel. Pull the end of the yarn through the loop and tighten it. Cut any excess line from the tail end with scissors now that you have a basic knot.

Half the fun of fly fishing is tying the correct knot. The clinch knot is a wonderful place to start, although fly fishermen utilize a variety of knots.

b. Tie weights and bobbers above the hook to help you spot fish

Tie a clinch knot around 12 in (30 cm) above your hook using these components. If you're fishing in fast water, such as a river or stream, use a sinker to ensure your bait reaches the fish. A bobber is a little ball that lets you see when a fish latches onto the hook in quiet waters. Sinkers, also known as metal weights, are used to draw your line deeper into the water, closer to where the fish are most likely to be. Sinkers can be added to a bigger bobber to keep it in the water while still being visible.

c. Bait your hook by piercing bait with its tip

To secure the bait, hook it as many times as feasible. Don't allow your hard-earned bait go away with those fish! Hold the hook in one hand and force it straight into the bait with the other. Attempt to pierce it two or three times.

It's a little nasty to jam a hook through a worm, but you can't catch a fish if the worm slips off. Stick the hook into the worm's body about a third of the way from its head, then do the same on the other end.

d. Cast your line by pulling back and throwing the hook forward

With your dominant hand near the reel, hold the rod. Adjust the line using the reel, leaving approximately 6 in (15 cm) of it hanging from the rod's end. Then, using your thumb and index finger, squeeze the line to the rod. Draw your arm back until the rod is vertical, then snap it forward again to cast it.

The process of releasing the line varies depending on the type of reel you're using, but if you're using a closed push-button spinner reel, it's rather simple. The line is released when you press the button, and it is stopped when you let go.

e. Wait patiently for a fish to bite

Fishing is a waiting game, so be ready to sit and wait for something to take your bait. Some anglers gently reel in the line, twitching the rod slightly to create the appearance that the bait is alive. If sitting and waiting isn't working for you, try shifting the line a little bit.

The thrashing and loud noises alarm the fish. While you are welcome to bring a radio and converse with anybody with you, keep the level down, especially if other people are fishing.

Keep a close eye on your line and bobber. When anything bites, you can tell because the line jerks forward. Before reeling in the fish, let any slack out of the line.

You can find yourself in a situation where the fish aren't biting. If you haven't had a bite in 15 minutes, consider going somewhere else. Finding a suitable location may need some patience.

f.Pull the fish in by pumping the rod while simultaneously reeling.

Raise the pole to roughly a 45-degree angle in the air to bring the fish toward you. As a result, the line will be more tense, so drop the rod and keep spinning your reel. Reel in the line to remove any slack, then raise the rod back up to bring the fish closer. To get the catch back to shore, repeat the process.

Loose lines kill more fish than anything else. A slack line allows the fish to get away from the hook. Keep the line taut and the rod tip above your head to avoid this.

g. Catch the fish in a net once you’re able to reach it.

Swoop in with your water net and grab the exhausted fish as it gets near to where you're standing. You may use a fishing net to catch it with a companion. With practice, you'll be able to reach down and do it yourself without losing the fish.

Be cautious of fish spines and the hook's sharp point. Remove the fish from the net by grasping it firmly behind its head.

04.Keeping or Releasing a Fish

a. Hold the fish’s body to keep it from moving as you handle it.

Fish are more powerful than they appear, so be cautious! Maintain a solid hold on the fish's body, just below its head. Look out for the fins as well as the thrashing tail, since they might cut you if you're not careful. To prevent injuring the fish, hold it horizontally in or close to the water.

If you've caught a large lunker, support it with both hands. Place one hand around the fish's body at the head, and the other beneath the fish before the tail.

b. Pull the hook out of the fish by using needle-nose pliers.

This portion may appear difficult at first, but it's not too difficult if you keep a solid grip on the fish. Grasp the pliers and grasp the hook that protrudes from the fish's mouth. To unhook it, push it back toward the fish. Then, without poking the fish, slip it back out of its mouth, twisting it as required.

You might crush the hook's barb with the pliers, making it simpler to remove. This is something that some experienced anglers do even before acasting.

If the hook becomes trapped, be patient. Using your fingers or pliers, reach into the fish's mouth. Keep the fish in the water as long as possible, crush the barb if necessary, and twist and pull the hook without wriggling it.

c. Release the fish if you don’t plan on keeping it

To conserve the ecology, an increasing number of anglers are returning their catches to the water. Because fish can't breathe while they're out of the water, try to keep your captures as close to the water as possible. If you must remove the fish, replace it as soon as possible. To prevent upsetting the fish, keep it moist and handle it carefully.

Stress is one of the issues of removing a fish from its natural habitat. The battle with your hook may have tired the fish out already. Taking it out of the water and handling it a lot increases the likelihood of it dying even after you return it to the water.

d. Measure the fish to see if you’re legally allowed to keep it

Most fishing holes are governed by state or federal rules designed to safeguard the environment. These limitations frequently include restrictions on the number of fish you are permitted to take home as well as the size of the fish. Take hold of the fish by firmly holding the back of its head. With your other hand, carefully extend a tape measure from head to tail across the fish.

You might be stopped by a park warden or a police officer who will search your catches. They may also detect unlawful catches in any photographs or social media posts you produce and prosecute you.Breaking a fishing rule usually entails a hefty fine as well as the threat of jail time. For example, catching an undersized or out-of-season fish might result in a $500 fine and 6 months in prison.

Consider carrying an identification guide and a copy of the regulations to your favorite fishing spot. These regulations are frequently posted on park websites or on information signs located near fishing areas.

e. Fillet the fish with a knife if you plan on taking it with you.

Unfortunately, you must do the unpleasant task of murdering and chopping up your catch. Strike the fish's brain squarely behind its eyes with a sharp knife or spear if you have one. The fish does not suffer since it is an immediate death. Then, before putting the fish on ice, clean it by slicing off the gills, scales, and entrails.

Another method is to keep live fish in a water-filled mesh cage. While you continue to fish, it keeps the fish secure yet alive. When you're ready to go, you may filet all of the fish at once.

f. Cut off the gills for an alternative way to kill a fish

To stun the fish, strike it over the head with a club once before cutting it. Then, on one side, chop off all of the gills with your knife. It makes the fish bleed to death. Place the fish in water until it dies, such as in a mesh cage or a pail filled with water.

Because bleeding is rather swift and a firm hit with a club stuns the fish, it is still considered humane. It's a fantastic approach to get rid of acids that taint the meat's flavor. Many commercial fishermen do it in order to catch huge fish such as salmon and tuna.

When you're finished, filet and refrigerate the fish as usual.