Fishing Tips For a Beginner That You Should Follow

Are you fishing for a couple of months, or about to cast your first line? Regardless to say, there’s a good chance you might not have proper planning about your angling types of equipment and techniques.

Look no further, you’re in the right place. You’re about to learn a few super cool tricks to up your fishing game!

In this article, I will walk you through step by step. So, you can guide yourself to a glorious experience.

Top Fishing tips for Beginners

A soft cold wind is cuddling your cheek. A beautiful summer morning.The smooth sound of your cast rippling through the calm of the lake.

An angler never stays away from the familiar tug of a fish. It’s like a surprise! Every time.

Now it’s your turn to experience all of these. Experience why anglers anticipate that same bite sensation for decades.

To make things sweeter, I’m here to fill you insome tricks to make your experience mesmerizingly everlasting.

# Nation Wide License is a Myth

Always remember that each state grants different types of fishing license. Make sure you get the proper license that complies with your state regulations.

If the state provides you to purchase their license online then you’re lucky. Whereas the demand for physical appearance is hassling and time-consuming.

If you purchase a license, not only it will grant you to fish, but also help the preservation of wild species.

If you don’t do a proper licensing, then the hefty citation also goes to the wild preservation. Good for the species. Not so much for you though.

# Know Your Rod!!!

Uhm, I’m talking about your fishing blank so don’t get any ideas folks. Not every rod is suitable for you. You might need a heavier and bigger size rod. Or maybe lighter kind is more compatible.

Regardless of how the rod feels in your hand, a few aspects of the rod you should learn about if you don’t know yet. Let’s go from top to bottom.

At the top, there’s a tip top that serves as a guide. Note that it’s extremely breakable if you use heavier line than recommend.

A tip is the most flexible part of the blank.

See the string painted over with enamel? That is called winding which helps the guide stay attached with the rod.

Guides are those small rings that let the line slide through the blank.

At the closest and thickest part of the rod, you’ll notice a guide. That is called the butt guide.

If you buy a 2-piece blank than you’ll see an attachment section called ferrule.

You might have heard the term of the butt of the rod. Don’t know where is it yet? Look at the nearest part of the handle. That’s called the butt of the rod.

To avoid unwanted accidents and impalation, there’s a hook keeper where our place your hook when not in use.

The handle is where you’ll hold the rod from. It’s usually wrapped up with comfortable cushioning.

And the last part is the butt cap. Just look beneath the handle and you’ll see.

# Pick a Rod

There are plenty of rods out there in the market. A perfect blank that is also compatible with your every cast is very crucial.

You can find 4 types of rod available.

Fiberglass: Extremely durable. Can withstand user abuse. Offers just enough flex. Not recommend for a beginner due to it’s higher weight.

Graphite: lightweight, sensitive, flexible, fairly durable, absorbs shock easily. It costs less, that’s why perfect for a first timer.

Carbon fiber: It’s a kind of a graphite rod, but more refined and reinforced version of graphite.

Modern composite: Assembled from high-performance thermoplastic fibers. These kind of blanks are very expensive and not suitable for an amateur.

# Pick a Reel

There’s not much to say here. You wanna go, either with a spinning reel or a spincast reel.

Spinning reel: Regardless what others feel about spinning reel, comparable to Baitcasting reel, I would say that I love the versatility and feel with each turn of the handle.

Pro anglers prefer spinning reel over Baitcasting when targeting bass and tarpon. Just flip up the metal bail wire that releases the line when you’re ready for a cast.

To lock the line in place, simply flip the metal wire down. Don’t go all trigger happy on the bail if you don’t want to lose your lure.

The mechanism of the spinning reel is simple and really easy to master. And don’t forget the affordable price tag!

Don’t believe me? Then check out these 9 best bass spinning reel.

Unlike the old days, bigger spinning reel model offers much heavier line compatibility. Competitive angling demands slower gear ratio heavy spinning reel to land some of the biggest game fish out there!

Spincast reel: The most choices reel by beginners. And for good reasons too. The automated mechanism is so easy to handle, even a child can do it!

Some would argue that drag is an issue. Yeah, back in the days, it used to be. But not anymore. The modern state of the art construction methods and premium materials gave a whole new meaning to Spincast Reel.

Now, so many manufacturers are featuring adjustable drag system on the go. A feature that even outshines Baitcasting Reel.

The spin cast reel isn’t that cheap build low price tag bearing reel anymore. Of course, you can get some good quality reel under 50$ but, a little more money can get you some of the best spincast reels with super smooth gearing and premium quality.

Hey if you’re thinking about doing some angling near a coastal area, perhaps the best Spincast reel for saltwater might help you pick your desired reel.

# Get Your Bait

There are different types of bait available. What you choose depends on where and what you’re fishing for. If you can’t get a hold on some live bait than lure is the best option for you.

If you’re enthusiastic about using live baits than earthworm is the best option.Because it won’t produce fishy stench and stink up your refrigerator. You can also use grasshoppers, frogs, and crickets.

Why use a lure? To avoid losing your bait to smart fishes. I’m sensing you’re gonna try some bass. If that’s the case then pick a bait that stimulates multiple senses.

# Technique

In this section, I’m gonna let down some spinning techniques that are useful for a beginner.

Bottom bouncing: This is a method applicable if you’re angling in current or trolling from a boat. You can cast a jig or live bait up the current and then let it bounce from the bottom. This will make noises and bring up mud underneath the water to attract predators.

To make this work, you gotta retrieve faster than usual. Make it bounce to the point it starts to move downstream and keep repeating the process. A great technique for catching rainbow or brown trout.

Live to the line: First, find a place where water has its natural stream. This technique requires live bait. Cast your line and let the beat reach to the bottom. Let the current and the live bait do most of the work when retrieving. Don’t forget to keep your bait close the bottom. Game fish usually hides in holes, rocks and other places. By letting the live bait go these places increase your chance to land one trophy catch.

Chumming: This one’s a classic method that still stands the test of time. This one should be passed by the new angler. But still, knowing is growing, right?

For this method, you need to buy a special mix of food from the tackle shop. If money is an issue then get some canned corn, pet food or plain bread to attract the fish.

Just throw some chums and cast in other spots. After a while, come back and do it again.

Beware not to fill their stomach. The idea is to bring the fish closer to you.

Caution: Before chumming, make sure it’s allowed by the state regulations.

Dog walking: Like topwater lure like a popper, walking the dog is nearly similar. Cast the line and let it settle down. Keep the tip of your rod close to the water surface. Keep your handle about 1 ½ foot and angle it down slightly towards the tip.

Use our wrist to slowly move the rod from left to right. Keep your movement faster than the lure’s movement. The idea is to loosen your line to move it zig-zag style. Keep the line lose by using the reel and play with the lure. It’s like dancing, gotta find that rhythm bro.

Jigging: It’s a very popular method among anglers. You can bag some large species of fish just by changing the rigs to find a convenient color, pattern and customizing blank movement.

This style is much suitable for saltwater angling due to its demand of greater depth. Hey just cast and have a cold soda. Let the rig reach the bottom. Now make the rig hop a bit using only the blank’s tip and send it down again.

Never bring hoist the blank too high. Because you will fail to hook if there’s a fish on it. Roll the reel downwards when lowering and reeling it back up when removing the bait from the bottom. If you find this complex than give it a rest. There’s something you need to learn practically rather than reading about it.

# Specific Season

We all know the fishing season starts around spring. This season is also known as the natural mating season. Some fish migrates to mate so you need to have proper knowledge about their behavior.

As an example, largemouth bass is America’s most popular game fish. It likes to spawn in normal water temperature like 60-65 degrees. Water achieves this temperature in May and June.

You can find them spawning at the hard-packed bottom that is covered with a thin layer of mud. They usually have their nests where the sun shines for a long time. In other words, largemouth bass likes to stay at the warmest part of the water.

I recommend not to fish for bass in the early season. But if you absolutely have to then hunt to drop-offs and the edges of stream channels.

# Reeling in

Sounds easy enough, just jerk off your rod! And Wala, you landed a fish! Trust me, 90 out of 100 times, this won’t happen. This is where most amateur anglers get frustrated.

So you need to find that sweet spot, that finesse anglers earn from years of practice.

When a fish takes your to bait real good, you will notice your rod gets a little nibble! At times like this, erect your rod at 45-degree angle.

You might notice the floater pop up and down or you’ll sense a tug. Wait until the bobber gets dragged along the surface or yanked under. Snag off fast to set the hook and allow your catch to react.

Let the drag work if the fish is swimming away. Wait for the fish to stop or come towards you. Keep your line tight and have patience. There you go, landed a big one!

# The Bass Thumb

What would you do after landing your catch? Do you hold it a bare hand? Depends on the type of fish you caught. The largemouth has no teeth. You can easily hoist one up by the lower jaw using your index and thumb.

You might not know but if you hold the jaw like that, it goes numb for a while. It causes temporary paralyzation but the fish stays harmless. Just don’t yank off the fish if it starts to wiggle. Don’t hesitate to hold the fish firmly on its belly.

# Netting

I remember the first time my uncle handed me a fish. It was a walleye. It was close to 4 pounds. I still remember those pointy teeth close on my thumb. Instead of holding it down with my left arm, I tried to yank it off. Which I did, but it left a near 2 inch cut on my thumb.

Why Am I yapping about something that happened nearly 2 decades ago? Because I don’t want you to get overwhelmed. If you’re not comfortable or angling to release, it’s better to use a net.

# Send me the location

For a moment I’m feeling like Khabib. Now back to the point. Every season most of the use anglers hit the jackpot. A very few tracks that exact location. So, if you happen to hit such goldmines, keep a record about that location, weather conditions, the volume of fish you captured etc.

Keeping a record will serve not only you but to your next generation as well.

# Something Extra

I don’t where you’re from. Maybe from states or other parts of the world. So my suggestion might not be useful to all of you guys.

There are some great spots for beginners. Such as Deer Creek reservoir, Payson lakes, and Echo reservoir. You will likely to find catchable fish there, especially trout.

# Stay safe

I would never recommend you to angle alone. Even if the place is half an hour away from your crib. Try to hunt as a pack. Not only it provides security, but also allows you to learn from different people.

Before you go, sit back, relax. And read these following points.

Double check your gear before you leave.
Plan your trip ahead.
Avoid float tube fishing on your first day.
Do you have any reception where you’re going? If not, notify the coast guard or local authorities before you go in the woods.
Avoid angling in dangerous water. Such as the Colorado River.
If you’re planning your trip on a boat, wear a life jacket, even if you know how to swim.
If you can spare some extra hundred dollars, then buy a GPS phone.
Keep track of your time and nearby landscape.
Don’t go boating or kayaking without a GPS tracker.
If possible, keep a flare gun. I always keep one with me.

In the end

Now that’s a lot of instructions for an amateur. But don’t get disheartened. You don’t have to take all in at once. Try to learn one step at a time.

It’s like riding a bike, some people take 5 minutes to learn, others take a couple of days or more. But in the end, it will eventually come to you.

One last piece of advice, I angled for the past 2 decades. Angled from a boat, shoreline, dock, pier, even in stiff canal streams. But at the end of the day, dangling from a fishing float tube takes the cake.

It’s like riding a bike when that sensation hits out and you finally get the adrenaline rush. No other forms of vehicles will cut It. You just have to ride that damn bike. Just like that, once a float tube, always afloat tuber.