10 Fishing Tips for Beginners Who Want to Get Started

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Fishing is a relaxing hobby that anyone can take up regardless of age, gender or physical abilities. However, not everybody who takes it up has the same level of success from the get-go.

Beginners struggle with fishing for various reasons: maybe they’re not comfortable on the water, don’t know about the best spots to fish locally or feel that their equipment isn’t quite up to standard. If you are new to fishing and want to get started – keep reading! We have 10 tips for beginners who want to get started with fishing.

person in brown pants and black and gray fishing rod

There are many different kinds of fish that can be caught around the world but regardless of where you choose to fish, there are some things you should know before getting started. Let’s begin!

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1. Know the Rules and Regulations

The first thing you should do is make sure you know the rules and regulations for fishing in the area where you want to fish. Different fishing spots have different rules – some are catch and release only, and others allow you to keep a certain amount of fish per day depending on what type of fish are in the water you are fishing in.

Knowing the rules will help you stay safe and avoid being fined. Some rules will apply to the type of fishing you want to do – for example, if you’re fly fishing you’ll need to make sure you’re following the rules for that particular type of fishing.

You can also check online to see if there are any local groups or clubs in your area – they may be able to give you advice and show you some of the best local fishing spots.

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2. Go with Someone who knows how to fish if possible

Do you know a friend or family member that knows how to fish, go with them! Not only will they be able to teach you how to do it properly and make sure you have the right equipment for the job, but they will also be able to take you to their favourite spots.

If you don’t know anyone who fishes, don’t worry – you can still get good advice online. Another benefit of going with somebody who knows what they’re doing is that they may be able to help you catch your first fish.

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3. Check the weather before heading out

When you’re planning to go fishing, check the weather forecast and make sure you’re not fishing in bad weather.

Fishing in bad weather is not only more difficult but can also be dangerous. Make sure you know what to do if you get caught in a storm or a downpour and don’t fish when there is a risk of lightning.

If there is a severe weather warning in your area, don’t go out fishing.

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4. Get comfortable in your fishing gear

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our years of fishing, it’s that you need to be comfortable with your gear. Otherwise, you’ll be a lot less effective when it comes to reeling in that big catch. If you’re not familiar with how to use your equipment, or if you haven’t had enough practice, it can be hard to get good results.

Gear to look for while you are browsing through fishing gear includes a fishing vest or a backpack where you can keep all your gear organized, a fishing rod and reel combo, line, and hooks. Make sure you get the right gear for the type of fishing you are doing.

Make sure your fishing gear is in good working order. If it’s not, then fix it or replace it. But don’t wait until the last minute—you don’t want to be fumbling with an uncooperative rod or reel when you’re trying to land a big one!

Practice casting before you head out on the water. If you’re new at this and not sure how to cast properly, ask someone who knows what they’re doing (or read and watch videos online) for advice on how to do so safely and effectively.

Finally, make sure that you have plenty of time set aside for fishing before you go out on the water—the last thing you want is for some unexpected event to disrupt your plans!

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5. Know Which Types of Fish Are in the Waters You Want to Fish

Not only do you need to know the rules and regulations of where you want to fish, but you also need to know which types of fish live in the area. There are many different types of fish in many different areas of the world – and each type has its own distinct features and habits.

Knowing which types of fish are in the waters you are fishing in will help you understand the best time of day to fish in those waters, the best bait to use, and the type of lures you need.

By knowing what types of fish are in the water, you will also be able to identify fish you catch more easily and know which ones you can keep, and which you can’t.

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6. Don’t be afraid to try different spots

Don’t be afraid to try different spots. If you’re just starting out, it can be tempting to stick with the familiar and comfortable—but that’s not always the best way to catch fish.

When you’re fishing, you want to find a spot where there are lots of fish in the same area. If you’ve been fishing in one spot for a while and haven’t caught anything, move on! Try something new!

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7. Try using different types of bait

Knowing which types of fish are in the water and where you want to fish can help you decide what type of bait to use. Different types of fish are attracted to different types of bait – so if you’re not catching any fish, you may want to try a different type of bait. You can purchase ready-made baits or make your own.

Baits can be anything from worms to bread. There are many different types of bait that you can use; you just need to make sure that you don’t use something that is toxic to fish. You can get a lot of information on the best types of bait to use in different situations by joining a fishing club or reading online forums.

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8. Always have the right tools with you

Fishing requires some basic tools that you should always keep with you. Having these tools can help you stay safe and may even help you catch more fish. Some tools you should keep with you include – a knife, a catch net, a line clipper, a multi-tool or pliers and polarized sunglasses. These tools can help you stay safe and are useful for different situations.

A knife can be used to gut and prepare any fish you decide to keep as well as a cutting line. A catch net will increase your chances of landing any fish you hook into.

A multi-tool can help remove hooks from the mouth of a fish and polarised sunglasses not only protect your eyes but can help to take the glare of the water, often allowing you to see what’s happening under the surface.

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9. Learn how to care for your equipment

When you first start fishing, you may not think about how to properly care for your fishing gear. If you don’t take care of your gear, it will break down quicker and will not last as long. Luckily, this is easy to fix once you become aware of it. Follow these methods to extend the lifespan of your fishing gear: – Clean and dry your reel after each use.

Avoid getting sand or dirt in your reel by keeping it away from the ground when you’re fishing. – Check all of your knots before you start fishing. – Always use the right type of line for your fishing reel. – Avoid leaving your gear out in the sun. UV rays can damage your gear and will cause it to break down quicker.

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10. Don’t expect to catch a lot of fish at first

When you first start fishing, you may not catch many fish. There are a few things you should know. First of all, the first few times you fish, you’re probably going to be catching smaller fish.

These are great for learning the basics of fishing and give you a feel for what kind of gear you need to get started.

The best way to catch bigger fish is to target the locations where bigger fish tend to gather. Ultimately remaining patient and enjoying spending time outdoors is a good attitude to uphold.

Using the tips above should give you the best chance to start reeling in your supper!

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Conclusion

Fishing is a great hobby for anybody. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors and can be a very therapeutic experience. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends, too.

With a little preparation and a little perseverance, you can start fishing today! But remember, fishing is a great hobby, but it isn’t easy. As a beginner, you may struggle to catch even the simplest of fish.

That’s okay though, because the more you fish, the better you’ll get at it. There’s no better feeling than being able to confidently reel in that first fish of the day, after many frustrating attempts.

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Matt

Matt

Creative Director and Editor at Walk Wild.

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