Beginner’s Guide To Fishing

A beginner’s guide to fishing – everything you need to know to start fishing.

Fishing is a popular pastime that people all over the world enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there’s always something new to learn.

In this beginner’s guide to fishing, we will cover everything you need to know before hitting the water. We’ll discuss the necessary steps for the beginner angler to get started.

Then we’ll move on to some basic tips for catching fish, as well as how to teach children how to fish.

Finally, we’ll provide a few words of wisdom for those just starting out in this exciting hobby!

Call a fishing friend

If you’re fortunate enough to have friends or family members that love to fish then give them a call and tell them you want to learn how to fish.

They’ll be excited about getting you out on the water for a day of fishing. A passionate angler is always enthusiastic about teaching a beginner all the right tips and tricks to fishing.

Anyone beginning their fishing journey will benefit greatly by hanging out with other anglers. 

Before going out with some experienced anglers please finish reading this beginner’s guide to fishing to help you get a better understanding of this enjoyable pastime.

I am very lucky to have friends who LOVE to fish.

They asked me to come along on a camping and fishing trip one summer, and I instantly fell in love with fishing. I did have a few bites, but I didn’t catch a single fish on that first trip.

What I did do was make it a point to ask the guys a lot of questions. My friends are great teachers and were more than happy to impart their fishing wisdom onto me.

Even to this day, whenever I fish with those guys, I continue to pick their brains. 

When there is someone new that wants to learn how to fish, I make it a point to pay it forward and share what I know about fishing.

I’ll always be grateful to those buddies for all the fishing knowledge they have shared with me over the years.

Fishing license

The first thing you need to do is purchase a fishing license. You can usually get one at your local bait & tackle shop or online through the provincial or state wildlife department.

Once you have your license, you’ll need to find a good spot to fish.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask around at the bait shop, search online for popular fishing destinations near you or look for signs posted near popular fishing areas.

Another option is to look up stocked fishing ponds within your area. These ponds have fish brought in so people can fish for them and possibly keep them.

There is typically an entrance fee to enter and most will let you keep up to a certain number of fish you catch. Stock ponds are great for children or anyone who is just starting their fishing journey.

Once you get used to the feel of a fish biting on your line you’ll be excited to hit the open water. 

Fishing gear

Many beginner’s guide to fishing will overwhelm you with fishing gear to buy.

This guide will not do that.

So now that you know where to get started, it’s time to get some fishing gear! If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or relative who will lend you some fishing gear then that is a bonus.

Pretty much everything you need to get started can be borrowed. If not, then there is no need to go nuts and spend a lot of money here.

My first fishing rod was a $30 Rapala rod and I caught a lot of Bass and Northern Pike in the first few years.

That same fishing rod is also what my girlfriend and later on, my nephew, used to learn how to fish. Once my girlfriend fell in love with fishing she bought a rod for herself. 

The type of fishing gear you’ll need will depend on the type of fish you’re trying to catch.

For example, if you’re fishing for trout, you’ll need a different setup than if you were fishing for bass.

We’ll save all that information for another time.

When starting out with fishing there are a few basic items that every angler will need.

These include a fishing rod, fishing line, hooks, sinkers, baits, needle nose pliers and a rubber net.

Artificial and live bait

Bait can be both artificial, which is the plastic bait you would see at a Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas, and can also be live bait like leeches or worms.

You can purchase all of these items at your local bait & tackle shop or online.

While you are traveling, the closer you get to popular fishing areas, the more you will notice the local shops or gas stations selling live worms in containers. 

The first artificial lure I bought at the advice of a friend was the Rapala Husky Jerk (HJ12) bait in Yellow Perch.

It caught many different species in the fresh lakes we fish here in Ontario, Canada.

It is still one of my favourites to entice fish. I have suggested this exact lure to everyone I know. (The HJ14 is also a fantastic plastic lure)

Click the image for more information.

Rigging it right

A beginner’s guide to fishing is not complete without touching base on rigging.

There are two reasons why rigging is very important. A strong well-tied knot will not break when you set that hook and certain knots will swim your lure in a way that mimics natural baits.

The go-to knot for many anglers is the Improved Clinch knot.

It is one of the easiest and best knots to teach beginners.

You can find the Improved Clinch knot and many more right here on the Best Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know.

How to catch a fish

If fishing was easy it would be called catching.

Now that you have the necessary supplies, it’s time to learn how to catch fish!

The best way to learn is to ask someone who already knows how. That said, there are a few basics that every angler should know.

For example, specific fish are attracted to certain types of bait, so it’s important to use the right kind. It’s typically best to use artificial or live baits that are local to the body of water you’re fishing.

Live worms on a floating bobber is always a good setup, especially for children.

I did have a lot of luck with the Rapala Husky Jerk in the Yellow Perch design those first few years I began fishing.

The Perch fish was local to those bodies of water I first visited.

Set the Hook

You’ll need to be patient and wait for the fish to bite.

Finally, when you do hook a fish, be careful not to break the line.

The key to successful fishing is patience; be prepared to wait for a bite. When a fish does take the bait, you set that hook!!

Your adrenaline will be pumping at this moment as you feel the weight of the fish on the end of your line.

Remember, be cool. Be Fonzie cool (Happy Days reference… I might be dating myself).

Once you set the hook, which is where you quickly pull the rod up and away from you and any fishing companions, with the objective of lodging the hook just a little deeper to ensure the fish does not spit it out. 

Keep that rod tip up and the line taught!

Keep the Rod tip up and the line taught

Now it’s time to slowly and steadily reel in the fish while you keep tension on the line.

If there is some slack on the fishing line it allows the fish the opportunity to shake off the hook and set itself free.

If the fish is particularly large or strong, you may need to tire it out before you can land it.

Tiring it out is where you let the fish swim and fight while you keep pressure on the line and the rod tip up.

Remember, keep the tension on the line and the rod tip up!

The fish is trying to shake itself off of your line and this becomes easier for them when there is slack.

Once it tires then you can once again return to your slow and steady retrieve and reel it in. Good luck!

Fishing is a great way to relax, but the moment a fish is on your line you’ll feel the smile form on your face and the spike of adrenaline hit your body.

With a little patience and practice, anyone can land a great catch.

Catch and release fishing

Catch and Release fishing is a fishing technique where the fish are caught and then released back safely into the water.

This is usually done for conservation purposes and to help keep the population of fish healthy.

In some cases, it may also be done because the angler does not want to keep the fish they have caught. If you’re not eating it then please safely release it. 

To release a fish back into the water, first, make sure that you have the proper gear. You will need a rubber fishing net and a pair of pliers.

A rubber fishing net is better for the fish than a twine nylon net because it doesn’t remove the fish scales and reduces the amount of protective mucus that is removed while in the net.

That fish mucus or ‘slime’ helps keep parasites, bacteria and fungus from growing on the fish.

Always use wet hands when handling fish

In this beginners guide to fishing I must emphasize that we should all practice safe fish handling techniques.

Always use wet hands when touching the fish, so dunk those hands in the water before handling the fish.

Gently remove the hook from the fish’s mouth with pliers by backing out the hook from the entry point. Be careful not to damage the fish while doing this.

Another way to practice catch and release fishing is to use barbless hooks, which can be easily removed from the fish without causing much damage.

Once the hook is removed, lower the fish back into the water and let it go. 

Take a quick fish photo

If you plan to take a picture with the fish it’s always best not to keep the fish out of the water long.

If the fish is out of the water for too long during the hook removal process simply put the fish back in the net and submerge the net in the water so the fish can breathe.

Prepare yourself for your quick photo while the fish gently rests in the water. Anticipate that the fish will try and jump out of the net once it’s in the water.

Lastly, don’t forget to wet your hands before you hold the fish for your photo. 

Exhausted fish

Imagine having to hold your breath for 2 to 3 minutes. You would probably be pretty light headed and out of sorts after that time.

When we take fish out of the water we’re basically doing the same thing to them. This is why it is best to only keep a fish out of the water for a short period of time.

So you’ve landed the fish, removed the hook and now it’s time to release it back home. Some fish are exhausted after the stress.

If the fish is tired, hold it in the water by its tail and let it swim away when it is ready to do so. Initially, you will wonder if the fish is injured as it takes a moment for the fish to get some oxygen back in its gills.

Imagine having to hold your breath for a couple of minutes while waiting for a stranger to take pictures with you.

You too would be a little discombobulated when it comes time to catch your breath.

Once the fish is ready to swim away you will feel their strength in its tail end. Just release them and don’t forget to say thanks. 

Catch and release tips to remember

If you’re planning on doing catch and release fishing, it’s important to prepare yourself. Make sure you have the right gear and know how to properly remove a hook from a fish.

Be sure to follow all of the safe fish handling practices so that the fish have the best chance of surviving. Catch and Release fishing is a great way to help preserve our fishing resources.

The most important thing to remember when catch and release fishing is to be gentle with the fish. They are delicate creatures and please handle with care.

Be sure to wet your hands before you touch them, use a rubber fishing net if possible and gently remove the hook.

Follow these tips so that you can make a difference in the health of the fish population and ensure that there are plenty of fish to be caught for years to come.

That’s all there is to it! With a little bit of practice, you’ll be releasing fish like a pro in no time.

So next time you go fishing, remember to give catch and release a try.

Here’s a great video for catch and release fishing.

Teaching children to fish

This beginner’s guide to fishing applies to children as well. Teaching children how to fish can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Fishing teaches patience as both children and adults wait for a bite and remain calm when they lose a fish. Begin by having the children watch you fish for a while so they can get the idea of what’s involved.

Children are sponges and will pick up a lot just by being around you.

Once they’re ready to try, let them practice casting in an open area away from trees or other obstacles. Help them bait their hook and give them a few tips on what to look for when a fish is biting.

I have found that using worms on a floating bobber is great for kids as you can see when the fish is biting when the floating bobber is pulled into the water.

When they’ve had a few bites on the line let them reel in their catch!

Another option for teaching children who are interested in fishing is by taking them on a fishing trip designed specifically for kids.

These trips are usually offered by bait & tackle shops or outdoor recreation centers. They provide all of the gear and instruction needed to help your child catch their first fish.

Many of the Provincial parks in Ontario have a Learn to Fish program during the summer months that teach children how to fish.

Check to see if your local state or provincial park also provide these programs.

Benefits to your physical and mental health

When fishing from the shore you will be pleasantly surprised with how many steps you will walk after a full day. When fishing from a boat you’ll find yourself standing a lot of the time.

Hours will pass where you will be casting, reeling, walking, standing or sitting and next thing you know you’re pretty tired from your low impact cardiovascular workout.

You won’t even realize it until the day is done, but many of your different muscle groups will be engaged while fishing. 

Fishing requires a lot of focus, patience and situational awareness. When you are fishing your mind is solely focused on the task at hand which is catching fish.

This in turn takes your mind off of any stress or internal noise, very similar to other solo activities like running and swimming.

Fishing is one of those activities that requires your upmost concentration and as a result it helps reduce stress and anxiety and encourages relaxation. 

Being out on the boat, fishing off a dock or walking along the edge of the water is a very peaceful state to be in.

Catching fish is just a bonus. There have been studies that found that fishing lowers your cortisol level (a.k.a your stress hormone).

Like a great vacation, these positive effects from fishing can last a few weeks after a fishing trip. 

Fishing is fun

Fishing is a fun hobby that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With a little practice, everyone can learn how to fish.

Just remember to purchase a fishing license, get the proper gear, and be patient! With a mix of patience and practice, you’ll be catching fish in no time.

One final piece of advice for those just starting out in fishing: Have fun!

This should be a hobby that you enjoy, so don’t take it too seriously. There’s nothing wrong with making mistakes, because everyone does when they’re starting out.

Just relax and enjoy the process of learning something new in the great outdoors. Try using different baits and lures until you find something that works for you.

Soon enough, you’ll be an experienced angler yourself! Thanks for reading and I hope this guide was helpful.

If you plan on camping during your next fishing adventure then don’t forget to use the Big Camping Checklist to help you organize your trip.

Did you find this beginner’s guide to fishing helpful? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out 0some more articles for more tips and tricks related to the great outdoors. Thanks for reading! 

Now that you know the basics of fishing, it’s time to hit the water and start exploring this wonderful pastime! Remember to take your time, have patience, and most importantly, have fun!

Happy Fishing!