Respecting The Environment
As anglers spend a lot of time in close proximity to nature it's important to respect the environment around you while you're fishing. Lots of green areas are being spoilt or destroyed every year because of people who abuse them, but sticking to a few simple rules of etiquette can stop this becoming more of a problem than it already is.
Litter
This is one of the most basic rules of environmental etiquette. Many anglers bring a packed lunch to see them through the day while they're fishing, and it's essential to put your rubbish in the bin, rather than discard it. If you're nowhere near a bin, slip it in your pocket or bag until you find one.
Animals, and even other humans, can easily injure themselves or accidentally swallow things that are left lying around. Drinks cans are major culprits. Discarded fishing tackle can also cause harm to unsuspecting wildlife.
Aside from the obvious dangers, it's now illegal to drop litter in many public places, and doing so can result in a fine if you're caught.
Environmental Damage and Pollution
Sometimes, chemicals will be dumped into local fishing waters by unethical companies. These are often poisonous, and will have a devastating effect on the fish population, as well as other local wildlife.
If you see any evidence of damage or pollution, you should report it immediately, so that the relevant authorities can sort it out and avoid any further catastrophes.
Boating Trips
If you're going to be fishing from a boat, make sure that sensitive spots aren't disrupted. Like all forms of wildlife, fish can be easily scared, and this can affect the quality of your fishing trip.
It can also have a long-term impact on the food chain, as the plants and insects that are normally eaten by fish can start to multiply.
Saving Water
We're always being told the importance of saving water, but did you know that the water we waste has an effect on fish? Low water levels are a big problem at the moment, so it really is essential to save every last drop of water in your home and elsewhere.
If you see fish coming to the surface and gulping air, this can indicate low water levels, and should be reported to the Environment Agency as soon as possible. Other signs to look out for include fish swimming slowly in large groups, fish coming to the surface and not moving off for some time, and fish floating on the surface of the water.
Respecting the environment is a key part of angling, and most anglers stick to the environmental etiquette, even if its rules aren't necessarily explicitly discussed. Angling clubs will generally mention it to new anglers, but most of the etiquette is plain common sense.
Even so, they can help to protect local wildlife, especially fish, and this can only have a positive effect on your angling experiences. After all, less fish in the vicinity means less enjoyment for you!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Recommended Clothing For Fishing
Recommended Clothing For Fishing
As fishing usually involves sitting down for several hours with little movement, choosing clothes that help you to stay warm is the prerogative. In the summer, your main problem will obviously be keeping cool, but given our typical British summers, you can‘t guarantee this! Here is our guide on what to wear whilst fishing.
Base Layers
A thin t-shirt should form the base layer. As this is the layer that will be directly next to your skin, it is important that the material can allow moisture to escape from your body. If sweat is able to dry on your skin, it can quickly make you feel cold.
Outer Shell Layer
On top of this base layer, a top made from wool will help to keep the heat in, and stop it from leaving your body, even if it rains. As any dedicated angler knows, this is especially vital once the weather starts to turn colder. Merino wool is a good option. A waterproof coat should form the outer shell (top) layer.
Socks
Many people view socks as merely something to cover your feet, but they are actually much more important than this. The wrong pair of socks can lead to unpleasant blisters, as well as contributing to sore feet. Chafing caused by ill-fitting socks, and sweaty feet are two of the worst culprits for these. To avoid this, you need a pair of socks that will direct sweat away from your skin, and dry it quickly. Some socks even have antibacterial properties added to them to help prevent the dreaded cheesy feet syndrome.
The layering rule also applies to your feet. A thin pair of socks will act as the base layer, while a pair of wool socks will insulate your feet, and keep them warm.
Like socks, a good pair of fishing boots makes all the difference to the comfort of your feet.
Hats
A hard hat liner might sound a bit unconventional, but it will keep your neck, ears and head warm in cold weather. In the summer, a wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face, but don't forget to slap on the sun cream anyway!
Gloves
Lots of anglers don't like wearing gloves whilst fishing, as it can make casting the rod and reeling in catches much more tricky. If you go on fishing boat trips, you'll probably want a pair though to keep your hands warm on the journey, before the actual fishing starts.
Additional Extras
Wearing all of these layers will make you top heavy, so a life jacket is an essential clothing item to put on top - if you accidentally fall in, the weight of the clothes will prevent you from swimming.
Wearing the right clothes is essential for anglers, as it's inevitable that you're going to be spending large amounts of time sitting around. Even when you're actively fishing, there isn't that much movement involved, so you can't rely on this to keep you warm, especially during the winter. In the summer, you'll have the opposite problem, and keeping cool will be the main priority.
As fishing usually involves sitting down for several hours with little movement, choosing clothes that help you to stay warm is the prerogative. In the summer, your main problem will obviously be keeping cool, but given our typical British summers, you can‘t guarantee this! Here is our guide on what to wear whilst fishing.
Base Layers
A thin t-shirt should form the base layer. As this is the layer that will be directly next to your skin, it is important that the material can allow moisture to escape from your body. If sweat is able to dry on your skin, it can quickly make you feel cold.
Outer Shell Layer
On top of this base layer, a top made from wool will help to keep the heat in, and stop it from leaving your body, even if it rains. As any dedicated angler knows, this is especially vital once the weather starts to turn colder. Merino wool is a good option. A waterproof coat should form the outer shell (top) layer.
Socks
Many people view socks as merely something to cover your feet, but they are actually much more important than this. The wrong pair of socks can lead to unpleasant blisters, as well as contributing to sore feet. Chafing caused by ill-fitting socks, and sweaty feet are two of the worst culprits for these. To avoid this, you need a pair of socks that will direct sweat away from your skin, and dry it quickly. Some socks even have antibacterial properties added to them to help prevent the dreaded cheesy feet syndrome.
The layering rule also applies to your feet. A thin pair of socks will act as the base layer, while a pair of wool socks will insulate your feet, and keep them warm.
Like socks, a good pair of fishing boots makes all the difference to the comfort of your feet.
Hats
A hard hat liner might sound a bit unconventional, but it will keep your neck, ears and head warm in cold weather. In the summer, a wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face, but don't forget to slap on the sun cream anyway!
Gloves
Lots of anglers don't like wearing gloves whilst fishing, as it can make casting the rod and reeling in catches much more tricky. If you go on fishing boat trips, you'll probably want a pair though to keep your hands warm on the journey, before the actual fishing starts.
Additional Extras
Wearing all of these layers will make you top heavy, so a life jacket is an essential clothing item to put on top - if you accidentally fall in, the weight of the clothes will prevent you from swimming.
Wearing the right clothes is essential for anglers, as it's inevitable that you're going to be spending large amounts of time sitting around. Even when you're actively fishing, there isn't that much movement involved, so you can't rely on this to keep you warm, especially during the winter. In the summer, you'll have the opposite problem, and keeping cool will be the main priority.
Getting started in fishing
Getting started in fishing
Are you interested in getting involved in fishing but not sure where to start? The basic things that you need to know relate to the skills that you need to master, and the equipment that you'll need to have. Read on for more information on how to get started in fishing.
Casting
Casting your fishing rod is one the fundamental skills that you'll need to learn. Like most other things, it's a case of perfecting your technique through practice, but there are a few basic steps to master:
Firstly, reel in the slack line so that the tip of the rod is between three and six inches from the hook.
Secondly, make sure that the tip of the rod is facing the direction of the intended target.
Thirdly, pull the rod straight back (quickly) behind you so that it reaches the one o'clock position. Start the rod quickly straight after this. Release the line when the rod is in the ten o'clock position.
Lastly, make sure that the tip of the rod 'follows through' (points in the direction of the intended target until it connects with it). If you find that your rod hasn't reached the right position, you have probably not released the rod quickly enough (it must be an immediate action).
Tying Knots
Tying knots in fishing line is a basic skill, but you need to get it right. Many people don't wet the line before they pull it tight. This creates friction, which weakens the line and makes it more likely to break or snap. Three or four different types of knots will usually be the maximum that you'll need to know. These will depend on the type of fishing that you do.
There are a few knots that are worth learning:
Clinch knot: Pass the line through the eye hook, and double back. Make five turns around the line. Pass the line through the first loop (nearest the eye hook), and then pass it through the large loop. This should form a knot when pulled tighter.
Jansik Special knot: Fifteen centimetres of line should be passed through the eye hook, and brought round in a circular motion, before being threaded through again. A second circle should be made, and the line passed through again. Keeping the circles together, wrap the line through them a few times. Pull both ends of the line tight to strengthen the knot. You might want to hold the hook steady with some pliers while you do this. The Jansik Special knot is one of the strongest types of knot, and isn't particularly difficult.
Palomar knot: Twelve and a half centimetres of line should be doubled over and passed through the eye hook. Tie an Overhand knot in the doubled line, and pull the loop down so that it comes over the hook. Pull both ends of the line to tighten the knot. This is considered by many fishing experts to be the strongest knot, if done correctly.
Hangman's knot: Fifteen centimetres of line should be passed through the eye hook and doubled back on itself. Five loops should be made through the doubled line (rope can accommodate eight turns). At this point, the knot should be starting to form. As the final step, the knot should be pushed up to the eye hook.
Catching a Fish
It sounds easy, but there is a certain skill to safely unhooking a fish once it's been caught. It's important to reel the fish in quickly so that its chance to struggle is limited. At the same time, you need to keep it in the water for as long as possible.
The quickest way to remove a hook is to get hold of the shank (the straight part) and turn the hook upside down. The fish will hopefully slide off the hook easily, but if you can't remove the hook safely, cut the line as close as possible to the fish's mouth.
Equipment
You won't get very far without the right equipment! See our article on 'Fishing Equipment' for more information on choosing the right type of fishing gear.
Additional Extras
Permits and licenses: A fishing rod license is mandatory, and failure to produce one if required can result in prosecution. Read our article on 'Getting A Permit and License' for information on acquiring both.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’re pretty much ready to go! Getting help and advice from like-minded anglers can be a real benefit.
Many angling clubs have members with a wide range of experience, from beginners to those with decades of fishing under their belt, and this makes them particularly beneficial. See our article on 'Angling Clubs' for more details on finding and joining one.
Are you interested in getting involved in fishing but not sure where to start? The basic things that you need to know relate to the skills that you need to master, and the equipment that you'll need to have. Read on for more information on how to get started in fishing.
Casting
Casting your fishing rod is one the fundamental skills that you'll need to learn. Like most other things, it's a case of perfecting your technique through practice, but there are a few basic steps to master:
Firstly, reel in the slack line so that the tip of the rod is between three and six inches from the hook.
Secondly, make sure that the tip of the rod is facing the direction of the intended target.
Thirdly, pull the rod straight back (quickly) behind you so that it reaches the one o'clock position. Start the rod quickly straight after this. Release the line when the rod is in the ten o'clock position.
Lastly, make sure that the tip of the rod 'follows through' (points in the direction of the intended target until it connects with it). If you find that your rod hasn't reached the right position, you have probably not released the rod quickly enough (it must be an immediate action).
Tying Knots
Tying knots in fishing line is a basic skill, but you need to get it right. Many people don't wet the line before they pull it tight. This creates friction, which weakens the line and makes it more likely to break or snap. Three or four different types of knots will usually be the maximum that you'll need to know. These will depend on the type of fishing that you do.
There are a few knots that are worth learning:
Clinch knot: Pass the line through the eye hook, and double back. Make five turns around the line. Pass the line through the first loop (nearest the eye hook), and then pass it through the large loop. This should form a knot when pulled tighter.
Jansik Special knot: Fifteen centimetres of line should be passed through the eye hook, and brought round in a circular motion, before being threaded through again. A second circle should be made, and the line passed through again. Keeping the circles together, wrap the line through them a few times. Pull both ends of the line tight to strengthen the knot. You might want to hold the hook steady with some pliers while you do this. The Jansik Special knot is one of the strongest types of knot, and isn't particularly difficult.
Palomar knot: Twelve and a half centimetres of line should be doubled over and passed through the eye hook. Tie an Overhand knot in the doubled line, and pull the loop down so that it comes over the hook. Pull both ends of the line to tighten the knot. This is considered by many fishing experts to be the strongest knot, if done correctly.
Hangman's knot: Fifteen centimetres of line should be passed through the eye hook and doubled back on itself. Five loops should be made through the doubled line (rope can accommodate eight turns). At this point, the knot should be starting to form. As the final step, the knot should be pushed up to the eye hook.
Catching a Fish
It sounds easy, but there is a certain skill to safely unhooking a fish once it's been caught. It's important to reel the fish in quickly so that its chance to struggle is limited. At the same time, you need to keep it in the water for as long as possible.
The quickest way to remove a hook is to get hold of the shank (the straight part) and turn the hook upside down. The fish will hopefully slide off the hook easily, but if you can't remove the hook safely, cut the line as close as possible to the fish's mouth.
Equipment
You won't get very far without the right equipment! See our article on 'Fishing Equipment' for more information on choosing the right type of fishing gear.
Additional Extras
Permits and licenses: A fishing rod license is mandatory, and failure to produce one if required can result in prosecution. Read our article on 'Getting A Permit and License' for information on acquiring both.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’re pretty much ready to go! Getting help and advice from like-minded anglers can be a real benefit.
Many angling clubs have members with a wide range of experience, from beginners to those with decades of fishing under their belt, and this makes them particularly beneficial. See our article on 'Angling Clubs' for more details on finding and joining one.
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Getting involved with angler Clubs
Getting involved with angler Clubs
If you’re looking to get involved in angling but aren’t sure where to start, why not join an angling club? It’s a great way to hone your skills alongside fellow enthusiasts. Club members are often very experienced anglers who are happy to help less experienced members, so they can pass on some of their top angling tips to help you see where you might be going wrong. On the other hand, you might be one of those skilled anglers who wants to share your knowledge with less experienced anglers. Whatever your reasons for wanting to join, there are angling clubs up and down the country, so you should be able to find one that isn’t too far from home.
Getting Involved
For most angling clubs, you’ll need to become a registered member to join. You do usually have to pay for a yearly membership, but it’s usually a pretty modest amount, and there are certain benefits to getting involved with a club. As well as the obvious sharing of knowledge and experiences, lots of angling clubs put on club outings to local rivers and reservoirs, and this usually takes the form of an angling match. The winner is the person whose net (of catches) weighs the most.
Online Angling Clubs
If you’re too busy to regularly attend an angling club, or you can’t find one that’s within easy reach, you can always log onto the Internet instead. Most angling clubs require you to live within a certain distance from the club in question, which obviously restricts you to interacting solely with other local anglers.
One of the main advantages of joining an online angling club is that it gives you the chance to converse with anglers from all over the world, giving you access to an even broader range of knowledge and advice. This is why some anglers like to join an online angling club, as well as a local club, so that they have double the chance of improving their angling skills.
Joining an angling club is useful for both beginners and experienced anglers. There’s often a real sense of community within clubs as the more experienced members are mostly happy to help new anglers by sharing their successful techniques and experiences. Getting involved with an angling club is one of the quickest and most enjoyable ways to become a better angler.
Most anglers find that it can be a lonely activity, and many appreciate the opportunity to spend time with fellow enthusiasts. As you might expect, the actual fishing is usually done in companionable silence (no wants to scare away the fish), but you can always compare notes in the club bar afterwards. In fact, this is where a lot of the club bonding takes place!
If you’re looking to get involved in angling but aren’t sure where to start, why not join an angling club? It’s a great way to hone your skills alongside fellow enthusiasts. Club members are often very experienced anglers who are happy to help less experienced members, so they can pass on some of their top angling tips to help you see where you might be going wrong. On the other hand, you might be one of those skilled anglers who wants to share your knowledge with less experienced anglers. Whatever your reasons for wanting to join, there are angling clubs up and down the country, so you should be able to find one that isn’t too far from home.
Getting Involved
For most angling clubs, you’ll need to become a registered member to join. You do usually have to pay for a yearly membership, but it’s usually a pretty modest amount, and there are certain benefits to getting involved with a club. As well as the obvious sharing of knowledge and experiences, lots of angling clubs put on club outings to local rivers and reservoirs, and this usually takes the form of an angling match. The winner is the person whose net (of catches) weighs the most.
Online Angling Clubs
If you’re too busy to regularly attend an angling club, or you can’t find one that’s within easy reach, you can always log onto the Internet instead. Most angling clubs require you to live within a certain distance from the club in question, which obviously restricts you to interacting solely with other local anglers.
One of the main advantages of joining an online angling club is that it gives you the chance to converse with anglers from all over the world, giving you access to an even broader range of knowledge and advice. This is why some anglers like to join an online angling club, as well as a local club, so that they have double the chance of improving their angling skills.
Joining an angling club is useful for both beginners and experienced anglers. There’s often a real sense of community within clubs as the more experienced members are mostly happy to help new anglers by sharing their successful techniques and experiences. Getting involved with an angling club is one of the quickest and most enjoyable ways to become a better angler.
Most anglers find that it can be a lonely activity, and many appreciate the opportunity to spend time with fellow enthusiasts. As you might expect, the actual fishing is usually done in companionable silence (no wants to scare away the fish), but you can always compare notes in the club bar afterwards. In fact, this is where a lot of the club bonding takes place!
Getting a fishing permit and license
Getting a fishing permit and license
If you're a keen angler you need to look into getting both a fishing rod license and a fishing permit. Anyone aged over twelve who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels is legally obliged to a fishing rod license, and you will be prosecuted if you cannot present one if requested. You can also be fined up to £2,500. Read on for more information on obtaining them.
Where do I Get a Fishing Rod License?
A fishing rod license can be obtained very easily. They are available at most Post Offices, but it's still best to check with your local branch beforehand to make sure. You can also get them from the Environment Agency (through their website or over the phone). Concessions are available for children, senior citizens and disabled people, but the latter two groups cannot buy a fishing rod license through the Environment Agency website (due to the need to confirm eligibility for these concessions).
How Much Does it Cost?
Prices are split into two categories: Non-migratory trout and coarse, and salmon and trout.
For Non-migratory trout and coarse rod licenses, a full season license costs £24.50 (for adults), and a junior license (for those aged 12-16) is £5. If you're only going to be fishing on a short-term or one-off basis (rather than throughout the year), an 8-day or 1-day license might be a better option. These cost £8.75 and £3.25 respectively.
Salmon and trout rod licenses are a lot more expensive. A full season license costs £66.50, and a junior license costs £33.25. An 8-day license is £21, and the 1-day equivalent is £7.
The money raised from rod licenses is used to contribute to the Environment Agency's funding of working fisheries.
Is There an Expiry Date?
All rod licenses expire in March every year, regardless of whether they are the full or concessionary type. At this point, they must be renewed to avoid a fine or possible prosecution.
Can I Fish Straight Away?
As long as the start date and time that you entered on your application form is prior to the date and time that you will be going fishing, you can start fishing straight away. They can't be backdated though. If you choose to go fishing before your license arrives in the post, you'll need to have noted your license number, and have some proof of identity on you.
Where Do I Get a Fishing Permit?
Sometimes, you may also need to have a fishing permit, if the area in which you intend to fish is owned by someone else. Angling clubs, in particular, often own a particular stretch of water so that their members are free to use it to fish during club outings. Fishing permits are sometimes called day tickets, and can be issued by an angling club to its members. They can also be issued by fishery owners.
They aren't always required for regular anglers though, as some places are free to fish in, but even if this is the case, you'll still need a rod license. You can also get permits from Tourist Information Offices, who should be able to tell you whether the area in which you intend to fish requires a permit.
How Much Does it Cost?
Day permits are relatively inexpensive, but night permits cost more, as there are less available. You can usually get a day permit for less than £10, but a night permit could set you back £20 or more.
Another important thing to remember is that permits require a photograph.
Is There an Expiry Date?
Permits expire after one year, and must be renewed at this point.
Getting a fishing rod license is vital - even if you only intend to go fishing once or twice. You don't want to run the risk of being caught without one, as it can result in a fine or even prosecution. Fishing permits are more complicated, as they aren't always needed. It's best to check it out beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises!
If you're a keen angler you need to look into getting both a fishing rod license and a fishing permit. Anyone aged over twelve who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels is legally obliged to a fishing rod license, and you will be prosecuted if you cannot present one if requested. You can also be fined up to £2,500. Read on for more information on obtaining them.
Where do I Get a Fishing Rod License?
A fishing rod license can be obtained very easily. They are available at most Post Offices, but it's still best to check with your local branch beforehand to make sure. You can also get them from the Environment Agency (through their website or over the phone). Concessions are available for children, senior citizens and disabled people, but the latter two groups cannot buy a fishing rod license through the Environment Agency website (due to the need to confirm eligibility for these concessions).
How Much Does it Cost?
Prices are split into two categories: Non-migratory trout and coarse, and salmon and trout.
For Non-migratory trout and coarse rod licenses, a full season license costs £24.50 (for adults), and a junior license (for those aged 12-16) is £5. If you're only going to be fishing on a short-term or one-off basis (rather than throughout the year), an 8-day or 1-day license might be a better option. These cost £8.75 and £3.25 respectively.
Salmon and trout rod licenses are a lot more expensive. A full season license costs £66.50, and a junior license costs £33.25. An 8-day license is £21, and the 1-day equivalent is £7.
The money raised from rod licenses is used to contribute to the Environment Agency's funding of working fisheries.
Is There an Expiry Date?
All rod licenses expire in March every year, regardless of whether they are the full or concessionary type. At this point, they must be renewed to avoid a fine or possible prosecution.
Can I Fish Straight Away?
As long as the start date and time that you entered on your application form is prior to the date and time that you will be going fishing, you can start fishing straight away. They can't be backdated though. If you choose to go fishing before your license arrives in the post, you'll need to have noted your license number, and have some proof of identity on you.
Where Do I Get a Fishing Permit?
Sometimes, you may also need to have a fishing permit, if the area in which you intend to fish is owned by someone else. Angling clubs, in particular, often own a particular stretch of water so that their members are free to use it to fish during club outings. Fishing permits are sometimes called day tickets, and can be issued by an angling club to its members. They can also be issued by fishery owners.
They aren't always required for regular anglers though, as some places are free to fish in, but even if this is the case, you'll still need a rod license. You can also get permits from Tourist Information Offices, who should be able to tell you whether the area in which you intend to fish requires a permit.
How Much Does it Cost?
Day permits are relatively inexpensive, but night permits cost more, as there are less available. You can usually get a day permit for less than £10, but a night permit could set you back £20 or more.
Another important thing to remember is that permits require a photograph.
Is There an Expiry Date?
Permits expire after one year, and must be renewed at this point.
Getting a fishing rod license is vital - even if you only intend to go fishing once or twice. You don't want to run the risk of being caught without one, as it can result in a fine or even prosecution. Fishing permits are more complicated, as they aren't always needed. It's best to check it out beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises!
Fishing Safety
Fishing Safety
Fishing isn't particularly dangerous but there are still certain safety considerations that you should be aware of.
Fishing Etiquette
There are certain rules that all anglers should stick to:
Look over your shoulder before you cast your rod, as you never know what or who might be behind you.
Keep an eye on your tackle. It's easy for someone to trip over and injure themselves, if it's left lying around. They can also break your tackle, which could prove expensive.
Don't put your hand inside the throat of a fish to remove the hook - it can still do damage! Use a hook remover instead.
Lifejackets
If you're a sea angler, you'll know the importance of being a good swimmer. Falling overboard isn't that common, but it's always a possibility. Experts recommend wearing a lifejacket that has been approved by the British Standards Institute. Make sure that children wear lifejackets at all times.
Water currents are another safety consideration to bear in mind. Don't fish in an area of water in which you are likely to be dragged by the current, as you can quickly find yourself in trouble.
Sunglasses
Even if it isn't particularly sunny, glare from the sun can bounce off the surface of the water. Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from this. You can take this a step further by wearing polarized glasses. These let you see beneath the surface of the water, so you can gain an advantage over your fellow anglers by spotting the fish before they do.
On a related note, sun cream is also essential. It's easy to neglect your skin if you are immersed in your fishing, but you need to reapply every two hours (or sooner if it rubs off on clothing or washes off). Sun cream with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) above 15 is recommended - the higher, the better. You're can still burn when it's cloudy, so get into the habit of applying sun cream every time you head outside.
Clothing
Tailoring your clothing to the weather is essential. You need to be prepared for both hot and cold weather. It's better to add lots of layers and take them off if you get too hot. Even if the weather is warm, pack a spare jacket (preferably a waterproof one), as the weather can quickly take a turn for the worse. See our article on 'Fishing Clothing' for more advice on clothing.
Shoes
Wearing shoes might seem like one of the more obvious safety tips, but many people like to walk barefoot on the beach. This opens up the possibility of cutting your feet on sharp stones or broken glass. Lots of potentially dangerous objects are washed up on beaches, including fishing hooks.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should contain plasters, bandages, insect repellent and antiseptic. Some basic knowledge of first aid will also come in handy. This can easily be picked up through training courses offered by St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.
As far as sports go, fishing is one of the least dangerous, but there are still certain safety considerations to bear in mind, especially if you will be accompanied by children.
Fishing isn't particularly dangerous but there are still certain safety considerations that you should be aware of.
Fishing Etiquette
There are certain rules that all anglers should stick to:
Look over your shoulder before you cast your rod, as you never know what or who might be behind you.
Keep an eye on your tackle. It's easy for someone to trip over and injure themselves, if it's left lying around. They can also break your tackle, which could prove expensive.
Don't put your hand inside the throat of a fish to remove the hook - it can still do damage! Use a hook remover instead.
Lifejackets
If you're a sea angler, you'll know the importance of being a good swimmer. Falling overboard isn't that common, but it's always a possibility. Experts recommend wearing a lifejacket that has been approved by the British Standards Institute. Make sure that children wear lifejackets at all times.
Water currents are another safety consideration to bear in mind. Don't fish in an area of water in which you are likely to be dragged by the current, as you can quickly find yourself in trouble.
Sunglasses
Even if it isn't particularly sunny, glare from the sun can bounce off the surface of the water. Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from this. You can take this a step further by wearing polarized glasses. These let you see beneath the surface of the water, so you can gain an advantage over your fellow anglers by spotting the fish before they do.
On a related note, sun cream is also essential. It's easy to neglect your skin if you are immersed in your fishing, but you need to reapply every two hours (or sooner if it rubs off on clothing or washes off). Sun cream with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) above 15 is recommended - the higher, the better. You're can still burn when it's cloudy, so get into the habit of applying sun cream every time you head outside.
Clothing
Tailoring your clothing to the weather is essential. You need to be prepared for both hot and cold weather. It's better to add lots of layers and take them off if you get too hot. Even if the weather is warm, pack a spare jacket (preferably a waterproof one), as the weather can quickly take a turn for the worse. See our article on 'Fishing Clothing' for more advice on clothing.
Shoes
Wearing shoes might seem like one of the more obvious safety tips, but many people like to walk barefoot on the beach. This opens up the possibility of cutting your feet on sharp stones or broken glass. Lots of potentially dangerous objects are washed up on beaches, including fishing hooks.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should contain plasters, bandages, insect repellent and antiseptic. Some basic knowledge of first aid will also come in handy. This can easily be picked up through training courses offered by St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.
As far as sports go, fishing is one of the least dangerous, but there are still certain safety considerations to bear in mind, especially if you will be accompanied by children.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing Equipment
Many experience anglers will tell you that an angler is only as good as his or her equipment. This might not be strictly true (experience and execution play a big part) but there is some truth in it. Either way, every angler needs to know how their equipment works.
Fishing Rod
This is one of the most obvious pieces of equipment needed for fishing. Generally, they are around six feet in length. In a nutshell, a fishing rod is a long and straight pole, which has a lot of flexibility. Most beginners use rods made from fibreglass, as they are harder to damage and cheaper than other types of rod, but bamboo and graphite are frequently used as well. Graphite is a favourite of many experienced anglers, as it is light and strong.
Rod lengths vary. Short, flexible rods are often used if there are branches hanging over the water that will restrict how far you can cast. Short but sturdy rods are often used to catch big game fish. Long rods are often used in moderate winds. It is the rod's diameter that affects how flexible it is, and as you might expect, the heavier the fish, the more robust the rod needs to be.
Handles are made from cork or foam. The most reliable way to decide which suits you best is testing them before you buy.
The reel seat (as the name suggests) refers to the place at which the reel is attached to the rest of the rod. To attach it, you simply need to place the reel in it and tighten it up manually.
Reels
There are four main types of reels: spin cast, spinning, bait cast and fly. Spinning reels are one of the most popular types, but spin-cast are better for beginners. Each reel works with a different kind of rod.
Lines
The options can be overwhelming, so it's useful to have a good basic understanding of fishing lines. Most are called 'monofilament' (mono for short) and are made from nylon.
The type of line needed depends on a number of factors: the type of fish you're hoping to catch, the water in which you will be fishing, and whether there is vegetation (or other potential restrictions) in the water. This will help to tailor your equipment to the environment in which you'll be fishing. The more vegetation there is, the stronger your line needs to be.
Hooks
Hooks generally consist of several different parts. The eye is the part at which the hook is tied to the line.
The point is where you put the bait, as well as being the part that enters the mouth of a fish once it's been caught. The barb ensures that the hook cannot easily leave the mouth once this happens.
If you don't want to keep the fish, you might want to remove the barb (by pushing it down with pliers) so that the fish to easy to remove from the hook. This often makes it harder to catch a fish though. Match the hook to the size of the fish - the smaller the fish, the smaller the hook.
Bait
Bait is used to lure fish. Nightcrawlers and earthworms are two of the best options. It's best to use a small earthworm is your target is a small fish, and vice versa. Be careful not to weight the hook down too much though if you're after a large fish.
Store them in a cool place that won't get wet and take them out of the container once you've finished with them - if you leave them in, the smell will be awful!
Minnows are close behind earthworms in terms of popular live bait. They are also best matched to the size of the fish. Keep them in a minnow bucket full of lake or river water while you're fishing, and change this water once an hour (preferably more) to stop them from dying. As with any bait, they will not attract fish if they are no longer alive. Worms from your garden are another good option.
Additional Extras
A pair of pliers will often come in handy when removing hooks from fish that you've caught
Many experience anglers will tell you that an angler is only as good as his or her equipment. This might not be strictly true (experience and execution play a big part) but there is some truth in it. Either way, every angler needs to know how their equipment works.
Fishing Rod
This is one of the most obvious pieces of equipment needed for fishing. Generally, they are around six feet in length. In a nutshell, a fishing rod is a long and straight pole, which has a lot of flexibility. Most beginners use rods made from fibreglass, as they are harder to damage and cheaper than other types of rod, but bamboo and graphite are frequently used as well. Graphite is a favourite of many experienced anglers, as it is light and strong.
Rod lengths vary. Short, flexible rods are often used if there are branches hanging over the water that will restrict how far you can cast. Short but sturdy rods are often used to catch big game fish. Long rods are often used in moderate winds. It is the rod's diameter that affects how flexible it is, and as you might expect, the heavier the fish, the more robust the rod needs to be.
Handles are made from cork or foam. The most reliable way to decide which suits you best is testing them before you buy.
The reel seat (as the name suggests) refers to the place at which the reel is attached to the rest of the rod. To attach it, you simply need to place the reel in it and tighten it up manually.
Reels
There are four main types of reels: spin cast, spinning, bait cast and fly. Spinning reels are one of the most popular types, but spin-cast are better for beginners. Each reel works with a different kind of rod.
Lines
The options can be overwhelming, so it's useful to have a good basic understanding of fishing lines. Most are called 'monofilament' (mono for short) and are made from nylon.
The type of line needed depends on a number of factors: the type of fish you're hoping to catch, the water in which you will be fishing, and whether there is vegetation (or other potential restrictions) in the water. This will help to tailor your equipment to the environment in which you'll be fishing. The more vegetation there is, the stronger your line needs to be.
Hooks
Hooks generally consist of several different parts. The eye is the part at which the hook is tied to the line.
The point is where you put the bait, as well as being the part that enters the mouth of a fish once it's been caught. The barb ensures that the hook cannot easily leave the mouth once this happens.
If you don't want to keep the fish, you might want to remove the barb (by pushing it down with pliers) so that the fish to easy to remove from the hook. This often makes it harder to catch a fish though. Match the hook to the size of the fish - the smaller the fish, the smaller the hook.
Bait
Bait is used to lure fish. Nightcrawlers and earthworms are two of the best options. It's best to use a small earthworm is your target is a small fish, and vice versa. Be careful not to weight the hook down too much though if you're after a large fish.
Store them in a cool place that won't get wet and take them out of the container once you've finished with them - if you leave them in, the smell will be awful!
Minnows are close behind earthworms in terms of popular live bait. They are also best matched to the size of the fish. Keep them in a minnow bucket full of lake or river water while you're fishing, and change this water once an hour (preferably more) to stop them from dying. As with any bait, they will not attract fish if they are no longer alive. Worms from your garden are another good option.
Additional Extras
A pair of pliers will often come in handy when removing hooks from fish that you've caught
Fishing location in UK
There are several locations in the UK that are great for fishing, and many of these are relatively unknown to the average person. In this article, we round up some of the best fishing locations, plus a few of the best places to take a fishing holiday in the UK.
Warwickshire
Draycote Water is a good place to go fishing in Warwickshire. It is a large reservoir that is famed for being one of the UK's leading trout fisheries. Rainbow trout and brown trout can usually be found in abundance here. Boat and bank anglers can enjoy fishing throughout the season from March through to October.
For fishing holidays, Arden Fisheries is a good choice. Camping is possible here, but most people choose to stay in the rather more luxurious 5-star accommodation at nearby Sykes Cottages.
The North
The North Tyne river is another good place for fishing, especially for salmon. The Tyne is now seen as one of the best rivers in the UK for salmon fishing. The salmon in the river tend to be fairly large, and in line with or above the average size. The Riverdale Hall Hotel is responsible for overseeing much of the fishing in the river.
The Lonsdale Country Park (Carlisle)has seven lakes on which you can enjoy some of the best angling in the North of England. There are also luxury holiday homes (on a country estate) that you can stay in as part of your fishing holiday.
Kent
Dungeness Beach is one of the UK's leading beaches for cod fishing. In the past, large cod were typical, but these days, an average size cod is much more likely, although there is scope for catching a cod weighing over 20lb (if you're lucky!). Bass fishing is also popular here towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Flatfish fishing is also a possibility on this beach.
Suffolk
Orford Ness is a shingle bank that offers cod fishing in the winter, and bass fishing in the summer.
Dorset
Throop Fisheries (Dorset Stour in Bournemouth)offers a good alternative to fishing in rivers. Chub and barbel fishing are popular here.
Hampshire
Willow Park Fisheries (Ash)offers the chance to fish for different kinds of stillwater fish. There are three different lakes here, and bream and roach fishing are popular.
Wales
The Celtic Lakes Resort (Lampeter)is great for 'big fish' fishing holidays. Accommodation comes in the form of 16-century farmhouses and luxury lodges situated by the side of the lake.
If you're looking for the personal touch on your fishing holiday, the Holgan Farm Fishery might be just what you're looking for. It's run by a husband and wife team, who offer home cooking, as well as the School of Angling, at which top anglers offer their expertise to both new and experienced anglers.
Nine Oaks Fishery (Cardigan Bay) offers coarse and trout fishing. For fishing holidays, there are apartments and caravans, with the former being given a 4-star rating from the Welsh Tourist Board.
Warwickshire
Draycote Water is a good place to go fishing in Warwickshire. It is a large reservoir that is famed for being one of the UK's leading trout fisheries. Rainbow trout and brown trout can usually be found in abundance here. Boat and bank anglers can enjoy fishing throughout the season from March through to October.
For fishing holidays, Arden Fisheries is a good choice. Camping is possible here, but most people choose to stay in the rather more luxurious 5-star accommodation at nearby Sykes Cottages.
The North
The North Tyne river is another good place for fishing, especially for salmon. The Tyne is now seen as one of the best rivers in the UK for salmon fishing. The salmon in the river tend to be fairly large, and in line with or above the average size. The Riverdale Hall Hotel is responsible for overseeing much of the fishing in the river.
The Lonsdale Country Park (Carlisle)has seven lakes on which you can enjoy some of the best angling in the North of England. There are also luxury holiday homes (on a country estate) that you can stay in as part of your fishing holiday.
Kent
Dungeness Beach is one of the UK's leading beaches for cod fishing. In the past, large cod were typical, but these days, an average size cod is much more likely, although there is scope for catching a cod weighing over 20lb (if you're lucky!). Bass fishing is also popular here towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Flatfish fishing is also a possibility on this beach.
Suffolk
Orford Ness is a shingle bank that offers cod fishing in the winter, and bass fishing in the summer.
Dorset
Throop Fisheries (Dorset Stour in Bournemouth)offers a good alternative to fishing in rivers. Chub and barbel fishing are popular here.
Hampshire
Willow Park Fisheries (Ash)offers the chance to fish for different kinds of stillwater fish. There are three different lakes here, and bream and roach fishing are popular.
Wales
The Celtic Lakes Resort (Lampeter)is great for 'big fish' fishing holidays. Accommodation comes in the form of 16-century farmhouses and luxury lodges situated by the side of the lake.
If you're looking for the personal touch on your fishing holiday, the Holgan Farm Fishery might be just what you're looking for. It's run by a husband and wife team, who offer home cooking, as well as the School of Angling, at which top anglers offer their expertise to both new and experienced anglers.
Nine Oaks Fishery (Cardigan Bay) offers coarse and trout fishing. For fishing holidays, there are apartments and caravans, with the former being given a 4-star rating from the Welsh Tourist Board.
Type of fishing methods
Type of fishing methods
If you're not familiar with fishing you might think that all fishing is the same. There are actually several different types of fishing. Read on for more information about types of fishing.
Fly Fishing
Fly-fishing is used to catch fish like trout and salmon, as well as pike, bass and carp.
Artificial flies are used to catch fish. They are made from hair, fur or feathers. These are tied to a hook with thread. They are designed to imitate insects and other prey to fool the fish. The fly lines are usually plastic-coated, which gives them enough weight to reach the intended target. The artificial flies are in proportion to the line, rod and reel that is used - the heavier the fly, the larger the reel and rod.
To angle effectively, the rod is held in the dominant hand (the one that you use to write), and the other hand is used to work the line out gradually to create momentum.
To fish in cold waters, anglers wear waders (chest high boots), which allows them to wade out to a good distance. They also give good grip if you plan to try your hand at fishing on rocky riverbeds, which are often very slimy. The feet are made from neoprene, which will keep your feet warm and dry (this is vital if the water is especially cold!), and offers padding to cushion you if you slip over. They are also less likely to perforate.
Alternatively, some waders are made from Gore-Tex, which allows ventilation whilst you're wading through the water. However, they don't allow you to float very well if you slip or fall over in the water. If the water is particularly deep, an inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Type III Kayak fishing vent offers additional safety.
Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater fishing is used to catch fish like trout. It's a good activity for the whole family, so why not introduce your children to it? If you do take the kids along, it's probably best to fish from the shore or on a boat, rather than in an estuary or on rocks. As well as being safer, it gives them more options if they choose to take up fishing later in life.
Sea Angling
Sea angling is one of the more popular forms of fishing. The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) estimates that as many as one million people take part in sea angling in the UK every year.
As the name suggests, a lot of sea angling takes place off a boat (into the sea), but it can also be done in estuaries, on piers and rocks. Most sea anglers do so for leisure purposes, but there is the option to take part in competitions and open matches. If you're really good, you can also compete at international level. The World Boat Championships are held every year, pitting the very best sea anglers from up to eighteen countries against one another.
Futher suggestions:
There are many more types of fishing than this, but these are three of the main types done in the UK. Whatever type of fishing that you choose, make sure that everyone wears a life jacket. If you've followed the clothing advice on our 'Fishing Clothing' article, you'll be too heavy to swim if you accidentally fall in, so this is essential
There are many different type of fishing for the sports enthusiast to choose from. These include fishing line fishing, hand fishing, bow fishing, dredging, kite fishing, and ice fishing.
Fishing line fishing, also referred to as angling, is the most common form of fishing for hobbyists in the United States. In this type of fishing, the fisherman uses a fishing rod, which holds a fishing line with a hook on the end. The fisherman attempts to get the fish to bite the hook by placing lures near the hook or by placing live bait on the hook.
Trolling is a form of fishing line fishing that involves drawing the fishing lure through the water in order to attract fish.
This method is often used when fishing for big game fish such as marlin and tuna. Another variation is long line fishing, which includes hundreds or thousands of baited hooks on one fishing line. This technique is most commonly used in commercial fishing.
Hand fishing is a form of fishing that involves using the hands, although hand line fishing also falls under this category.
With hand line fishing, a fishing line containing weights and a lure may also be used. True hand fishing is typically used in lobster diving and pearl diving. When hand fishing is used to fish for catfish in the United States, it is referred to as noodling. When used to catch trout in the British Isles, it is called trout tickling.
Bow fishing involves using a bow and standing above the water to shoot the fish. It is similar to a more primitive form of fishing, which involves spearing the fish from above.
Ancient spears were powered entirely by hand, but modern fishermen sometimes use spear guns to help power the spear, making it move more quickly and work more efficiently.
With dredging, the fisherman tows a chain mesh behind a fishing boat in order to scoop up sea life from the seabed. This form of fishing is typically used to catch oysters and scallops.
Kite fishing, on the other hand, involves attaching the fishing line to a kite in order to catch fish. This method is used by fishermen without boats who wish to fish in waters they cannot otherwise reach. It can also be used to fish in areas where a boat cannot safely navigate.
Fishing net fishing.
There are also fishing nets that fishermen drop into the sea. The nets can be varying length and have cork structures attached to the top of the net so the whole net does not sink to the bottom. The net stays vertically put in the sea, and any fish passing through will get caught.
The nets are left in place for six to eight hours, and then they are pulled out, usually in early morning hours, with hopefully a good catch. The size of the openings in the net will determine what size of fish can be caught.
If you're not familiar with fishing you might think that all fishing is the same. There are actually several different types of fishing. Read on for more information about types of fishing.
Fly Fishing
Fly-fishing is used to catch fish like trout and salmon, as well as pike, bass and carp.
Artificial flies are used to catch fish. They are made from hair, fur or feathers. These are tied to a hook with thread. They are designed to imitate insects and other prey to fool the fish. The fly lines are usually plastic-coated, which gives them enough weight to reach the intended target. The artificial flies are in proportion to the line, rod and reel that is used - the heavier the fly, the larger the reel and rod.
To angle effectively, the rod is held in the dominant hand (the one that you use to write), and the other hand is used to work the line out gradually to create momentum.
To fish in cold waters, anglers wear waders (chest high boots), which allows them to wade out to a good distance. They also give good grip if you plan to try your hand at fishing on rocky riverbeds, which are often very slimy. The feet are made from neoprene, which will keep your feet warm and dry (this is vital if the water is especially cold!), and offers padding to cushion you if you slip over. They are also less likely to perforate.
Alternatively, some waders are made from Gore-Tex, which allows ventilation whilst you're wading through the water. However, they don't allow you to float very well if you slip or fall over in the water. If the water is particularly deep, an inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Type III Kayak fishing vent offers additional safety.
Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater fishing is used to catch fish like trout. It's a good activity for the whole family, so why not introduce your children to it? If you do take the kids along, it's probably best to fish from the shore or on a boat, rather than in an estuary or on rocks. As well as being safer, it gives them more options if they choose to take up fishing later in life.
Sea Angling
Sea angling is one of the more popular forms of fishing. The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) estimates that as many as one million people take part in sea angling in the UK every year.
As the name suggests, a lot of sea angling takes place off a boat (into the sea), but it can also be done in estuaries, on piers and rocks. Most sea anglers do so for leisure purposes, but there is the option to take part in competitions and open matches. If you're really good, you can also compete at international level. The World Boat Championships are held every year, pitting the very best sea anglers from up to eighteen countries against one another.
Futher suggestions:
There are many more types of fishing than this, but these are three of the main types done in the UK. Whatever type of fishing that you choose, make sure that everyone wears a life jacket. If you've followed the clothing advice on our 'Fishing Clothing' article, you'll be too heavy to swim if you accidentally fall in, so this is essential
There are many different type of fishing for the sports enthusiast to choose from. These include fishing line fishing, hand fishing, bow fishing, dredging, kite fishing, and ice fishing.
Fishing line fishing, also referred to as angling, is the most common form of fishing for hobbyists in the United States. In this type of fishing, the fisherman uses a fishing rod, which holds a fishing line with a hook on the end. The fisherman attempts to get the fish to bite the hook by placing lures near the hook or by placing live bait on the hook.
Trolling is a form of fishing line fishing that involves drawing the fishing lure through the water in order to attract fish.
This method is often used when fishing for big game fish such as marlin and tuna. Another variation is long line fishing, which includes hundreds or thousands of baited hooks on one fishing line. This technique is most commonly used in commercial fishing.
Hand fishing is a form of fishing that involves using the hands, although hand line fishing also falls under this category.
With hand line fishing, a fishing line containing weights and a lure may also be used. True hand fishing is typically used in lobster diving and pearl diving. When hand fishing is used to fish for catfish in the United States, it is referred to as noodling. When used to catch trout in the British Isles, it is called trout tickling.
Bow fishing involves using a bow and standing above the water to shoot the fish. It is similar to a more primitive form of fishing, which involves spearing the fish from above.
Ancient spears were powered entirely by hand, but modern fishermen sometimes use spear guns to help power the spear, making it move more quickly and work more efficiently.
With dredging, the fisherman tows a chain mesh behind a fishing boat in order to scoop up sea life from the seabed. This form of fishing is typically used to catch oysters and scallops.
Kite fishing, on the other hand, involves attaching the fishing line to a kite in order to catch fish. This method is used by fishermen without boats who wish to fish in waters they cannot otherwise reach. It can also be used to fish in areas where a boat cannot safely navigate.
Fishing net fishing.
There are also fishing nets that fishermen drop into the sea. The nets can be varying length and have cork structures attached to the top of the net so the whole net does not sink to the bottom. The net stays vertically put in the sea, and any fish passing through will get caught.
The nets are left in place for six to eight hours, and then they are pulled out, usually in early morning hours, with hopefully a good catch. The size of the openings in the net will determine what size of fish can be caught.
How To Fish Like A Fisherman!
Learning how to fish is as easy as ABC!
Bait fishing is one of the easiest ways to catch fish. The approaches to catching fish are many--fly fishing, spinner fishing, jig fishing, trolling, and snagging to name a few—bait fishing is a good method for the beginning fisherman or fisherwoman. Bait fishing offers both simplicity and effectiveness for anglers.
It is simple in that one only has to bait up a hook and throw the line in the water, and it is effective because the presence of live bait is a temptation that hardly any fish can resist!
It is said that if you give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day. If you teach him how to fish, however, he’ll eat for a lifetime. This article can help keep your belly full of fish for years to come!
STEP 1
Choose a location.
Make sure to fish in water that actually has fish in it. If there aren’t any fish, you aren’t going to catch anything. Many newspapers have local fishing reports that will list locations and tell you what fish, if any, are biting and what they’re biting on.
You can also ask around at angling shops, marinas and camping supply stores in the area. You can also check by throwing in food scraps and waiting a few minutes.
STEP 2
Choose your bait, and your hooks.
Choose your bait, and your hooks. Once you have some idea of what fish you’re looking to catch and what they’re eating, you can pick the right bait. You need hooks that will FIT INTO the fish's mouth. #1 hooks work well for many things, but size 8 to 5/0 will work well for some fish. Ask your local tackle shop about the hook sizing system (i.e. 6,4,2,1,1/0, 2/0).
The smaller the hook the better the chance of a bite, also a very thin line will result in more bites. Making a hook knot is difficult with small hooks. Ask a tackleshop owner or another fisherman to teach you.
Because fish eat insects and aquatic life, there are literally millions of effective baits to choose from. The old standards are tough to beat, though. Consider using worms, salmon eggs, grasshoppers, shrimp, liver,bacon , or synthetic baits--Power Bait, for example--that are made to resemble and smell like live bait.
You can either purchase live bait at the local angling shop, or you can gather your own. Many anglers gather worms in a lawn after a rain or late at night with a flashlight. You can find grasshoppers along the banks of a stream.
STEP 3
Choose the appropriate bait fishing method:
If the water is quite swift--a small river or stream--it is probably best to attach weights to your line about 12" above your bait. By weighting down your line you will keep your bait in place about an inch above the floor of the water—right where fish are likely to be hunting.
If the water is not moving rapidly, as in a lake or a large, slow river, consider using a bobber. A bobber is generally a brightly colored plastic device that floats on the surface of the water.
The bobber will attach easily to your line, and you should place your bait below the bobber. Adjust the distance between the bobber and your bait to accommodate the depth of the body of water. You want your bait located where the fish are, so consider shortening and lengthening the distance between bait and bobber, or even adding small weights (also called split shot) to keep your bait perfectly suspended under water.
If bait is plenty start feeding some bait around the place where you want to fish. Repeat this regularly especially in swift streams.
STEP 4:
Cast your line and wait for a bite.
Cast your line and wait for a bite. You can tell if a fish is biting by touch, by watching a loose line or a bobber, or by attaching a bell to the end of your rod. Make sure with a slow movement of the rod that there is no more slack in the line when you try to hook the fish.
Waiting for a bite can take a lot of patience, but that’s what fishing’s all about. Using light tackle combined with feeding around your bait will produce bites much quicker. When you catch a fish feed a little extra, because fish often live in smaller or larger groups that you want to stay around.
STEP 5:
Wait
Wait. That said, if you’re waiting for 10-15 minutes and you still haven’t gotten a bite, try casting somewhere else and wait again.
STEP 6:
Hook that fish.
Hook that fish. Once you feel a tug on the line you will want to "set" your hook. To do this, simply give your fishing rod (and consequently the fishing line) a quick jerk backward and up.
If you have a fish on line, it will fight back and your line will follow the movements of the fish. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have a bite or if you’re just feeling the current or a fish bumping into the bait. Only practice can help you get a feel for it.
8 STEP:
Grab hold of the fish.
Grab hold of the fish. Using a net for this purpose is very effective. Keep the fish in the water if you plan on releasing it. If you plan on eating the fish, get the fish out of the water as quickly as possible and take the hook out away from the water.
You will find fish to be quite slippery and fast, and more than one fish has been lost by dropping to the ground and rapidly returning to the water.
STEP 9:
Remove the hook.
Remove the hook. Again, if you are planning on releasing the fish, try to take the hook out inflicting as little trauma as possible to the fish - don't rip the hook from its lip, gently BACK it out, so that it comes out the way it came in. There are special tools designed for taking hooks out, although needle nosed pliers work quite effectively.
You can also use the needle nosed pliers to crush the barb on your hook, to make it easier to remove the hook. Some professionals recommend doing this before casting your line out (especially when fishing for catfish), to make it easier to release your catch.
It truly works best with circle/octopus circle type hooks. These hooks make it easier to set the hook in the lip/corner of the fish's mouth; without much effort on your part.
STEP 10:
Decide if you are catching and releasing or keeping the fish.
Decide if you are catching and releasing or keeping the fish. If you are going to cook the fish, you may want to consider cleaning the fish at this point.
STEP 11:
Repeat the process.
Repeat the process. Check your line for damage, and then re-bait your hook. Keep reeling 'em in!
STEP 12:
Also look for fishing moving along the shoreline!
Also look for fishing moving along the shoreline! This is a really great place to find them and they just jump out of the water.
Bait fishing is one of the easiest ways to catch fish. The approaches to catching fish are many--fly fishing, spinner fishing, jig fishing, trolling, and snagging to name a few—bait fishing is a good method for the beginning fisherman or fisherwoman. Bait fishing offers both simplicity and effectiveness for anglers.
It is simple in that one only has to bait up a hook and throw the line in the water, and it is effective because the presence of live bait is a temptation that hardly any fish can resist!
It is said that if you give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day. If you teach him how to fish, however, he’ll eat for a lifetime. This article can help keep your belly full of fish for years to come!
STEP 1
Choose a location.
Make sure to fish in water that actually has fish in it. If there aren’t any fish, you aren’t going to catch anything. Many newspapers have local fishing reports that will list locations and tell you what fish, if any, are biting and what they’re biting on.
You can also ask around at angling shops, marinas and camping supply stores in the area. You can also check by throwing in food scraps and waiting a few minutes.
STEP 2
Choose your bait, and your hooks.
Choose your bait, and your hooks. Once you have some idea of what fish you’re looking to catch and what they’re eating, you can pick the right bait. You need hooks that will FIT INTO the fish's mouth. #1 hooks work well for many things, but size 8 to 5/0 will work well for some fish. Ask your local tackle shop about the hook sizing system (i.e. 6,4,2,1,1/0, 2/0).
The smaller the hook the better the chance of a bite, also a very thin line will result in more bites. Making a hook knot is difficult with small hooks. Ask a tackleshop owner or another fisherman to teach you.
Because fish eat insects and aquatic life, there are literally millions of effective baits to choose from. The old standards are tough to beat, though. Consider using worms, salmon eggs, grasshoppers, shrimp, liver,bacon , or synthetic baits--Power Bait, for example--that are made to resemble and smell like live bait.
You can either purchase live bait at the local angling shop, or you can gather your own. Many anglers gather worms in a lawn after a rain or late at night with a flashlight. You can find grasshoppers along the banks of a stream.
STEP 3
Choose the appropriate bait fishing method:
If the water is quite swift--a small river or stream--it is probably best to attach weights to your line about 12" above your bait. By weighting down your line you will keep your bait in place about an inch above the floor of the water—right where fish are likely to be hunting.
If the water is not moving rapidly, as in a lake or a large, slow river, consider using a bobber. A bobber is generally a brightly colored plastic device that floats on the surface of the water.
The bobber will attach easily to your line, and you should place your bait below the bobber. Adjust the distance between the bobber and your bait to accommodate the depth of the body of water. You want your bait located where the fish are, so consider shortening and lengthening the distance between bait and bobber, or even adding small weights (also called split shot) to keep your bait perfectly suspended under water.
If bait is plenty start feeding some bait around the place where you want to fish. Repeat this regularly especially in swift streams.
STEP 4:
Cast your line and wait for a bite.
Cast your line and wait for a bite. You can tell if a fish is biting by touch, by watching a loose line or a bobber, or by attaching a bell to the end of your rod. Make sure with a slow movement of the rod that there is no more slack in the line when you try to hook the fish.
Waiting for a bite can take a lot of patience, but that’s what fishing’s all about. Using light tackle combined with feeding around your bait will produce bites much quicker. When you catch a fish feed a little extra, because fish often live in smaller or larger groups that you want to stay around.
STEP 5:
Wait
Wait. That said, if you’re waiting for 10-15 minutes and you still haven’t gotten a bite, try casting somewhere else and wait again.
STEP 6:
Hook that fish.
Hook that fish. Once you feel a tug on the line you will want to "set" your hook. To do this, simply give your fishing rod (and consequently the fishing line) a quick jerk backward and up.
If you have a fish on line, it will fight back and your line will follow the movements of the fish. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have a bite or if you’re just feeling the current or a fish bumping into the bait. Only practice can help you get a feel for it.
8 STEP:
Grab hold of the fish.
Grab hold of the fish. Using a net for this purpose is very effective. Keep the fish in the water if you plan on releasing it. If you plan on eating the fish, get the fish out of the water as quickly as possible and take the hook out away from the water.
You will find fish to be quite slippery and fast, and more than one fish has been lost by dropping to the ground and rapidly returning to the water.
STEP 9:
Remove the hook.
Remove the hook. Again, if you are planning on releasing the fish, try to take the hook out inflicting as little trauma as possible to the fish - don't rip the hook from its lip, gently BACK it out, so that it comes out the way it came in. There are special tools designed for taking hooks out, although needle nosed pliers work quite effectively.
You can also use the needle nosed pliers to crush the barb on your hook, to make it easier to remove the hook. Some professionals recommend doing this before casting your line out (especially when fishing for catfish), to make it easier to release your catch.
It truly works best with circle/octopus circle type hooks. These hooks make it easier to set the hook in the lip/corner of the fish's mouth; without much effort on your part.
STEP 10:
Decide if you are catching and releasing or keeping the fish.
Decide if you are catching and releasing or keeping the fish. If you are going to cook the fish, you may want to consider cleaning the fish at this point.
STEP 11:
Repeat the process.
Repeat the process. Check your line for damage, and then re-bait your hook. Keep reeling 'em in!
STEP 12:
Also look for fishing moving along the shoreline!
Also look for fishing moving along the shoreline! This is a really great place to find them and they just jump out of the water.
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