When the fishing bug bites, your first instinct is to grab the closest rod and run to the nearest pond for a day of excitement. The reality, unfortunately, is not quite that simple. Learning to fish requires learning the rules and restrictions everyone is expected to follow. Learning about the different developments in bait and gear technology that have created millions of options the new angler must sort through. And learning to identify the opportunities that are becoming more refined. The solution to all these sources of doubt is to learn three basic rules. Apply them to your fishing experiences and you’ll be on the path to expert angler in no time.
In a nut shell:
Know the laws for your area
Have the right fishing gear
Learn to be patient
Rule 1: Know the Fishing Laws in Your Area
Have you ever listened to other anglers? They’ll often complain about the difficulties of their confrontations with game wardens. As you dive into fishing you will most certainly hear all kinds of stories: some true and some, not so much.
Now the question that needs to be asked….Why the animosity?
It can be summed up in one, simple, explanation. They aren’t following the rules that are rather simple but often overlooked or flat out ignored.
If you know the basics of what’s expected of you the wardens are typically very happy to help you figure out the finer details when questions come into play. No one can help you become a successful angler better than the Game Wardens. They know the laws, the waterways you’re using, and most are avid anglers themselves.
The key every angler needs to remember is that there’s not just one blanket set of rules. The federal government has one set of rules. The states have their own sets of regulations. Each county adds their own policies to the mix. Then you have additional agencies that add regulations here and there for specific fisheries.
We keep a log of the different fisheries we frequent. In that log we keep records of the specific regulations (size limits, counts, etc.) as well as the tackle that works, the fish we’ve caught, and target spots that tend to hold good counts of fish. Check out our log for a great place to start keeping your own records.
The Complete Angler’s Fishing Journal
For other resources to start learning applicable rules and regulations, check out these two Fishing resources:
Rule 2: Have the Right Fishing Gear
Having the right gear doesn’t mean buy the most expensive setup you can find.
I’ve caught many, many, fish on a handline I made from scrap line and an old vitamin bottle that I still carry to this day
One of my favorite combos is a simple Shakespeare setup I bought at a gas station pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. I even caught my PB largemouth on that pole with the original line that had been on the reel for who knows how long.
Fish don’t care how much you spent on that latest lure or that top of the line, super charged, multi-scented plastic worm.
Fish care about two things: where they’ll get their next meal and where they’ll call home.
My suggestion: go to your local sports store. Get a simple, all in one, combo set. Brand is truly a personal preference so don’t overthink your choice. So get what feels right in your hand rather than just what looks most attractive.
Now, the one formality I will say here is pay attention to the types of poles you look at. When you’re learning, don’t go for the specialty rods (ultra light, fast or Medium/Heavy, Fast Action for Spinners/Umbrellas; etc.)
Rather, get an all in one, multi purpose rod probably in a medium weight that can accept a wide range of line weights. When you go to a local sports store, the staff will generally know the species available in your area and the minimum setups you’ll need for your upcoming adventures.
For a better understanding of fishing rods and reels, you should read the breakdowns we have setup for you.
A Woman’s Guide to Picking the Right Fishing Rod
Know Your Fishing Gear, Know Your Fishing Reel
Join “The Outdoors Quest” group on Facebook or MeWe to join in the conversations between women who have been where you are and have learned what setups work best for them.
Rule 3: Be Patient!
Most importantly, you must be patient. Your first setup won’t be what you fish with for rest of your life. The techniques you start with will not be the only techniques you use. You’re going to find fishing methods that work for you. You’re going to try A LOT of methods that don’t work for you. The more you fish, and the more you experiment, the better your hook-up ratios will become with bigger and bigger fish to show for all this effort.
The key is to make sure you keep trying new things and don’t be afraid to experiment.
It is almost impossible to be an instant success at anything, especially fishing. To be a successful angler, you must first be a failed angler. Fish aren’t going to laugh at you…
well, they probably do laugh at us, but we’re never going to know it
…so go out there, have fun, and don’t be afraid to fail because it’s in those failures that you learn to succeed.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
― Thomas A. Edison
