Being well-prepared is the key to success in every aspect of life. Be it in tackling life situations, in exams, and for anglers, going for fishing. Swift and efficient are those who have every possible tool, technique, and pertaining thing ready to tackle any fish in any water condition.
From a beginner, expecting perfection is unfair, and for a beginner knowing everything related to fishing and having everything for fishing could be overwhelming. However, if, as a beginner, I have a clear idea of what do I need to go fishing for the first time, things become easier, and the fun quotient remains intact.
What Do I Need to Go Fishing for The First Time?
Tools You Need
- A fishing rod
- A fishing reel
- Fishing line
- Hook
- Live baits or artificial lures
- Fishing net
- Large mat
- Safety kit
Fishing Rod
Depending on your height, you must choose your rod. That’s the first thing an angler must keep in mind while purchasing a fishing rod. Buying a high-quality, sharp, super expensive rod that casts like no other becomes secondary to that. If you are buying a rod that doesn’t go well with your height and is heavy for you, you fail to hold and handle it.
No techniques will work because you can hardly apply them while angling. The fishing rod also depends on what type of fish you are aiming to catch a particular day. Therefore, if you are into fishing, deep into it, try investing in two-three different fishing rods to tackle different situations. We prefer fishing rods, medium action, that holds up to 20lbs line with spinning reels for beginners.
Fishing Reel
As we just mentioned, you will require a spinning reel. The best is to buy a fishing rod and a spinning reel together to ensure the easy setup of the fishing pole. The fishing reel will fixate on the rod the perfect way. When you are not a beginner anymore after a few attempts, you can opt for the more complicated fish reels like the bait casting ones.
Fishing Line
We all pretty much have this idea about fishing lines. You have three materials to choose from- braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. Each one of these is used in different conditions for tackling different fishes.
Braided lines are super strong, monofilament lines are stretchy, easier to handle, and fluorocarbon lines are abrasion-resistant. And for you, as in, the beginner, we suggest starting with the monofilament fishing line.
Hook
If you are angling fish with hooks, depending on the fish species, the size will vary, perhaps 6-10. More than the size, it’s the quality of the hooks that matters the most. The hooks mostly are for live baits, and you could add swivels for a tangle-free fishing line, weights to keep the hook deep in the water, float to get the indication of whether the prey is biting your bait or not. You also must know the technique of tying these different components to the fishing line.
Lures
Artificial lures are basically colorful bait, replicas of live baits, but not at all alive and usable for umpteen times, tied with the fishing line with easy but strong knots. You have the hook made right on the lure itself for the fishes to get hooked. Have the ones with proper movement, flash, vibration and color and turn angling easier.
Fishing Net
The rule is to catch a fish as carefully as possible. When a fish has taken the bait and is trapped, it will jump vehemently. You will bring it to the shore, near to you, holding the rod, but at one point, you have to take it in something for it to stay trapped but stop moving, flipping, and flopping uncontrollably.
So, when the fish is pretty near, you have to take it in the fishing net. It will remain trapped yet safe despite moving frantically. A fishing mat is absolutely mandatory, especially when it’s a good size fish.
Large Mat
Now, you need to have a close eye on the fish. You can’t see it up close inside a net. So, better be prepared with a large, comfortable mat for the fish to be placed safely from the net. You can look at it, click pictures, and all, keeping the fish safe from harming itself.
Safety Kit
There are higher chances for you to get injured tackling the fishes, lining the pole, or randomly strolling around the location. A safety kit with all the necessary tools, medicines, and safety equipment, is, therefore, a must.
Obvious Implement
- A fishing license, the current one
- Knowing about the location
- Handling the crowd well
- Landing the fish, you caught, gently
License
Make sure you have a legit fishing license, according to your real age, of course. It must be from the state you are aiming to angle in. For carefree legal fishing, you must hold and carry the document everywhere you go fishing.
Location
Not all lakes, rivers, or ponds will have the fish you are aiming to angle. Neither all of them are made for angling purposes. It’s mandatory for every angler to research the location, whether they have fishes available for angling. If it is, then which species exactly. Moreover, if possible, contact the landowner directly to remain safer, and with their permission, attempt fishing in their property.
Crowd
If other anglers are also fishing in the same location, be respectful of their activity. Please stay in your zone, do not make it an ugly competition. Every angler must follow basic angling etiquette.
Landing
Angling etiquette also includes handling the fishes you caught gently. Keep in mind that you will have to get the fish back to the water without harming it. So, be gentle with your prey and be prepared with your fish-holding techniques, no stomach or gill. Bring them to the land in the net, place them on the mat, and after you are done with enough indulgence, just land it safely in the water.
Skills You Must Hone
- How to line a fishing pole?
- Tying different strong knots
- Choosing lures according to the fish species
Lining A Fishing Pole
The fishing rod and reel might come in a combo, but other components will not. You will have to learn, not just learn, but practice to line the fishing pole. You have to assemble multiple pieces for the fishing rod, then install the reel on it. Then you have the fishing line that needs to be spun in the reel and taken through the guides. Add tying the hook, sinkers, and bobbers. There is a lot to know and hone.
Knowing Your Knots
Tie the lure and other components in your fishing pole with strong, unbreakable knots. The chances of your knots breaking depend highly on your skill of tying the knots. So, do not attempt angling unless you have thoroughly practiced tying your fishing knots.
Luring
Choose the lures, the right ones for attracting the fishes in a better manner. Learn which fish loves which bait and then lure it with the exact one. If a fish needs live bait, arrange it, no matter how difficult it is for you. The fishes that will get trapped will be way high with proper luring.
If all the above knowledge and info seems too overwhelming, don’t worry; hone your knowledge and skills and have your gears ready, to the extent of your full capability only. With every practical experience, you will start getting better and better.
