The Basics
Getting out into the fresh air and sunshine is one of
the many benefits that make fishing a great hobby. Fishing can also be
very relaxing. It gets you away from the stress of daily life and
allows you to become one with nature. Like all other hobbies, sports
and activities, there are a few basic things you will need for fishing.
Simply put, fishing tackle is the equipment you use
to get fish bait into the water, dangling in front of the fish. It's
not necessary to have a lot of tackle if you are just taking up the
sport of fishing, but you do need basic and proper tackle. If you are a
beginner, it's best to keep tackle to a minimum until you hone your
skills. When you have more experience, you may want to invest in more
advanced tackle.
Your Rod and Reel
You can purchase a rod and reel at your local fishing
store. It's best to buy a lightweight rod because it will be easier for
you to tell when you have a bite. Spinner reels are best for beginners.
You can often purchase a rod and reel as a single unit. If you don't
want to buy a rod and reel until you've tried out the sport, you might
be able to borrow one from a family member or friend. An adult fishing
rod should be about 6 feet long. A child's rod will be 4 to 5 feet long.
All About Fishing Line
Also called filament, fishing line comes in a wide
range of sizes or strengths, which are referred to as "pound-test." The
larger the pound-test, the stronger the fishing line. For instance, 8
pound-test is not as strong as 10 pound-test. The trick here is to
match your line's pound-test to your rod and reel, to the bait you plan
to use, and to the species of fish that you're hoping to catch. Small,
lightweight rods that use spin casting or spinning reels will use a
line that is up to 6 pound-test. If you have a large spinning reel, be
sure to use a stronger pound-test line. Bait casting reels use a
heavier line that can run anywhere from 6 to 30 pound-test. However, 8
to 16 pound-test is the most popular size of fishing line. Keep in mind
that if your line is too heavy, you won't get as many bites or strikes,
because the fish can see the line. If you're a beginner, or if you're
using line for kids' rods, 8 pound-test is recommended.
To Net Or Not To Net
It isn't an absolute necessity but a fishing net can
come in handy when you're landing a fish. Nets are also useful for
keeping kids busy when they tire of fishing. They can catch frogs,
minnows and tadpoles, and discover a whole new world.
Bait Basics
A number of different kinds of bait are available,
both live and artificial. Earthworms, also known as night crawlers, are
great for beginners. Instead of buying a dozen, take a flashlight out
into the yard after dark when there's dew on the grass, and pick your
own, or dig them out of your compost heap. Place them in a plastic
container with some soil and store them in the refrigerator over night.
Be sure to punch holes in the lid of the container and make sure the
top is secure. Other types of baits include mealworms, kernel corn,
grubs and bread balls.
Understanding Bobbers
Bobbers are floats that attach to your fishing line
to dangle the bait in front of the fish. They also provide extra weight
when casting. After you've cast your line, the bobber sits on the water
surface. When it dips into the water, you know you have a bite. With
bobbers, smaller is usually better. Use a bobber with just enough
weight to keep your bait from dragging it underwater. The more
sensitive the bobber, the easier it is for you to tell if you have a
bite. Pencil style bobbers are the most sensitive. However, round
bobbers are the easiest to cast. Slip bobbers can be adjusted quickly
and easily to allow you to fish at different depths, and they're easy
to cast. They come in both pencil and round styles, and are perfect for
beginners and children.
Hooked On Hooks
As you might have guessed, fishhooks come in a wide
variety of sizes and styles. If you are planning to use live bait, it's
best to buy a variety pack that includes hooks in sizes ranging from #6
to #10. Fishing for bullhead or catfish? You will need larger hooks.
Planning to catch and release? Fish hook barbs should be flattened.
This gives you more of a challenge, and inflicts less pain and injury
on the fish. Flattening barbs reduces the number of fish that die from
wounds or from swallowing the hook. A good rule of thumb to keep this
from happening is to use hooks that are compatible with the size of the
fish's mouth that you are hoping to catch. If the hook is too small, it
is easily swallowed, and if it's too large the fish won't take the bait.
The Lowdown On Sinkers
Sinkers, or weights as they're sometimes called, come
in a variety of sizes and are used to keep your line from floating on
the water surface where it will be highly visible to fish. Split shot
sinkers range in size from minuscule to about the size of the end of a
pencil, and are the smallest type of weights. Sinkers range from split
shot to weights of a pound or more. The most popular and frequently
used sinkers are split shot, and they are the best weights for
beginners and children. When you purchase sinkers, be sure they are
lead-free in order to protect the environment and wildlife species.
Qualities Of Leaders
Fishing leaders are fine pieces of metal with an eye
on one end and a small easy-to-use pin catch on the other. You open
this pin to slip a hook or lure onto it. The fishing line is threaded
through the eye and knotted. Leaders aren't necessary for beginners or
children, but are recommended for ease of changing hooks and lures.
Leaders are also used when fishing for game fish such as northern pike,
muskellunge and walleye. The metal leaders stop these toothy fish from
biting through your line.
How To Use Swivels
Instead of attaching leaders, hooks and lures to the
fishing line, many anglers use a small device called a snap swivel.
There is an eye on one end and a pin clip on the other. The fishing
line is threaded through the eye and fastened securely with a fishing
knot. The pin clip opens much the same as a safety pin and the hook,
lure or leader is slipped onto it and the clip pin is closed. Snap
swivels protect your line from tangling as your bait moves and spins
through the water. Snap swivels allow you to change bait or leaders
quickly without cutting and re-tying your fishing line.
Your Fishing Knife
A fishing knife comes in handy if you have to cut
snagged or tangled line. It is also used for scaling and cleaning fish.
If kids are fishing, give them nail clippers to cut their line.
Needle Nose Pliers
These are good for removing the hook when the fish swallows it.
First Aid Kit
You'll want to pack some bandages, peroxide and anti-bacterial ointment in your tackle box to treat cuts and scrapes.
The Tackle Box
A tackle box is used for organizing and storing
bobbers, hooks, line, lures, leaders and other small items you will
need for a successful fishing experience. Boxes that open from the top
and have two trays are great for beginners, children and casual
anglers. Tackle boxes often come equipped with a small amount of tackle
such as hooks, bobbers, sinkers and artificial worms.
Ready To Go Fishing
Now that you have your rod, reel and tackle, you are
ready to head out to the old fishing hole. Find a nice shady spot on
the bank of a creek, pond or stream, or on the side of a lake and relax
while you wait for that first nibble or strike.
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