Beginner’s Guide to Fishing: Get Hooked on Your First Catch

Fishing is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that gets you outdoors enjoying nature. However, getting started with fishing can seem intimidating with all the gear, techniques, and regulations involved. This guide will cover the basics to help new anglers get hooked on fishing.

What Gear Do You Need?

At the most basic level, you will need a fishing rod and reel, line, hooks, bait or lures, and a tackle box to store everything. As a beginner, it is best to start with an inexpensive rod and reel combo designed for the type of fishing you want to do – freshwater, inshore saltwater, offshore, etc.

For freshwater fishing, a 5-6 foot medium power rod paired with an open face spinning reel loaded with 6-8 lb monofilament line is a great starter setup. Saltwater anglers may want to start with a 7 foot medium-heavy rod and spinning reel filled with 10-15 lb braided line.

Get a basic tackle box or bag to hold weights, bobbers, hooks in various sizes, line clippers, pliers, and whatever bait or lures you’ll be using. For bait, live options like worms, minnows, shrimp, or cut bait fish are good for beginners. Stick with a few basic artificial lures like spinners, spoons, jigs, or soft plastic baits to start.  Many local bait stores have a selection of fishing gear and can help you with aligning the gear to the fishing in your specific area.

Bait and Tackle Shops

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Google Maps – Shops Near You
• Search eRegulations for other States

Where to Fish

Lakes, ponds, rivers, beaches, piers, jetties and other shoreline areas are all great places for beginners to wet a line. Research the regulations for your area ahead of time regarding fishing licenses, size/bag limits, and any seasonal closures. Many municipal reservoirs, state parks, national forests and wildlife refuges have spots designated just for kids, seniors, or those with disabilities that can be great places to start fishing with less pressure.

For more information see our other article – Finding a Good Fishing Spot

Knot Tying

Knowing how to tie fishing knots properly will allow you to rig your line securely and avoid losing expensive lures. The improved clinch knot is an excellent one for attaching your line to a lure, hook, swivel or snap. The Palomar knot is another great knot for tying hooks. Watch video tutorials to learn how to tie these reliably. 

Practicing with a piece of cord before using your actual fishing line can help ingrain muscle memory. Making your knots tight and trimming closely is key.

For more information see our other articles – How to Select the Best Fishing Line and Choosing the Best Braid Fishing Line.

Casting

Start by learning to open-face spin cast using a spinning reel and rod. This style has an easier learning curve for beginners compared to bait casting gear. Face your target at roughly a 45-degree angle, bring the rod straight back over your shoulder in one smooth motion, pause, and cast forward with an easy, steady acceleration. Avoid the tendency to jerk or flail the rod.

Remove any potential obstacles and practice your casting stroke often, even in the backyard or park. Mastering a smooth, accurate cast will help you present your bait naturally and avoid spooking fish.

For more information see our articles – Ultimate Surf Casting Distance and Maximize Casting Distance and Accuracy.

Handling Fish

When you catch a fish, handling it properly is important both for its safety if you plan to release it and for your personal safety in avoiding injuries from fins, teeth or spines. Invest in a rubberized or coated landing net to avoid removing the fish’s protective slime coating.

Use pliers or a de-hooking tool to carefully remove the hook, keeping your hands away from the fish’s mouth. If you plan to release the fish, avoid removing it fully from the water. Wet your hands before briefly lifting it just for a quick photo, then promptly release it headfirst in a gentle manner back into the water.

For further information see our article – Ethical Fish Handling

SUMMARY

There are many articles on Thrillfishing.com that can be very helpful for the beginning angler to learn and become more productive on the water. 

The most important things when starting to fish are to have patience, spend time on the water practicing your skills, and most importantly, have fun! Fishing can quickly become a lifelong passion to share with family and friends while connecting with nature. Start slowly and focus on learning proper techniques, then you will be hooked before you know it!

Please send pictures of your fishing success.  You can contact me by email at [email protected]..

Tight lines …  Captain P.