Fishing is a great hobby that suits both those looking for relaxation and fans of vivid emotions. As professional fishermen and owners of the Fishmak store, we have created a guide with essential tips for beginners who want to give this activity a try. Let’s consider everything: from choosing equipment to lifehacks for more productive fishing.
Equipment selection
The first stage is always the purchase of a basic fishing kit: rod, reel, line, lures, and so on. Let’s take a closer look at the main components and share some tips for beginners:
- A fishing rod. The most popular choice is the spinning model because it is the most versatile but also easy to master. Optimal characteristics that will suit different conditions: length – from 6.6 to 7 feet and medium or medium-fast action. It is better to choose a light and sensitive material to feel even a soft bite and not get tired during long fishing trips. Popular options are graphite or fiberglass. For beginners, the simplest type of rod, a spincast, is also a good recommendation. It will be easier to manage, but the sensitivity and accuracy of throws in such models are lower. Optimal characteristics of the model: 5.6 – 6.6 feet in length and medium action. Fiberglass can be used as the main material;
- Reel. Here you can also choose the simplest option – spincast or the more powerful and sensitive – spinner model. It is better to select small or medium-sized reels, for example, size 2,500-3,000. Universal gear ratio: 5.2:1-6.2:1 for spinning and 3.9:1-4:3.1 for spincast. If durability is important, it is better to choose a body made of aluminum, but the lighter material is graphite. You can find a large selection of various models in our Fishmak store – https://fishmak.com/;
- The fishing line. If you decide to buy the simplest set – Spincast Rod + Reel, the fishing line is already included. In the case of spinning, it is better to choose the universal option – monofilament line (8-12 Ib). But the optimal line parameters for you will largely depend on the fishing conditions and the desired casting range;
- Lures. Here you should choose based on the type of fish and angling technique. But you can buy universal variants: crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics.
Choice of fishing technique
The simplest techniques are best for beginners. For example, in the top:
- Jigging. A simple style in which the fisherman can effectively use different lures: for example, a variety of soft plastics. With this technique, you can catch various types of fish: bass, pikeperch, and so on;
- Bottom Fishing. An interesting technique if you fish in deep water, it is also suitable for night angling. On the plus side, a minimum of activity is required from the fisherman;
- Bobber Fishing. The easiest technique to master. So you can catch a variety of prey species: from trout to perch;
- Texas Rig. This technique will show excellent results if you fish in reservoirs with dense vegetation. The risk of snagging your gear on underwater obstacles will be minimized as much as possible.
General tips for beginners
As professional anglers, we can also make some general recommendations:
- It is difficult to assemble a complete and balanced set of equipment if you are a beginner. That’s why we recommend buying ready-made Rod + Reel kits that fit together perfectly;
- Research the body of water before fishing. Reading local forums + consulting with fishermen will help you choose the best lures and find the most comfortable angling locations;
- Among the additional accessories that make fishing easier, we recommend buying a tackle box. It can be a plastic container (it is more durable + maximally protected from water) or a bag with a special coating. This accessory will help organize your gear (baits, lines, hooks, and so on), as well as increase their service life. To increase the convenience of fishing, we also advise you to buy specialized line cutters and scissors;
- When choosing equipment and fishing techniques, take into account the characteristics of the water body (salt/fresh water, depth, relief, presence of currents, and so on), the type of prey, and the frequency of expected trips;
- If you want to improve your skills, it is better to choose more sophisticated models of equipment (for example, spinning), but if you just want to have fun with minimal skills, Spincast combos are better;
- Study the current regulations concerning fishing in a particular body of water (fish limits, current seasonal restrictions, and so on).
Source – https://fishmak.com/