Fishing may seem intimidating for first-time angers, but it doesn’t have to be. With some gear, a fishing license, and some helpful information, you can get on the waters and start sharing your fishing stories!
This guide will help you learn about the basics of sport fishing to try it on your own.
What is Sport Fishing?
Sport fishing, also known as recreational fishing or angling, is a leisure activity and competitive sport in which individuals or teams engage in fishing for pleasure, relaxation, and the thrill of the catch. Unlike commercial fishing (where the primary goal is to harvest fish for profit) and subsistence fishing (catching fish for personal consumption and livelihood), sport fishing focuses on enjoying the angling experience rather than the quantity of fish caught.
In sport fishing, the emphasis is often placed on catch-and-release practices, where fish are returned to the water after being caught, promoting conservation and sustainable fishing practices. While some anglers may keep a limited number of fish for personal consumption, the overall goal is to preserve fish populations and their habitats for future generations.
Sport fishing occurs in various environments, including freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, saltwater oceans, bays, and estuaries. It involves using different techniques, such as casting, trolling, fly fishing, or bottom fishing, and a wide range of fishing equipment, such as rods, reels, lines, lures, and baits.
The sport fishing experience goes beyond just catching fish. It also allows you to appreciate nature and spend time outdoors. Anglers often sincerely appreciate conservation efforts as they witness firsthand the importance of protecting fish stocks and habitats.
Sport fishing can be enjoyed individually or as a social activity, with fishing clubs, tournaments, and competitions organized worldwide. Fishing tournaments allow anglers to test their skills, compete for prizes, and showcase their prowess in catching specific species or achieving certain fishing goals.
What are the Types of Sport Fishing?
Sport fishing encompasses a variety of types and styles, each offering unique challenges and targeting different fish species. Here are some of the most popular types of sport fishing:
Bass Fishing
Bass fishing is a widely practiced sport that focuses on catching species of bass, such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. Anglers use various techniques like casting, flipping, and pitching, often using artificial lures like crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics. Bass fishing tournaments are popular and may involve catch-and-release practices.
Saltwater Game Fishing
Saltwater game fishing encompasses various forms of angling in saltwater environments, including inshore and nearshore fishing. Anglers target a wide range of species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, bonefish, permit, striped bass, and many others. It often involves casting from the shore or a boat, sight fishing, or using specific techniques like surfing or jogging.
Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is a popular sport practiced in freshwater rivers and streams, with anglers targeting different species of trout, such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Techniques like fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing are commonly used to catch trout in various environments, from small creeks to large rivers.
Fly Fishing
It’s not fishing for flies but using “flies” as bait. It’s a specialized form of angling that uses artificial flies made of feathers, fur, and other materials to imitate insects, baitfish, or other prey species. It requires skillful casting techniques to present the fly delicately on the water. Fly fishing can be practiced in freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and saltwater environments. It requires great skill to cast the fly correctly and fool the fish into thinking it’s real food.
Lake Fishing
Lake fishing is done in freshwater lakes. It’s a popular type of fishing that can be done from the boat, shore, or dock to target different freshwater fishes like bass, trout, panfish, rainbow trout, and walleye.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing, also known as offshore fishing, involves venturing into the open ocean in pursuit of large and powerful fish species. Anglers target species such as marlin, tuna, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Deep-sea fishing often requires specialized boats, heavy-duty tackle, and techniques like trolling, live baiting, or bottom fishing.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a winter sport that involves fishing through holes drilled into frozen bodies of water, such as lakes or ponds. Anglers set up shelters or portable huts on the ice and drop lines with baited hooks into the water. Ice fishing targets species like perch, walleye, northern pike, trout, and others that are active during the colder months.
Canal Fishing
Canal fishing is held on any canal, including river, freshwater, and saltwater channels. Often done in competitive settings, canal fishing competitions involve anglers competing to catch the biggest fish from a canal. Local fishing clubs and associations often organize these, and they often have divisions for different types of fish. Categories are usually weight-based and length-based.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing combines fishing with kayaking, offering anglers the ability to access remote fishing spots or navigate shallow waters. Anglers use specially designed fishing kayaks equipped with rod holders, storage compartments, and other fishing accessories. It can be practiced in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
These are just a few examples of the types of sport fishing available. Each type offers its own set of challenges, techniques, and target species, providing anglers with a diverse range of opportunities to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of the chase.
Basic Fishing Essentials
Before you go fishing, these are the few essential items you must have:
1. Fishing License
A fishing license is required in most states, but regulations vary per state. You can choose from different types of licenses, such as one-day or annual licenses. An annual license is a better option if you plan on fishing regularly. Some licenses are specific to certain bodies of water, while others cover various locations. Make sure to ask about any catch limits, especially for protected species. Getting a fishing license is easy, as you can obtain one online or from a fishing equipment shop.
To ensure you’re prepared, make sure you have a current fishing license for the state where you’ll be fishing. Licenses can be purchased online, at fishing shops, or even at convenience stores. One-day licenses are usually affordable, costing less than $20, but prices may vary based on your residency. Annual licenses provide better value, typically ranging from $30 to $150. Once you’ve had a positive fishing experience (which is highly likely), you’ll probably be excited to go fishing again!
2. Fishing Skills
There are a handful of skills used by anglers so they can catch fish successfully. Some of these include:
A. Knotting
Knowing how to tie a few basic knots is essential when it comes to fishing. It’s a basic skill you need to acquire so you can attach your hook to your line. Here are three commonly used fishing knots:
Cinch knot – This knot is widely used for attaching the fishing line to the hook or lure. Here’s how to do it:
- Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook or lure.
- Wrap the tag end of the line around the standing line 5-7 times.
- Take the tag end and pass it through the loop created just above the eye of the hook.
- Thread the tag end through the large loop formed and pull it tight.
- Trim any excess line.
Palomar knot – This knot is known for its strength and is often used to tie the line to a swivel or lure.
- Double about 6 inches of the line and pass it through the eye of the hook or swivel.
- Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line, but don’t tighten it completely.
- Pass the hook or swivel through the loop created by the overhand knot.
- Moisten the knot and pull both ends of the line to tighten it.
- Trim any excess line.
Uni knot (or Duncan loop) – This knot is versatile and can be used for tying the line to the hook, lure, or attaching a leader to the mainline.
- Pass the line through the eye of the hook or lure and double back, creating a loop.
- Hold the doubled line and make a simple overhand knot, but don’t tighten it completely.
- Pass the tag end of the line through the loop created by the overhand knot.
- Wrap the tag end around the doubled line and through the loop 4-6 times.
- Moisten the knot and pull both ends of the line to tighten it.
- Trim any excess line.
Double surgeon’s knot – This is a useful knot for connecting two lines together, such as when joining a leader to the mainline. Here’s how to tie it:
- Overlap the ends of the two lines you want to join, ensuring there’s sufficient overlap to work with (usually around 6 inches).
- Take the end of the first line and pass it over and around the second line, forming a simple loop.
- Take the same end of the first line and pass it through the loop you created in the previous step.
- Repeat the process with the second line. Take its end and pass it over and around the first line, creating a similar loop.
- Pass the end of the second line through the loop you formed in the previous step.
- Moisten the knot and gently pull both standing lines away from each other to tighten the knot.
- Trim any excess line close to the knot.
B. Casting
Casting with a spinning reel is as easy as winding up and throwing your lure as far as possible, similar to throwing a baseball. Start with about six inches of line outside the rod, with the reel below your dominant hand. A spinning reel has a thin wire arm called a bail that keeps the line in place. To cast, flip the bail, hold the line with your finger, bring the rod tip slightly behind you (like picking up a phone), and cast forward using your wrist and elbow. When the rod is vertical or slightly forward, release the line to send your lure flying. Once the lure is in the water, flip the bail back and start reeling.
C. Hooking
When hooking a fish, you want to prevent it from spitting out the lure or breaking your line. To achieve this, you need to “set” the hook properly once the fish bites. When you see your bobber sink or jerk, point your rod tip up and pull back with moderate pressure. This keeps the lure in the fish’s mouth without causing any damage. Timing is crucial, so setting the hook at the right moment ensures it’s firmly in the lip. After a good hookset, focus on keeping your rod tip up while “playing” the fish. Allow the fish to tire itself out while you maintain tension on the line. Cranking the fish in immediately may cause it to break off due to its strength. By tiring it out, you gain control and can reel it in successfully. Remember to keep your line taut and familiarize yourself with your reel’s drag system, adjusting it according to the size and strength of the fish you’re targeting.
D. Landing
You’ve hooked, played, and reeled in the fish, and now it’s close to shore. Using a net will greatly help. Once the fish is within arm’s length, use the net to scoop it up carefully, avoiding any impact on the bank or rocks. To minimize harm after landing, avoid squeezing the fish’s stomach or touching its gills. Also, try to release it back into the water as soon as possible, keeping it out of the water for no longer than you can hold your breath.
3. Fishing Gear
Fishing equipment varies depending on the type of fishing, target species, and personal preferences. Here are some essential fishing equipment items commonly used in the recreational fishery:
Rod and reel
This is basically what you need for fishing – a spinning reel and rod. The rod is the pole used to cast the fishing line and control the fish during the fight, while the reel is mounted on the rod to enable line retrieval and drag to control the fish. The rod and reel are sold together, making them easy to set up.
Fishing Line
A fishing line is a string-like material that connects the fishing reel to the hook or lure. It comes in various materials, such as monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided lines. The choice of fishing line depends on factors like fishing technique, target species, and water conditions.
Hooks
Hooks are essential for catching fish. They come in different sizes and designs to accommodate various fish species and bait types. Hooks can be single, double, or treble hooks, and they are available in different strengths and shapes.
Baits and Lures
Baits and lures are used to attract fish. Live bait is commonly used to target bottom-dwelling fish like catfish. You can easily find live bait at bait shops or purchase it online. There are various ways to use live bait, such as putting it on a hook, placing it in a trap, or using it in a net.
On the other hand, artificial lures are often utilized to attract larger fish, such as bass and trout. You can find many artificial lures at tackle shops or online. Artificial lures mimic the appearance and movement of prey and are available in numerous designs, including crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, spoons, and flies.
Fishing Tackle
Tackle refers to various accessories and tools used in fishing. It includes items like fishing weights or sinkers (to help the bait sink to the desired depth), bobbers or floats (to suspend the bait at a specific depth), swivels (to prevent line twisting), and snaps or clips (to quickly change lures or baits).
Fishing Net
Nets are used to land and secure fish once they are close to the angler. They come in various sizes and materials, such as nylon or rubber, and are particularly useful when targeting larger fish or a larger number of fishes.
Fishing Techniques
Fishing techniques and strategies refer to the specific methods and approaches used by anglers to catch fish. Besides the common catching-hooking-landing technique, there are other strategies used in fishing to target specific kinds of fish species, to adapt to a particular fishing environment, or to satisfy the angler’s preferences simply. Here are some common fishing techniques and strategies:
- Trolling – Trolling is a technique where anglers cast the line out and slowly retrieve it while the boat is moving. This method allows anglers to cover a larger area of water and target species that swim at different depths. Depending on the target species and conditions, trolling can be done at various speeds and depths.
- Jigging – Jigging involves casting the line out and jigging it up and down in the water to attract fish. This technique is commonly used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing and can be effective for species like walleye, bass, or cod. Jigging can mimic the movement of injured prey, enticing fish to strike.
- Chumming – Chumming is when anglers release small pieces of bait or fish into the water to attract fish to the fishing area. It can be done by dispersing bait chunks, fish parts, or fish oil to create a scent trail that lures fish closer to the angler’s location.
Other Essential Things to Know for Successful Fishing
Besides having a fishing license and gear, and knowing the right fishing techniques, here are some things you also need to be aware of to enjoy fishing:
1. Know how to find the best fishing spots
Discovering the ideal fishing spot can make all the difference. Each fish has its preferences regarding water, so it’s crucial to do some research beforehand. Keep an eye out for areas with exciting features like points, banks, rocks, vegetation, and drop-offs. These spots offer fish both shelter and a source of food, making them excellent places to find them. Additionally, prioritize areas with clear water, as it allows for better visibility of the fish.
In lakes or ponds, focus on deeper water as fish gather there for sustenance. The deeper sections provide an abundance of food sources for them. They may also gather near drop-offs, where the water depth changes abruptly. If possible, using a canoe or kayak can give you access to these product areas.
In rivers or streams, target areas with fast-moving water. Fish utilize the current to navigate and locate food, so these locations are prime spots to find them. Also, look for spots that provide good cover for fish. This can include logjams or overhanging banks where fish can hide from predators. Finding places where fish feel secure is crucial because, besides searching for food, their primary objective is to stay protected.
2. Understand the habitat and weather conditions
Different fish species have distinct habitat preferences and react differently to weather conditions, so pay attention to these factors when selecting your fishing spot.
The habitat of the water body you’re fishing in plays a significant role in determining the types of fish you’ll encounter. Some fish thrive in shallow water, while others prefer deeper areas, vegetation, or rocky structures. Understanding their habitat preferences helps you narrow down your search.
Weather conditions also impact fish behavior. Warmer water tends to make fish more active, while colder months might lead them to seek deeper waters. Stay mindful of the weather and water temperature as you select your fishing spot.
3. Know the fishing etiquette
When you’re out fishing, it’s crucial to follow proper etiquette and practice responsible behavior. This includes respecting the environment, fellow anglers, and the wildlife around you.
If you’re fishing from the shore, maintain a respectful distance from other anglers. Avoid casting your line too close to theirs, and be mindful of the space around you.
When fishing from a boat, steer clear of shallow areas and other boats. Anchor your boat at a reasonable distance from others and stay aware of your surroundings.
On lakes or ponds, be considerate and avoid casting your line too close to the shoreline. Stay aware of your surroundings and give ample space to other anglers.
It’s important to practice catch and release in areas with limited fishing pressure. This helps preserve the fish population and ensures the sustainability of the fishery.
Safety Tips for Fishing
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while fishing:
- Learn to swim – If you’re planning to fish near or in bodies of water, knowing how to swim is crucial. Accidents can happen, and you can fall off the boat or dock, so it pays to be confident in the water for your safety.
- Wear a life jacket – When fishing from a boat, kayak, or other watercraft, always wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. It can save your life in case of an accident or if you unexpectedly fall into the water.
- Check weather conditions – Before heading out, check the weather forecast. Avoid fishing during severe weather conditions such as storms, high winds, or lightning. Be prepared for changes in weather and bring appropriate gear like rain jackets or sun hats.
- Inform someone – Tell a family member or friend about your fishing plans, including the location and expected return time. This way, someone will be aware of your whereabouts and can alert authorities if needed.
- Be cautious on slippery surfaces – Be mindful of your footing, especially when fishing from rocks, riverbanks, piers, or docks. Wet surfaces can be slippery, so take your time and wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
- Handle fishing equipment safely – Fishing hooks can be sharp and cause injuries. Exercise caution when handling hooks, lures, and other tackle. Use tools like pliers or forceps to handle hooks and practice proper hook removal techniques.
- Be sun smart – Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, even on cloudy days. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use insect repellent – Depending on the location and time of year, biting insects can be bothersome. Apply insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and potential diseases carried by mosquitoes, ticks, or other pests.
- Watch for wildlife – Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife such as snakes, bears, or other potentially dangerous animals, depending on your fishing location. Give them space and avoid any confrontations.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks – Fishing can be physically demanding, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pack nutritious snacks to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
- Follow fishing regulations – Familiarize yourself with fishing regulations and abide by them. Know the fishing seasons, size and bag limits, and any special rules or restrictions in the area you’re fishing. Practice catch-and-release whenever possible to preserve fish populations.
Conclusion
Sport fishing provides a fulfilling and immersive experience that combines skill, strategy, patience, and a love for the outdoors. It offers individuals an opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and create lasting memories while pursuing their passion for fishing.
There are helpful skills you can learn that can enhance your fishing abilities and, of course, increase your chances of angling a great catch. On your next day off, why not spend the day on a lake or river to dip your toes in the world of fishing? Who knows, you might get hooked!