| Generation of anglers began
fishing as kids by using simple cane pole rigs. Some
even used a long stick, a piece of string, a cork,
and a fish hook. Today, basic fishing equipment
is more sophisticated, but still is easy to use. Here
is what you will need as a beginner learning the fundamentals
of fishing.
Rods
and Reels- For most young anglers,
a 5 to 5 1/2 foot light action fishing rod
equipped with a spin casting reel. This
is great for young anglers catching Blue Gill
or Perch. Basic Rod and Reel combinations can
be purchased $15 to 45 dollars.
Line-
Use light line (4 to 8 lb test). Most new
spin cast reels come with line already attached.
Hooks-For
smaller fish like sunfish, crappies and perch you
need to use hooks sizes 10, 12 and 14. For larger
fish like walleye, bass and catfish sizes 6 or
8 work well.
Bait
and Hook size- Match your
hook and bait to the size of the fish you are
fishing for-match bobbers and weights, too. Minnows
and wax worms for crappies; wax worms, red
worms, or mealworms for blue gills and sunfish;
night crawlers, cut baits and chicken livers
for catfish, soft craws for small mouth bass;
and minnows or night crawlers for largemouth
bass. Artificial bait works well, too.
Keep your hooks sharp!! If
a hook scratches your fingernail while being lightly
dragged across it, the hook is sharp. If
not, replace the hook or sharpen it.
Bobbers
and Sinkers-Are used for floating
baits off the bottom for fish such as crappies
and sunfish. Bottom rigs, using sinkers
instead of bobbers, are effective for catching
catfish, and yellow perch. A small or
medium-sized plastic bobber, shaped like a
ball or pencil with highly visible colors,
attached 12 to 24 inches above the end of the
line, will signal when a fish takes the bait.
One or two pieces of
split shot placed 4 to 6 inches above the hook
will keep the bait suspended at the proper depth.
Common
Knots-There are two common knots
for beginners that are easy to learn. The
Palomar and Improved Clinch Knots (See tips
on tying Knots)
Fishing
Nets-It's important to have a net
to safely land a fish. Use a net with
soft or sponge like material. This is
safer for the fish.
Catch
or Release-If you choose not to
keep a fish once you've caught it, release
it by first wetting your hands, gently unhooking
the fish, and then immediately placing the
fish back into the water. If a fish
has swallowed the hook, cut the line close
to the mouth and return the fish to the water;
the hook will dissolve from the stomach acid. (for
more info about catch
and release).
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