Have you ever wondered about the phrase “hook, line, and sinker”? You know it’s related to fishing, but what does it really mean anyway?

If you’re looking to become an expert angler but don’t know where to start, keep reading. This guide to fishing 101 will tell you all you need to know.

What You’ll Need

First, you’ll need a fishing license, especially if you plan on keeping what you catch. Unless your property is on a private lake, you’ll need to look into a fishing license. These are inexpensive and last a year in most states.

Next, you’ll need the right gear. Don’t worry about having waders, bucket hats, and a full tackle box for your first time out. All you really need is a rod and spinning reel.

Try to get a combination rod that has the spinning reel already attached. You’ll want to inquire about the best lures, hooks, and bait for the fish you’d like to catch. Then, a small tackle box can help you keep everything organized.

If you’re planning on coarse fishing, without the intention of keeping the fish, grab a net and a pair of pliers, too. This will help you remove lures and hooks from your fish without causing too much extra harm.

Where to Go

Where to go depends a lot on what you want to catch! If you only want to practice, any lake, pond, or beach will do. Just make sure to stay in the areas designated for fishing vs. swimming.

Large lakes are great for bass fishing or trout fishing. For salmon fishing, scope out cooler rivers in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

How to Cast

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff now. How do you cast? We’ll save fly fishing for another day; let’s start instead with basic spin-casting.

First, face the water in the direction you want to cast. Make sure nobody is standing behind or in front of you. You can bend your knees or stagger your feet if it’s more comfortable.

Then, reel in your line so that you have at least a foot between your bait or bobber and the tip of your rod. This will help your line gain momentum and soar further when you cast.

Put your rod in your dominant hand with your thumb beneath the release button. Press the button down and lift your rod until your hands are level with your face. Your rod should be angled backward with your line behind you.

Whip the rod forward again, stopping when it’s at around a 30-degree angle. At that moment, release the button! Your line should sail out in front of you and land a distance away in the water.

Congratulations. You’ve cast your first line!

Reeling ‘Em In

Once you cast, you want to gently reel in the line to make the bait wiggle underwater. Sometimes, as you do this, your line will catch onto foliage. You may reel it in thinking it’s a fish only to find your hook full of weeds.

You’ll know the difference because the fish may start pulling the line further away from you. You’ll feel several tugs as you start to reel it in.

When you get that first tug, pull back sharply on your rod. If the fish has bitten down on your bait, this pull will secure the hook in its mouth. Then you can start to reel.

You may be surprised by how strong fish can be! If you’re fishing in the ocean, you may need help reeling in the larger fish. Make sure you have a sturdy line that’s made for bigger fish.

Take turns between reeling with your spinner and pulling back on your rod. Eventually, your line will pop out of the water with your fish in tow!

Fishing 101

That’s everything you need to know about fishing 101. Make sure you get set up with the right gear to catch the right fish. Employees at your bait and tackle shop will be able to answer any questions you have.

Practice casting a few times in your backyard if you want to build your confidence. Then get out there and give it a try!

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