There are plenty of hobbies for a person to choose from. Some people enjoy staying at home and occupy themselves with something like reading, gardening, or knitting. For others, spending time outside is the best thing they can imagine. They may like hiking, camping, or climbing.
One of the most popular outdoor activities is fishing: Over 40 million US citizens go fishing each year. Angling allows you to link with nature and release stress. Besides, it’s an amusing way to get yourself a meal for dinner.
If you are ready to go fishing for the first time, you have to follow some rules so your experience will be impressive. Here is the list of do’s and don’ts for it.
What you should do
The first part of the list consists of some positive actions to make your first fishing exciting.
Prepare everything beforehand
It may sound obvious, but it still needs a reminder. Every piece of gear you take to the fishing spot should be in a perfect state:
- Fishing Tackle
- Fishing rod
- Line
- Hooks
- Sinkers
- Bate
- Jigs
- Bobbers
Besides, don’t forget to get the license. Either it’s commercial or recreational, it should be with you in case needed.
Take every possible measure for your safety. Be aware of the wildlife and water hazards that can come your way. Use a life jacket and watch out for your hooks so you won’t get injured. And use sunscreen: It may not seem that clear, but the sun gets angry near water.
Opt for well-known sites
It will contribute a lot to your first fishing if you choose a spot that is known as efficient but not way too commonly used. The chances of your success will rise if you go to a place advised by experienced anglers.
Also, choose the right vehicle to get there. The best choice for this activity will be an SUV with enough load space, so you get all your gear at once. Sure, if the place has good infrastructure, you can go with some luxury cars and SUVs to impress your friends, but it will be an exception rather than a rule.
Go with someone who knows what to do
You may be 100% sure about your expected journey, but don’t rely on the beginner’s luck. For the first time near the water, it’s better to take a friend who is already familiar with rods and hooks. They will help you understand the process and fix possible mistakes.
What you should not do
Now, when we know the right actions, let’s take a look at what you can do wrong.
Don’t buy expensive gear right away
Just like sword fighters start their training with wooden or plastic swords, aspiring fishermen should start with simpler fishing gear and tackle. A deluxe rod may have a lot of features that you won’t need for the first time. Besides, for now, you don’t know if fishing will become your long-time hobby.
Don’t leave trash
We all live around nature, so we should be respectful of it. When you come to a fishing site, get a separate bag for trash and throw everything there. If you plan to build a fire, organize a proper spot for it so it will be secure. Nature will be thankful for it together with fishermen that will come after you.
Don’t expect a lot
Don’t be sure that you will get as much fish as mature anglers. Thinking that your catch will be fruitful will only bring more stress and confusion. Be moderate about your skills and possible outcomes of your first fishing experience.
Summing it all up
The rules for first-time fishermen are simple: Be safe, be prepared, be respectful of nature, and enjoy your time. If you pay attention to what we advise, your introductory encounter with fishing will pass smoothly and successfully. Now, you are ready to test your luck in this activity.
