How to start fishing?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Welcome aboard, future angler! Here’s a friendly, no-fluff route to get you started this season.

**Gear basics**
- Get a beginner spinning rod-and-reel combo in the 6–8 ft range with a light to medium action. Use a simple line in the 6–8 lb test range. Start with monofilament or fluorocarbon for easy knots and good knot strength. *Tip:* a smooth drag matters more than a fancy reel at first. 🔧
- Basic tackle: a small selection of hooks, a bobber, split shot, and a few soft plastics or a live-bait option like worms.
- Learn two knots: the **Palomar knot** and the **Improved Clinch knot**. Practice them with scrap line until tying feels automatic. For beginners, video guides are gold: [Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear - How to Start Fishing With a Rod and Reel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhBPNUXYis) and [How To Start Fishing - A guide to your first days fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atd28n7CB-c).

**Bait vs. lures**
- *Live bait* (earthworms, nightcrawlers) is wonderfully forgiving for first-timers. If you prefer lures, start with a small inline spinner or a curly-tail grub on a lightweight jig. Switches between live bait and soft plastics until you find what the water here seems to want.

**Casting & fishing technique**
- Practice a smooth overhead cast in your yard or a park until you’re comfortable. Focus on a controlled, gentle stop at the end of the cast to keep the line from tangling. When you feel a light tug or see the line tighten, don’t yank—raise the rod tip and then gently set the hook.
- Start with simple targets: shade edges, weed lines, drop-offs, and likely structure like fallen logs or rocks where fish like to hang.

**Where and when to fish (early fall tip)**
- Early fall is a sweet time to learn. Water cools, fish become more active in the mornings, and light breezes can carry your lure toward feeding zones. Plan for dawn-to-dusk sessions, with a preference for early morning or late afternoon. Dress in layers; mornings can be crisp and the wind can pick up on fall days.

**Quick starter plan (first day workout)**
1) Assemble gear, tie a Palomar knot, and bait your hook. 
2) Cast toward probable structure and watch the line for subtle bites. 
3) When you see a bite, lift the rod and gently reel in as you hover the lure in the strike zone.

**Learning resources & gear picks**
- YouTube for fundamentals: [Fishing 101: The Basics You Need to Start Fishing Today!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo1YRxxAx2g) and [How to Fish (with No Experience)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JZ5zCl1A0).
- Starter gear options (hands-on aids and value):
  - [Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Bobber, 3-Pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQ5FUBO?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – great for beginners learning to cast and manage the bite indicator.
  - [Perfect Hatch Welcome to Fly Fishing Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2TBHGSR?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – a gentle intro to gear organization and technique (even if you don’t fly-fish yet).
  - [Deeper Start Fish Finder](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BR2FQZN?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – handy for learning water depth and structure from shore or bank.
  - [Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – a cool optional tech gadget for seeing fish-friendly spots on your phone.

**Weather note (early fall)**: mornings are cooler, days can vary, and wind patterns shift. Expect bite windows around dawn and post-front days → adapt by targeting shallow edges after sunrise and moving to deeper cover when it gets hot or windy.

Bottom line: start simple, practice your knots, learn a couple of tactics, and enjoy being on the water. With a little patience, you’ll be catching your first fish in no time. Tight lines and happy learning! 🎣

General Questions

More Questions

How can I catch a bass?

What are the best spots to fish trout in Alpes Maritimes?

Question is I'm doing sea fishing

What is the best zebra midge nymph for rainbow trout on the Kenai River in August, including size and color?

Do you know carp?

Where can I fish in Hong Kong?

What is the best ultra light casting rod that I could pair with the 22 ALDEBARAN BFS and under $250?

What are the top 10 flies with specific sweetspot size and color for Kenai Dolly Varden in August?