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! 🎣

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Community

General Questions

heavy weight fishing

where would be the best place to cast here

fish type in HK

What is Aggressively Average Anglers' latest video on creek fishing?

Where to fish for smallmouth on Lake Ontario in 69 degree water?

What are the best lures for spawning walleye?

How do I catch more catfish during summer in Texas?

What is the best lure when it’s raining?

What are some effective jig fishing techniques for muskies?

What can I use to catch fish in Chapin Pond in SC?

How to start fishing?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

YDFunHowie Electric Reel Battery. 14.8V 20Ah Large Capacity. Built-in chip. High Safety Performance. It is Your Best Companion to Start Fishing. Compatible with Daiwa&Shimano Electric reels. (Gold)

ReferenceReady Saltwater Fishing Knot Cards - Waterproof Pocket Guide to 15 Big Game Fishing Knots | Includes Portable Book of Inshore and Deep Sea Fishing Knots and a Mini Carabiner

Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in to Locate and Display Fish on Smartphone or Tablet (010-02246-00)

Deeper Start Fish Finder - Portable and Depth Finder for Recreational Fishing from Dock, Shore, Bank or Kayak | Castable Deeper Smart Sonar with Free User Friendly App

RoxStar Fly Strikers Blue Series | Proven Nationwide to Out-Fish Any Trout Spinner | Hand-Crafted in The USA | Stop Fishing - Start Catching!

Perfect Hatch Welcome to Fly Fishing Kit

Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Bobber, 3-Pack, Weighted Fishing Bobbers for Kids, Easy Long-Distance Casting, Weedless Design Prevents Snags, Pre-Rigged for Easy Fishing

Fat Fish Plastisol Injector Soft Plastic Fishing Lure Molds Injector DIY Soft Lure Making Tool (120ml/4oz Locking Nozzle)

Community

heavy weight fishing

where would be the best place to cast here

fish type in HK