how to start fishing

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Welcome aboard, future angler!** 🎣 Here’s a friendly, practical plan to start fishing today—no fluff, just actions you can take on your first trip. With *early fall* mornings cooling the water, this is a great time to learn and feel those first bites.

**1) Gear you need (start simple)**
- **Rod and reel:** a basic spinning setup, about 6’6” to 7’ is perfect for beginners. This is forgiving and easy to cast. 
- **Line:** 6–12 lb test mono or fluorocarbon. If you’re feeling fancy, a light braided line can help with casting distance.
- **Tackle box (starter kit):** a small selection of hooks in sizes #6–#10, a few split-shot weights, a bobber, and a small assortment of plastic live-baits or soft plastics.
- **Bait choice:** live worms are simple and effective; plastic worms or small jigs cover most beginner-friendly species.
- **PFD and sunscreen** for safety in casual areas near water.

If you want quick gear ideas, check out beginner guides like: [Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear](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).

**2) The simplest rig to start with**
- Try a classic **bobber rig**: tie a hook on the end, add a bobber a few feet up the line, and place a small sinker below the bobber. This makes it easy to see bites and learn casting.
- Use an *improved clinch knot* to attach the hook or lure: wet the knot, pass the line through the eye, wrap 5–7 times, thread the tag end back through the loop, and pull tight. Practice a few times until it’s smooth.

**3) How to fish: quick game plan**
- Find a spot with structure or shade—edges of weed lines, fallen logs, or a gentle drop-off. Fish love cover, especially early fall when temps shift.
- Cast toward structure, let the bobber settle, then start a gentle, steady retrieve or a slow lift-and-pause pattern. If you feel a tug or see the line suddenly move, that’s a bite—keep steady pressure and reel in.
- Watch the line closely; often, bites show as a twitch or line hesitation before a good pull.

**4) Where to start and what to expect**
- Local ponds or calm lakes are perfect for beginners. Fish like panfish (bluegill, crappie) or bass—these species respond well to basic baits and rigs.
- Early fall tip: mornings can be breezy and water is cooling. Fish may feed more after fronts or during low-light windows (dawn/dusk). A slower retrieve near weed edges or cover can pay off.

**5) Quick practice plan (30–60 minutes)**
- Set up, tie 1 knot, and practice casting 20–30 casts at different distances.
- Focus on a single spot to learn how your lure behaves in the water.
- End with 1–2 “practice” bites and note what worked (depth, lure, wind).

**6) Learn more and gear ideas**
- You’ll find guided ideas and tips in videos like: [How to Fish (with No Experience)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JZ5zCl1A0) and [Fishing 101: The Basics You Need to Start Fishing Today!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo1YRxxAx2g).
- For gear enhancement, consider a basic fish finder in the future: [Garmin Striker Cast](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) or [Deeper Start Fish Finder](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BR2FQZN?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).

**You’ve got this.** With a little practice, you’ll be anchoring into great days on the water. Keep it fun, stay curious, and celebrate every inch of progress. Tight lines! 💪🎣

Question is 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

GREATFISHING 200PCS High Strength Heavy Stainless Steel Split Ring Lure Tackle Connector with Fishing Pliers 30lb to 120lb Test

Community

General Questions

When the tide is more slack is it better to fish mangroves or deep artificial reef in 20-30 ft of water

Where on this map should I fish? Its just outside of eg simmons in tampa bay and the two red dots are known artificial reef spots.

Skygazer fish have in monkey hill dam

Best night fishing tuna lure

More Questions

john b fishing videos

What’s the best fishing spot in Sanremo, Italy?

how to fish cobia in victoria harbour

How to fly fish?

Best hook for 8lb grouper on fishing raft, close combat.

How do I choose the right fishing rod?

Where can i fish in Bahrain

What does the size of a spinning reel mean?