how to start fishing in 2025

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Welcome, future angler!** 🎣 Here’s a practical, no-fluff playbook to get you from zero to hooked in 2025. With mid-fall weather, shorter days, and cooler water, here’s how to start strong.

- **Nail down the basics first**: research local regs, get a fishing license if required, and learn the daily limits. A quick check with your state fish & wildlife department will save you headaches this season. 
- **Gear to start with** (no mega investments needed): a simple spinning setup is the easiest entry. Look for a rod around **6’6” to 7’ medium** with a 4,000–2,500 size reel, and line in the **6–12 lb test** range. If you want a ready-made starter kit, check options like the beginner lure sets below.
- **Tackle you’ll actually use**: a basic bobber rig with live bait (worms) is great for panfish and bass beginners, plus a few soft plastics on a light-jig head for versatility. Keep a small tackle box, a couple of extra hooks, and a tiny pair of pliers on hand.
- **Learn a couple of knots**: the *Improved Clinch Knot* and the *Uni Knot* are your friend for tying leaders and hooks. Plenty of quick videos show the steps.
- **Two easy rigs to start with**:
  - *Bobber rig* for beginners with live bait—cast near shore, watch the float, and reel in when it dips.
  - *Jig-and-pyllon* style for plastics—cast, let it sink, then a steady retrieve with occasional pulls to imitate a crawfish.
- **Practice retrievals and casting**: start with short casts to target edges, weed lines, and shade lines along the shore. Aim for smooth, controlled casts and keep line tight.
- **Weather and mid-fall tips**: mornings are often the best bite windows as days cool down and fish feed before the cold fronts. Water temps drop; fish hug edges and structure (weed edges, rocks, drop-offs). Dress in layers and stay dry; wind shifts can change where the fish hold.
- **A 3-day beginner plan**:
  - Day 1: set up gear, practice casting, tie a few knots, and try a bobber rig with live bait.
  - Day 2: add a basic plastic jig and try a slow, steady retrieve; focus on shallow edges near cover.
  - Day 3: mix it up with one lure you like and attempt different depths; keep a small log of what works and when.
- **Pro tips you can use today**: cast to likely fish-holding spots (shallow edges, weed lines, rocks), be patient, and don’t overcast. Shorter, clean casts with steady retrieves yield more bites in fall than long random drifts.
- **Learn from proven beginner resources**:
  - How to Fish (with No Experience) — [How to Fish (with No Experience)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JZ5zCl1A0)
  - How To Start Fishing - A guide to your first days fishing — [How To Start Fishing - A guide to your first days fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atd28n7CB-c)
  - Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear - How to Start Fishing With a Rod and Reel — [Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear - How to Start Fishing With a Rod and Reel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhBPNUXYis)
  - Learn To Fish – A Beginners Guide To Start Fishing — [Learn To Fish – A Beginners Guide To Start Fishing – Coarse Fishing Quickbite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7yPWdJQAmw)
  - How To Start Fishing Any Lake for Beginners- Tips and Techniques — [How To Start Fishing Any Lake for Beginners- Tips and Techniques](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFTI8TdrNtY)
- **Starter gear ideas to consider if you’re buying online today**:
  - FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures Kit — [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - Fishing Lures Set 104PCS Gift Kit — [104PCS Fishing Lures Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHH5XQ46?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - Pekven Fishing Rod, Collapsible Folding Pole — [Pekven Fishing Rod](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F93PKDK7?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - hoehew 3D Swimming Baits — [hoehew 3D Swimming Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6XJ62T3?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- **Need quick measurement on your future catches?** Check out the YB Fisherman’s Ruler to snap a quick picture-ready measurement: [YB Fisherman’s Ruler](https://tackle.net/item/yb-fishermans-ruler)
- Stay stoked and patient—every serious angler started with a few minutes of learning and plenty of practice. You’ve got this! Tight lines and good luck this season. 🎣

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