Get Started With Fresh Water Fishing
Freshwater fishing is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Freshwater is generally defined as water that has a salinity level of less than 0.05%. The most common freshwater areas for fishing are rivers and lakes. Over 40% of all known fish species are found in fresh water – opening up a huge range of fish to catch.
If you are just getting started with fresh water fishing it is worth considering:
- Dressing appropriately. Although you won’t have the same exposure to the elements as you could when on the open sea, it is still important to dress well. This should include warm under layers as well as a waterproof option, particularly if you will be boating or kayak fishing on a lake. Waders are a must if you are going to be walking into rivers to fish.
- During the winter it is advisable to use sinkers when fishing. They make the line heavy, causing the bait to sink down further in the warm water where the fish like to hang out when it is cold. Depth of the water will determine the amount and size of the sinkers that should be placed on the line.
- Beware the weather. Familiarize yourself with the day’s weather forecast and keep a “weather-eye” out for any unexpected changes. Nothing puts a damper on a day like venturing out on the water as a thunderstorm rolls in. Always check the weather forecast before heading out to make sure there is no risk of severe weather.
- Familiarize yourself with any fishing laws that are in effect where you want to fish. There are many different types of fishing regulations such as the type of bait, the number of fish that may be kept or the number of poles that can be used. If you’re unaware, talk to a local governmental office.
- It is good form to release any fish you’ve caught that aren’t worth keeping. It is a common practice to release small fish, as well as more fish than you need. By controlling the number of fish that is removed, fishermen are ensuring an abundance of fish will be available for future generations.
- Use a good quality fishing rod – even if you need to borrow or rent one for your first fishing trips. Poor quality rods tend to snap when stressed and have not been subjected to the type of testing that more expensive ones have. A quality rod might seem like a bigger investment now, but it’s actually a lot cheaper than continuously buying bottom-rung rods that need to be replaced every month.
- Go fishing with a more experienced fisherman (or woman). Not only will they be able to keep you company, but the knowledge acquired from them in the early days of your fishing will help your fishing skills improve significantly.
Regardless of where you fish, and how successful you are, the most important things are to be safe and to enjoy yourself. Once you have these two things mastered any fish that you are able to bring home for supper is a bonus!
Alternatively check out how to get started with saltwater fishing.
Good luck…
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