Fishing Guide 101: Basic Fishing Equipment for Beginners

Are you ready to start a new relaxing activity like fishing? Then you should learn the primary fishing guide, skills, and equipment so that you won't feel overwhelmed as a first-time angler. Fishing is one of the most exciting and relaxing activities to spend time outdoors that you should never miss in your life. This activity is a great way to improve your mental and physical well-being. It can keep you fit, increase your vitamin D intake, and improves your concentration.

There are many things to know about fishing like:

• What fishing rod to use?
• How to tackle?
• How to follow the fishing regulations, and so much more.

But before anything else, read this basic primer before you go out on the water.

Fishing Guide 101: Fishing Rods, reels, and line

If you want to make your fishing success for the first time, you need to equip yourself with the right fishing equipment. And it may seem overwhelming when you are in front of a broad selection of rod and reels. And you don't know which to choose. You can ask your friend or store owner for recommendations. But here's the basic set-ups to help you get started.

Fishing Guide 101: Types of rods and reels to use

Spincasting

This type of fishing rods is easy to use for children because it has a button release for casting. However, it can be hard to untangle the line because of its closed-faced rods. The downside of spin casting is that they don't cast as far or as accurately.

Spinning

This type of fishing rods is recommended for beginners since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The open-faced reels make it easy to take apart and untangle lines.

Bait-casting

This type of reel provides more power and accuracy when casting. And it is ideal to use for heavier lures and lines. This type is not recommended for beginners as the set-ups are prone to tangle.

Fly

This type of gear is ideal to use when fishing in rivers for salmon or trout. The lures/flies are almost weightless while the lines are heavier.

Fishing Guide 101: Different types of fishing line

Monofilament

Monofilament is the most common type of fishing line and is recommended for first-time anglers. Monofilament is a great all-purpose line because they are strong, stretchy, and durable.

Fluorocarbon

This type of line is a bit more expensive and often used as leader material near the lure. Fluorocarbon is commonly used on bait-casting reels because it is stronger and denser than the monofilament and appears almost completely transparent underwater.

Braided

This is generally the most expensive fishing line because it is very strong and thin compared to the other lines.

Fishing Guide 101: Tackle and other gear

To complete your fishing set-up, here are some of the bait, lures, and other gear.

Basic tackles

Hooks

Hooks are the one that catches the fishes. And it usually has barbs that can be bent down to help in releasing the fish faster. But take note that there are specific water body rules in the recreational fishing regulations summary.

Bobbers or Floats

Floats or bobbers suspend your bait in the water at a specific depth. And they also help show you when you have a bite.

Sinkers or Weights

This type of tackles helps weigh your bait down deeply in the water and closer to fish. Sinkers are made of lead. But there are also non-toxic options available in the market like the one made of steel and tungsten.

Fishing Guide 101: Different types of bait

• Natural bait - earthworms, crayfish, minnows, and mealworms
• Soft-plastic bait - is an imitation of natural bait. It also comes with flavor enhancers to imitate the taste and smells of the earthworms and minnows.

Fishing Guide 101: Different types of lures

Spoons and spinners

This type of lure is wobbling and spinning bait mimicking an injured baitfish. And its weight allows for more accurate casting and sinking deeply in the water.

Plugs

This type of lure mimics an injured baitfish, frogs, or anything that can be eaten. It comes in various types like:

• Crankbaits- rounded deep divers
• Jerkbaits - slender shallow divers
• Poppers -surface lure

Jigs

This type of lure can be used alone or with natural bait. And it is essentially a single hook with a weighted eye that relies on the angler to create the motion. You need to use it properly to create a jerky vertical motion.

Fish Lovers Guide - Wrap up

This is just the basic fishing equipment that you should be aware of before going out on the water. Fishing is a fun and relaxing outdoor activity and frustrating at the same time - especially when the fish are not cooperating. You need to be patient and spend some time improving your fishing techniques. You can also work on some specialized casts and play around with different lure types and retrieval speeds on your next fishing journey or read fishing blogs online to gain new knowledge about fishing.