Want to Go Fishing?


Are you are thinking about getting into fishing for the first time?

The first consideration you must make is a legal one. Do you have the proper credentials? What I am talking about here, of course, is the necessity of obtaining a fishing license/tag/permit for your state or province.

Head down to your local sporting goods or fly shop and purchase your license. You will also want to consider what species of fish you will be after. You may need to purchase additional tags for different species. Ask the clerk or shop owner about this.

Also, ask them what kind of fishing rod they would recommend for rainbow trout? What kind of fishing rod would they recommend for bass, steelhead, crappie, etc?

If you want to keep your expenditures low, you may opt for a less expensive rod/reel combo. My first fly rod was a rod/reel combo.

A lot of times, the rod/reel combo will even save you the trouble of selecting the proper line as the spool is often pre-filled by the manufacturer.

Then, pick out some hooks, bait, lures, flies, sinkers etc. designed to provide a proper presentation for the species you will be fishing for. Remember to ask the friendly clerk or shop owner for some guidance.

Don't forget to consider grabbing a tackle box or a fishing vest to hold all of your gear. It will be a lot easier to get out the door and on to the fishing hole if you have your gear organized.

I keep my gear in the trunk of my car almost year-round. It's worth the poor gas mileage to capitalize on those random moments of fishing opportunities that are often required to re-balance one's sanity after a long, stressful day at work.

Be sure to check the fishing regulations for the waters you would like to fish. This is very important to help you follow the laws that protect our fish populations. Plus, if you read the regulations and follow them, it will go a long ways to save you from an embarrassing episode of trying to explain yourself to law enforcement for your wrong-doings. I always carry a copy of the regulations in my car as well.

You should be able to pick up a copy of the regulations at your local sporting goods store, so don't forget to look around for them while you are there. Oh, and they change every year, so don't keep the old one's around hoping they will keep you legal from year to year.

If at all possible, try to find a friend that can help you learn to cast and where to cast and how to "read the water". Plus, the outdoors are often more enjoyable with a friend. One way you may be able to find a fishing friend is to build a profile for yourself on My Hunting & Fishing's brand new membership site. It's free to sign up.

When you catch your first fish, you will definitely want to have a digital camera available. Have your friend snap a photo of you with your catch and use it as your profile picture.

Of course to accomplish all of the above, you are going to have to get up off your behind and out the front door. This can sometimes be a challenge in and of itself.

Does the grass need mowed? How long has it been since I cleaned the gutters? And that honey-do list?

Sorry, honey, it's nice outside, so I better take advantage of the good weather and get some fishing in.

Hmmm... that reminds me of a country song- I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing Song) (Made Famous by Brad Paisley)

Tight Lines!
-nimrod243

P.S. This is supposed to be kind of funny and only somewhat useful.


3 comments:

  1. Being in an Internet age, getting ready to fish is a lot easier than in the past. In California you can purchase your license online. You immediately get a temporary license and the real one in about 6 days. The regulations are online in a pdf format. If you've been fishing for any length of time, you have the rest. Personally, I have to unload all my fishing equipment in my truck if anyone wants to ride in it. I carry 4 rods, 3 tackle boxes, net, bucket, and pad to sit on, for us with boney butts. Mowing the lawn and cleaning the gutters? I don't have any grass (mountains) and last year I installed "Leaf guard" gutter system that never clogs. Let's go fishing.........

    Mark

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  3. Mark,

    I can definitely see the online license purchase being a huge bonus for a guy or gal in your situation (living in the mountains). And regulations are always changing, so the online version will be much more accurate.

    You are a wise man with your priorities in order!

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