I just got my first fishing license yesterday and I’m excited to learn about it. Is it just as easy as bait the hook and cast it then wait for a bite?
Well first you need to find a willing partner. Doing this can be scary, but there are a lot of folks who are into it and we should never kink shame.
Next. Be gentle! Getting one’s anus able to be stretched so large is a huge under taking (get it? UNDER taking?). Always start with a finger and SLOWLY work your way up based on your partner’s direction.
Hygiene. Gloves are your friend. In most cases you can buy gloves that go up to the elbow at your local farming supply store. Also your partner should be encouraged to do a full bowel irrigation. Unless that’s what you’re into. Again no kink shaming here!
Finally LOTS of lube. There’s no such thing as too much lube in this case. Be generous and use often.
With these tips you should be able to master at fis-…. Shit. Well this is embarrassing. Yet I’ve come too far.
Here’s a good example of why you should read all the instructions before you begin. Also, if anyone reading this is planning in spending any time at the DeMonfort Vale Fisheries this weekend I’ll warn you now: the fish are all fucked up.
There’s a reason it’s called fishing and not catching fish.
It definitely can be that easy, yes. My most successful day was just a hook (no bait) off the side of the boat while we just let the line hang.
That being said, you can learn the local varieties of fish, their preferences for different kinds of bait, and you can explore your local area for good fishing spots.
If you have the option, there’s probably a 90 year old Korea vet who will tell you the arcane arts of catching swordfish in the rockies somewhere.
Rule #1 about fishing is it’s not about the fish
Maybe I didnt grow up with fishing as a normal thing, but Ive always seen it as an excuse for guys to get away from thier wives and drink.
I did it once, and 10 minutes in I was bored. Just standing there with a line, waiting…
🆗🆒
Just follow me around… and do the EXACT opposite.
Yeah, that bad…
Just get the right glue:
There’s definitely things to learn like what bait what fish like, where and when to fish, how to free a snag, how to reel a fish in without losing it, but I’d argue that learning patience is equally important
Beyond the practical advice in this thread, I’ll add that there have been more times I’ve gone fishing to sit and think in the quiet outside than to actually catch fish. I find it just as fun to wander around the bank of a pond or paddle around a lake or river trying to fish as much as actually fishing.
I grew up with bait casters and cane poles and a family that loved fishing, but now I’m learning how to fly fish and I feel kinda stupid. I’ve always wanted to fly fish and never had access to it, so now I’m basically starting from scratch: new method, new species, new environments.
Here’s my strategy and thoughts on fishing and hobbies in general:
- Learn how the equipment works. I’ve never used flies or a fly rod before, so I’m taking the time to learn how to use it and understand how it works. I like manuals and books, but others have pointed out that there are a lot of video series out there for fishing.
- Learn about the fish in my area. I grew up primarily pond and lake fishing on either the bank or by boat for primarily panfish, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. While those fish are in my region, I also have access to trout and other species I’m not familiar with. New regions and species also mean new regulations and laws; don’t forget to learn about daily limits or mandatory catch and release. You don’t want to end up accidentally having a protected species in your creel or on your stringer when a game warden stops by.
- Set reasonable expectations and achievable goals. This isn’t my primary hobby and I don’t have the time to disappear every weekend on fishing trips. It’s going to be a slow process and I’m going to make mistakes. I also don’t expect to catch a fish for a long time. My goal is to learn something new and practice doing it. What’s your reason for fishing?
- Don’t over indulge on gear. You can drive yourself mad trying to get the best gear, especially the way it is marketed, but I’ve had just as much fun fishing for bream with a cane pole, a box of crickets, and a styrofoam bobber older than I am as I’ve had with a collection of tackle boxes, high-end bait casters and a bass boat. You can catch panfish with stale bread and catfish with hotdogs.
- Be honest with yourself about your learning style. Some people can teach themselves a new skill, some people need lessons. How much can you teach yourself before you need help, or how much money (for you) is it worth spending to learn how to fish?
I recommend starting with Ocarina of Time of Time. Before you know it, you’ll be hauling 'em in everywhere, from Red Dead Redemption 2 to Animal Crossing.
This made me giggle, I hear a lot about Animal Crossing, I should buy it today.
Then I can fish in-game while I am waiting for fish to bite irl LOL
Fishing varies wildly depending on the species you are targeting. The best advice is probably to look on YouTube for fishing videos in your area.
For pan fish baiting a hook and waiting for a bite (possibly using a bobber) generally works well. It’s easy to target them during the breeding season when they make “beds,” at other times you may need to find an area with a drop off or weeds. You generally want your bait to be off the bottom by a reasonable amount.
For something like bass you tend to use crank/jerk baits that you need to keep moving to entice a hit. You can generally find them in similar areas to pan fish as they eat those species. The idea is generally to pass lures through areas that allow a bass to hide and strike anything that swims by.
At certain times of the year you can target spawning fish in various rivers. Generally at these times what you use isn’t too important, it’s more about being there when the fish are passing through.
Find some one who is into fishing and have them bring you with. You probably already have a friend. Fishing is mostly a quiet activity, but there is some socal aspects. Someone to show you how is often much better than books or youtube for learning and there is always someone near any fishing hole that will help. Don’t ask for their “secret spot”, but there are plenty of not secret spots that work just fine. (and secret spots are overrated in general unless the real secret is how you got permission to fish there)
Much like everything else in life watch a couple YouTube videos, head down to the local fishing spot and chat with people asking for pointers.
