what do i need to know about fishing for the first time?

Question

i just got a new fishing pol as a gift and im really excited about trying it out but i have never fished before

Answer 1

find a friend that knows how to fish and tag along with them for a trip most people that fish wont send you in the wrong direction theres just too much info you need ,type of fish you want to catch ,first and will your gear work for that kind of fishing .for example you have a trout rod you cant use it for marlin fishing

Answer 2

Get a fishing license and regulations list before heading out.
You will need to learn how to remove a fish from a hook without harming the fish. That you should learn by going with someone that can show you. Often you may find experienced fishermen at lake/pond that will help you if you ask. I've met some very nice people doing just that.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

IT'S GREAT THAT PEOPLE NEW TO FISHING ARE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TO ASK THIS BEFORE GOING OUT AND POTENTIALLY HARMING AN ANIMAL! THANK YOU!

A small portion of an answer to a previous question:

When a fish is brought in and handled anywhere, the slimy residue that you feel on your hand is actually the equivalent of a section of skin being torn from the body of a human. Not in terms of pain, naturally, because of reasons stated above (and you will see no observable difference in the reaction in an improperly handled fish ), but the results of such an encounter would be the same as having a tremendous open first or second degree burn on your own body. ---Infection invariably sets in and kills an otherwise healthy fish over the course of days or weeks.

This CAN be avoided by taking one of two simple steps (and fishermen, who are among the most passionate and careful conservationists and animal lovers, please remember to teach this to everyone who gets in a boat with you!!!):

1.) Only a wet surface should ever come in contact with the fish! Period. Make sure you completely soak your hand (or glove) before handling the fish!

2.) Try to handle the fish only by the mouth! (This is not always possible of course, as many sportfish have mouths either too small, or teeth too large to make this effective)

It is estimated by Canadian Wildlife officials that 75-90% of all mishandled freshwater fish will die of shock or infection when improperly handled, and that a proper catch-and-release method will kill less than one fish in 300.

I breed frshwater aquarium fish and have taken some introductory University courses in icthyology (though they were mostly taxonomic (identifying/classifying) in nature), and consider myself compassionate to a fault when it comes to all living things, and would not try and turn the facts to suit my love of sportfishing.

So in answer to your question, fishing methods which are in fact cruel to these creatures and in turn harm the eco-system, I do believe should be discouraged.

As a side note....I am an avid fisherman living in Northern Ontario Canada and go fishing as many as 40 times a year, yet only keep about 6 mid-size fish a year. PLEASE be reasonable with the amount of fish you take out of the lakes. Don't confuse the legal limit allowed with the actual limit a single eco-system can take! Those big lunkers (whose meat is usually too old anyhow) will fill that lake with a few hundred more breeders a year if we let them!

Answer 4

get a licence, a set of regulations and have a blast!
i'm not sure where you live but there should be some info on the net regarding what kind of fish are around. then stop at the local bait shop or sporting goods store and ask a few questions. there are some that will feed a bunch of bull but for the most part fishermen are good people that will give you some tips and wish you luck.
have fun!

Answer 5

Every one seamed to do a good job. (those with thumbs up, and no i didn't vote one way or the other)

the only other thing i might add is that there is a free fishing day the beginning of June in honor of national fishing day...many parks offer classes and oother stuff to help newbs with their techniques and show them pointers. Alos there is a group on yahoo you might want to check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FHOEU/ this group has all sorts of neat information for begginers through advanced fisherman. the group is kinda small but we are getting more people every day.

Answer 6

Basically you need to know a few knots, how to use your rod and reel, the bait you need, and where you want to fish. As a responsible fisherman you also need to know the basic rules and regulations for fishing that area.

And then go to a local tackle shop and they will help you get started. Or perhaps, hire a guide.

Answer 7

below is a great fishing website for bginners...

U might want to do freshwater fishing as fish are generally wild and tough in saltwater. if u hav money, fishing ponds wich require payment is good as u can hav some experience when u have a hook-up.(fish bite ur bait)

Answer 8

Check the laws and places you can fish in your area and if you need a license. I'd hate to see you enjoying yourself and a Warden walk up showing his badge. I'm not trying to scare you . Just cover your self and get started on the right foot. Enjoy.

Answer 9

Your best bet is to go to the local tackle store,& pick their brains.
They get fishing reports from customers.They'll know where they're biting & what they're biting on.
GOOD LUCK

Answer 10

go to the fishing site called fishing.com and that should help you out