Fishing is fun regardless of your level of experience. Even those who have never wet a line can find joy in a day on the water. We know it’s not about how many you catch or the size of the fish. At least half the fun comes from being outdoors, listening to the water, and watching the natural world do its natural work. But if your goal is to at least snack while you’re away, there are a few things to keep in mind.

We have prepared a tip sheet for anglers, a kind of basic tutorial. This is by no means an encyclopedia on the trade, but it will help you perform better when hunting for trout, salmon or bass.

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Consciousness

It seems obvious, but there is a lot to be done. When we talk about awareness, we are talking about the whole picture. Keep in mind that fish tend to scare easily, so watch your noise level and always be careful of your shade (this will put off the fish). Fish can often see you even when you can’t see them, so sneak around when you can. It’s the great outdoors, no need for headphones or phone calls (hope you don’t even have service) here.

Be aware of other humans as well. There are unwritten rules for fishing and space conservation is one of them. Don’t overload your fellow fishermen. They also came out for peace and quiet, so give them a modest bubble in which to work. If you share the same stretch of river, practice the leapfrog approach to maintain said bubbles and avoid cutting the line or fishing a stretch that has just been fished (and therefore likely not to fish as well because he is disturbed).

Read water

Think like a fish. Where would they hang out? In rivers and streams, look for pools behind rocks, eddies, banks, and rafts. In the lakes, look for rising fish or grab some rocks and see what bugs they might eat below the surface. Be on the lookout for insect outbreaks if you fly fishing and try to match your pattern with what is buzzing.

With a good pair of polarized outdoor glasses, you can actually see through the water in many cases. Look for places where fish might hang out, such as behind large submerged rocks or near canals where many insects and other snack foods pass by the catch. Try as best you can to let your bait (worm, fly, spinning lure, etc.) move naturally, whether through a few shakes or a nice dead drift with the current. Each time it pulls or drags it appears less natural and therefore much less palatable to most fish.

Be patient

A good day of fishing doesn’t necessarily mean fish. Remember, Mother Nature is surpassing you all the time, especially when it comes to angling. There is no sense in being frustrated about this. After all, you are trying to trick an animal into eating something attached to a hook.

I have been fly fishing for almost three decades and always remember to be patient. This could mean trying ten more casts on the far shore before going up the river (I can’t tell you how many times working a single area longer has proven to be effective) or simply recognizing that the fish are not feeding every time. time of day. Even when the fishing is lousy, take comfort in the fact that you are not at the office, or working in the yard, or stuck in traffic.

Practice

You don’t need water to practice your technique. I used to throw quite often in my garden or in the local park. I would tie something without a hook that looks like a fly or a lure (a small knot of string will do) and throw it at an object representing a fish (try a frisbee). It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with your fishing rod and naturalize the throwing motion. After a while you will find that you are casting both farther and with greater precision.

The practice goes beyond the simple throw. You can hone your knotting skills or, if you’re fishing from a boat, improve your paddle. There is also an element of physical training to practice. Many large fisheries are located at elevation, so it pays to be in good shape so that you can spend a full day on the water. If you are a wader, it pays to have strong legs and a good sense of balance. They don’t seem to be directly related, but things like jogging and yoga will actually help your ability to fish a bit.

Get the right equipment

You don’t need all the bells and whistles, but you should have some basic fishing gear when it comes to fishing. Obviously, you will need a decent fishing rod. But you’ll also need a life jacket, pocket knife, hat, sunglasses, and a good pair of waders or water-friendly shoes for wading through the water. Good fishing tackle or a fly box is a must and it would be wise to have a good pair of pliers to remove hooks from fish mouths.

Other items that we find incredibly useful include a durable water bottle, a headlamp, and easy-to-eat snacks like energy bars. If you are venturing deep into nature, don’t forget the safety items like bear spray, a first aid kit, and maybe even a lighter or matches, if you get lost and need warmth ( or to ask for help). And if you are kayaking, be sure to pack the essential kayaking fishing accessories, such as the right kayak paddle.

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