5 Best Fishing Tips and Tricks for Amateurs

How to maximize your fishing fun and chances of catching gold? We are here to help you make both a reality! Our experts have bundled their recommendations in these 5 Fishing Tips & Tricks for Amateurs post. No matter if you have limited experience, with this practical advice, any angler can pass for a pro. Discover our 5 must-read recommendations below, and take your fishing game to the next level in just a few simple steps: 

Research Your Fishing Spots  

Step one to making your fishing adventure a success is choosing the right fishing spot. Granted, you could just pick at random and hope for the best, but if you want to maximize your chances of hooking a winner – a bit of research goes a long way! Whether it’s by consulting a fishing magazine, the local authorities, online forums, or fishing clubs: there are a plethora of ways to gather information. We’ve found that often the best source of information is other anglers, so if you have a chance, see if you can consult anyone for some tips on great fishing spots, and which species are found at certain locations. Online communities are also a wealth of information and could be a go-to source of advice. Whatever research method you choose, don’t just risk it, because, with the right info on fishing spots, you instantly increase your chances of hooking gold. 

Choose the Right Rod

Step two to maximizing your fishing potential is choosing the right rod. Whether you’re a beginner or a die-hard angler: without the right equipment, you drastically reduce your chances of a catch. Equally important to choosing the right rod, is knowing how to handle it. For beginners and amateurs, a spinning rod is often the best choice. This popular type of fishing rod is easy to use, easy-to-handle, and a great basic to practice your fishing skills. On average, it ranges in size between 5 to 9 feet and has an open-faced reel with a cover (bail) that can be flipped up and down. Furthermore, spinning rods are quite affordable – making them a budget-friendly choice to experiment with.

If you want more accuracy and advanced features, upgrade from a spinning rod to the best baitcaster. Though using a baitcaster may require some more practice and patience, it is worth the effort – as this type of rod can instantly increase your chances of a catch. A baitcaster rod differs distinctly from a spinning rod in the operation of the reel. Instead of sitting parallel to the rod, it is located perpendicular (cross-way). That is exactly which is why this type of reel is also known as a revolving-spool reel. Though fishing using the tackling method on a baitcaster is more challenging and will require some skill, it also (once mastered) allows for much more accurate casting and a higher chance of success. Baitcasters are also better for catching heavier and larger fish, as they are often more durable, versatile, and reliable in performance. 

Other types of fishing rods include surf, telescopic, overhead, and fly: which are all suited to specific fishing styles, require more technical skills, and offer less versatility. This is why, for most amateur fishing enthusiasts, we’d recommend investing in a spinning rod or baitcaster rod

Bring a Great Tackle Box

Once you’ve invested in a great rod for your experience-level and fishing needs, make sure your tackle box is equally high-quality. A well-stocked tackle box can be the key to hooking a winner, as long as you pack the right lures, bait, and accessories. When it comes to filling your tackle box, it’s better to have ‘too much’ gear with you, than too little. Yes, we know this means your box can be a bit heavier to carry, but you want to be spoiled for choice, not limited by not bringing too few options. 

Make sure your tackle box at least includes plenty of spare fishing lines, a variety of hooks (shank hook, drop shot, weedless, etc.), and an assortment of sinkers (pyramid-style, spoon, etc.). Furthermore, ensure you have the right assortment of lures for the type of fish you want to catch. For example, if you want to catch bass, you’ll need a soft plastic lure that mimics a worm. However, for other fish, you may need a solid lure with specific coloring that mimics a fish. The most common types of fishing lures are jigs, spinners, spoons, soft plastic baits, plugs, spinnerbaits, and flies. Other fishing accessories any angler should have in their tackle box are bobbers, fishing pliers, a fishing knife or line cutters/clippers, and a tape measure or ruler (to measure fish and adhere to local laws and possession limits). 

To increase your chances of succeeding in your fishing adventure, it’s critical to ensure that your fishing rod is equipped with the right devices. Although there are various devices you can use, it’s critical to fix fishing Penn reels on your rod. This device makes the procedure of winding or stowing your line simple.

Stick to the Rules

We can keep this point short and sweet: always adhere to the rules and regulations. Yes, we know that sometimes these may restrict your options, or cause frustration, but they are there for a reason: to keep the balance and protect wildlife. Be warned: fishing rules and regulations – including those on possession and what species you’re allowed to fish for – differ per state, and sometimes even local regions. This is why we advise double-checking what rules apply before you set off on your fishing adventure! By doing so, you can avoid a hefty fine, and help preserve nature’s balance: it’s a win-win. 

Don’t Neglect Safety

Oh, and lastly: don’t neglect your safety! Yes, packing the right rod, fishing gear, and tackle box are important steps to guaranteeing success, but guaranteeing your safety is even more important! Always remember to pack a basic First Aid Kit with medical essentials such as band-aids, gauges, disinfectant wipes, and other wound care products. The most common fishing injuries are cuts and scrapes. That is why you should always be prepped to deal with minor injuries. By administering the right medical care on the spot, not only will you be able to keep fishing, but you can also prevent infection and further injury. Other safety precautions you can take are wearing the right protective gear, such as fishing gloves, boots with high traction and grip, and a hat to protect against hazardous UV-rays. Furthermore, always let someone know where you’ll be, and when you expect to be back when fishing solo. That way, someone will be able to raise the alarm in case you do get into difficulties and can’t signal for help. Use your common sense, be careful, and never put your fishing success rate before your safety!