Things changed about a year ago. I learned a few simple things that has helped me consistently catch fish. I still don't catch monsters, but I do catch keepers every time I go out. Your heard that right, I have not gotten skunked in over a year.
The tips I am going to share in this guide are simplistic, no brainers to some. Seasoned fishermen will scoff, even disagree. However, if you are a beginner fisherman or a frustrated fisherman, I can guarantee you will catch more fish and have more fun if you follow my plan.
There are some things you need to keep in mind:
First, like all hobbies, it takes some money to get good at fishing. You will not need to spend a lot of money, but you will not be able to do it for free.
Second, this guide is for warm, freshwater species and inshore salt water species. If you are want to catch cold water species, like trout or salmon, look elsewhere. Those species require a different technique.
Third, this guide only entails what I did to succeed. Every successful fisherman has their own technique. You will eventually find your own. Don't be afraid to experiment.
On to the guide.....
Step 1: Act Like A Fish
Fish live in the water. In order to catch them consistently, you need to get of the land and in the water.
Now this is not the case for small bodies of water, and I know some people are very successful at fishing from shore. However, your odds go up dramatically when you get off the shore and on the water.
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| Plus, it's just more fun! |
This puts you in control of the situation. No longer do you have to wait for the fish to come to you, you can go to them. You can go out and find the fish. Once you have found one, you are almost sure to find others. It is that first fish of the day that is the hardest.
This means you either need a boat or some waders. Each have their benefits, depending on the situation. I use both. Although, if I could only choose one, it would be the boat.
When I say boat I do not mean a $20000 bass boat (although they are great!). In fact, it is foolish to invest a lot of money into your first boat. The simple fact is that no matter what you choose, you will most likely realize that you want or need something else.
I recommend a kayak as your first fishing vessel. They are inexpensive, can go almost everywhere larger boats can go, and can actually grant you access to places no one else can go.
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| Easy to transport, easy to use, kayaks rule! |
I mentioned earlier that I also use waders sometimes. Waders are slightly less expensive that a kayak and much easier to store and transport. If you live in an apartment with little storage, they may be your only choice. You can get a decent pair of chest waders for about $100, expect another $50 -$70 for a good pair of wading boots, a necessity.
Waders works great on rivers and some bays. They let you get out to deeper water and explore the shore line from a different perspective. Fishing while wading takes a little more skill than with a boat. You must move slowly so as not to spook fish. I will say that landing a large fish while belly deep in water is one of the most exciting things a fisherman can do. Being in the water with a large fish is wonderful and frightening at the same time!
There are also more dangers. I've had snakes come right to me, plus there is always the danger of slipping into a deep hole. A very large fish can literally drag you into deeper water. Be careful and act smart while wading.
You are not guaranteed to catch fish just because you have a boat, or wade out to the fish. It is, however, the first step to becoming consistently successful.
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