FISHING 101 FOR THE BEGINNERINTRODUCTION
History
of Fishing
Introduction and Evolution
Balanced Casting Equipment
Rod and
Reel relationship
Reel and Line relationship
Rod and Lure Relationship
Lure
and Line Relationship
Rod and Line relationship
Rods, the Magic Wand
Materials
Actions
Ferrules
Handles and Grips
Reel Seats
Guides
Materials
Spacing
Basic Care and
Storage
Reels, the Powerhouse
General
Description
Spinning
Spin-carting
Bait-casting
Fly
Selection and care
Lines, the link
between you and the fish
Characteristics
Types of lines
Care and storage
FISHING GEAR
Terminal Tackle
Hooks
Sinkers
Snaps and swivels
Floats
Lures
Accessories
Tackle boxes
Nets and Gaffs
Waders and boots
Rain Gear
Baits, an
important piece of the puzzle
Live bait
Fresh bait
Frozen bait
Artificial bait
FINDING FISH
Natural Signs
Water Temperatures
Habitat, structure and cover
Food
Supplies
HOT SPOTS General local
information
Published materials
Keeping a log
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS
Role of the Natural Resource Officer
Legal aspects of fishing
Enforcement procedures
Ethical
aspects and behavior
Environmental concerns
Fisheries Management
Creel
census
Tags
FISH HANDLING,
PREPARATION AND CARE Tools for success
Cutting boards
Knives and sharpeners
Storage containers and freezing
INTRODUCTION:
THE FISHING EXPERIENCE When we talk
about the fishing experience, we are talking about an outdoor activity that
should be a positive experience for all participants. The fishing experience
should have a positive effect whether it is a relaxing experience or a challenge
or just a the fulfillment of a hobby. Many people fail to relate a pleasurable
experience largely due to the high degree of success portrayed on most fishing
shows and the lack of practical knowledge that is needed to be successful.
During this course we hope to supply potential fishermen with the
knowledge that is needed in order to be successful. We will cover methods and
techniques for fishing in fresh and salt water. We will explain the
relationships between each element of the fishing system. And, hopefully, we
will explain the needs of the fish from food to habitat. When these things are
all explained, you will start to see the patterns that form and the relationship
of the entire fishing experience.
As the saying goes," you get out of
something what you put into it". The same holds true for fishing. Take the
time to learn what you can about the fish you are trying to catch, then relax
and enjoy the chase. In order for the fishing experience to be a positive one,
the new fisherman has to catch fish. It does not matter what species of fish
they catch just as long as they catch something.
I describe the progress
of the overall fishing experience as one that follows the form of a bell, a
fisherman's bell so to speak. When a person starts fishing he is at the bottom
of the bell. He wants to catch fish and he does not care what kind of fish he
catches as long as he catches fish. As he progresses, he moves up the curve by
wanting to catch a lot of fish, still not caring what species he catches. As he
moves along the curve, he rises to the point that he wants to catch a specific
species of fish. Then he moves along to where he wants to catch a lot of that
species of fish and then a lot of that species with lots if big fish in that
species. Once you reach this point, then you start to go over the edge when you
want the biggest fish of your favorite species on the lightest possible line.
The ultra-lite monster has been born.
As you begin the journey to
successful fishing, there are two rules that you must learn. The first rule is
there are no rules. As long as you catch fish, you are doing something right.
The second rule is that you damn well better learn the first rule. Remember,
people make up these rules failing to consult the fish. An example being most
salt water are caught on the incoming tide so you have to fish the incoming
tide. Granted, fish move into bays , rivers and estuaries on an incoming tide,
but for the decades that I have chased fish I have yet to see a fish get up and
walk away from the water. If fish move in with the tide, then they will move
out with the tide, passing you on the way in and on the way out. People make up
these rules, not the fish. I strongly suggest that you start thinking like a
fish and put yourself in his place.
Once you start trying different
thing, you will soon learn what works and what doesn't. But, be prepared
though, just when you think that you have figured something out, you get thrown
a curve and something completely different happens proving that there are no
rules. Learn to dodge the curves and be prepared for anything. As you learn
more and gain experience, you will start to realize what makes sense and what
doesn't. As the saying goes, "Experience is the best teacher".
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