FS Digest

Hello All. As the title says. I want to learn to fish, but i don't know anyone that does or at least anyone near me that does. Is this something i can teach myself, or do i need to go to a class (does that exist) or something. I live in WPB, FL so i plan to go to some of the local parks that have fishing areas before doing anything "serious". Any and all info would be very helpful.

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by polarbearpierre

FS Digest

Plenty of resources to learn fishing on Youtube.

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by Jackwiggles

FS Digest

Youtube. Watch some videos learn how to tie some knots and such. Then go to a local tackle shop and ask them what to use.

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by Phantompain23

FS Digest

Bass pro shops have fishing seminars as well if you’re lucky enough to live near one. Youtube videos, books. Plenty of resources to find online.

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by CustyMojo

FS Digest

thanks. just looked up Bass the nearest one is 40 miles away but i'm willing to go.

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by polarbearpierre

FS Digest

In the words of Ron Swanson “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Don’t give a man a fish and feed yourself. He’s a grown man. Fishing is not that hard.”

To be serious though there are tons of great beginner information videos on YouTube for just about any type of fishing and any type of fish you might be after.

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by GrayCustomKnives

FS Digest

I’ll point you in a couple directions here and hopefully that’ll help you get started.

If you haven’t been before then you might look into a charter which should also provide equipment for the day (ask to be certain). It’s relatively inexpensive and should get you on some fish to see if you enjoy the activity.

If you do already know you enjoy it and want to just get started yourself then first and foremost figure out where you’re going to be fishing, what fish it holds, what fish specifically you want to target and how you want to fish for them (all of this can be done with some google searches and google maps for finding body’s of water).

Once you do your research, you’re going to want to get a setup that’s appropriate for what you’re fishing for and how you’re going to be fishing for them. YouTube and google search is again important here because you can search for certain terms such as if you’re going to be saltwater fishing from a beach, or river fishing for catfish with bait, etc. A fore instance is if you’re going to be lake fishing for sunfish using bait or small lures you’re probably going to want an ultralight set up with a small reel such as a size 500 with something like 4lb mono or fluorocarbon line, appropriately sized hooks, weights, jig heads/soft plastics or whatever, but if you’re fishing for say catfish with bait in a fairly fast moving river you’re going to want something more geared towards that like a medium heavy to heavy rod that can throw 2 to 8 oz of weight appropriate sized circle hooks and much heavier line such as 30-80lb braid with a leader and a size 4000 or more reel, all depending on body of water, weight you’re casting, and size of the fish you’re planning on catching. Another resource here are the guys working at your tackle shop which should be able to help you find something appropriate with details.

Then you need to learn knots and rigs if you’re bait fishing. YouTube man. It’s a blessing. Some knots that are easy to tie and can help you get started;

Palomar Knot - good connection to knot.

Knotless Knot - good for snelling hooks and making leaders.

Double Surgeons Loop - good to tie off a leader end for an easy to change leader.

Albright Knot - simple easy to tie leader knot that’s easier to tie than a lot of other leader to mainline knots.

Dropper Loop Knot - good for making hi-low rigs.

If you’re not using rigs than Palomar Knot will see you through to lure connections and then you can YouTube how to fish those specific lures. Stick with just 2-3 lures that fish different depths and are versatile while starting out. Something like a inline spinner for variable depths, and/or a jighead and soft plastic which can be fished higher in the water column or on the bottom, and something like a jerk bait for top water bites. Master them before moving on to other things as you’ll be much more confident in something you use often which with preparation and research will catch you more fish in the long run.

Only thing to add are a couple starting places for YouTube. I believe Salt Strong has some knot tutorials as well as catfish and carp which also has some catfish, carp, and panfish tutorials. Extreme Philly Fishing has trout and panfish tutorials, 1rod1reelfishing has some bass stuff as well as other things which can get you going on most North American fish assuming you’re in NA.

Good luck to you!

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by Awlcer

FS Digest

Do you have a fishing pier nearby? Old timers on piers are great resources.

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by Ltownbanger

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Good advice, Ltown

EasternOZ Loc: Kansas City Metro

Just saw this here.

Fishing Tips for Beginners (Top 38 Tips)
https://www.fishingstage.com/t-7008-1.html

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Got to agree with the pier suggestion in regards to old timers. You tube is good but to see the action right in front of you different ballgame. If you are shy just watch from a safe distance. If not shy no harm in asking after you observe them for awhile. Let them know you don't want there spot just the how too's of fishing. Good Luck.

plumbob

Dennisjj Loc: Kinston N.C.

Enough said good luck with your fishing.

EasternOZ Loc: Kansas City Metro

I tought my girlfriend when we were younger, been married over 40 years to her now.

popmahar57

Absolutely, to can teach yourself to fish. Back when I started fishing, the early 60s, there was no internet or classes that I was aware of. The thing you can do is stop by any local tackle stores and tell them that you are just learning and any help would be appreciated. Most people you meet there will be more than happy to give you any help that you need. Fisherman are like that. You may even get an invite to join some of them on their next outing. It helps if you buy some stuff, get their recommendations. If not just find a spot that people are fishing and try to do what they're doing. I've been fishing for about 55 years and I am still learning new stuff all the time. I wish you all the luck in the world. The biggest advice that I can give you is to do your best to have FUN. Keep us posted on how it goes. 😀. Mike

PFC

All of the above will be very helpful.
One last suggestion, see if there are any fishing clubs for you to join. Much information to be had just for the asking!
PFC