FS Digest

I'm (27M) really interested in fishing but was never comfortable taking fish off the hook as a child. I'd like to give it another shot as I've really grown interest in it again and it would be a hobby I can enjoy for a lifetime.

I have zero gear and zero experience going out on my own to fish. Could I get suggestions on where to get started in regards to gear and preparation? If it matters (in regards to fishing licenses etc.) I am in Minnesota. Yes, there is a Minnesotan who doesn't know how to fish.

Thank you all in advance.

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by Trademarqs

FS Digest

Pliers.

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by bluntedche

FS Digest

Start small. Go to a pond or lake, get some worms and catch some sunnies. The previous post is right, use some pliers to remove the hook. The main thing is to get a pretty firm grip on the fish. Also, sometime the fish swallows the hook and you have to cut the line.

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by UserInPa

FS Digest

Look into local fishing clubs. Show up for some meetings, which may be on line if at all. Look for fishing tips, etc. on their web pages. Think local waters not something 200 miles away. Where I live one of the local fishing clubs' web pages has 10 different how to catch this species of fish articles that are set up for someone who is new to fishing.

With respect to fishing tackle. Buy mid price rods and reels. Avoid cheap rods and reels. If you can afford something in the upper 75% of the price range then go for that rather than something in the below 50% range.

Practice casting in your yard with what ever rod/reel you end up buying. Unless you are casting for absolute distance, you want to be able to cast into a 2' circle from 20-30 yards away. If you fish from a sit down boat like I canoe practice while sitting down. If you are fishing from the shore or a stand up boat practice casting standing up. Practice overhead, side-arm, back-hand. All methods are important when you are fishing around overhanging trees, etc.

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by TomVa

FS Digest

Thank you to the responses so far. One additional question - Is it legal to go to any lake/pond etc. and start casting or would I need some type of registration/licensure first? This assumes it isn't private property of course

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by Trademarqs

FS Digest

I’m not familiar with Minnesota’s laws, but you’ll need a fishing license. The state I’m in there are some different regulations on what’s allowed depending on the water you’re fishing.

You should be able to find out more here:

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html


For example some rivers near me only allow barbless hooks when targeting certain fish etc. some lakes don’t allow two pole fishing and could have restricted species. Whenever I check out an unfamiliar place for the first time I try to find out the regulations there before I go. Some tickets from game wardens can be pretty spendy.

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by MaybeSp

OK John Loc: Oklahoma City,OK

All good advice. How much you are willing to spend on your new hobby has much to do with your initial steps. Set your starting budget, then double it. The first thing to do is spend some time on You Tube. There are plenty of instructional videos about how to get started. I would suggest a medium priced spinning rod and reel in medium-light action to start. Stick with name brands. Don't fall for any "too good to be true" deals you see on Facebook.
Fishing with live worms, meal worms, or some Power Bait concoction is a good place to start. You need some hooks, split shot, floats, pliers or hemostats.
Depending where you live and your finances, a guide trip might be a plan. Another topic for sure but a good Christmas gift suggestion.

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Read, observe, ask questions. Go to a local tackle shop. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s if you have one nearby. Even Dick’s. Local fishing clubs would be great. YouTube will have a lot of good institutional videos when you want to target specific fish. Your local public library will have books you can read. When you really get into it start your own fishing library.

brianleffler Loc: Fairport N.Y. 14450

Great for you! Get a nice pair of leather or rubber gloves to bait your hook or use lures. Wear the gloves taking fish off the hook too. Some fish have spines that'll get you when you least expect it. My advice is to go on youtube after exploring what types of fish are available near you, and would like to catch? Youtube is my friend! You can even learn casting techniques, knot tying, and how to fix your kitchen sink! Have fun is my last bit of advice!

PierRat904 Loc: St. Augustine

Get on Utube and watch a gazillion videos.

Cubsfan Loc: Destin Florida

Cubsfan Loc: Destin Florida

Hire a charter with some friends split cost . You will learn a bunch . It’s an easy way to learn how . Keep it fun without pressure .

DonaldRotter80 Loc: St, Cloud, Minnesota

At your age you will definitely need a fishing license! The annual fishing license is the best deal and is good from March 1st to the end of February. The current price for a resident adult (over 16) is $25. If you buy an annual license now it will only be good until the end of February and you will pay the same price. Do not even think about fishing without one! The fine is stiff. Also, you can pick up a book of regulations at any bait shop free, even if you do not buy a license. You will want to read the whole book as the regulations and limits constantly change and are different from one lake to another. The state daily limit for sunfish now is 20, crappies are 10, perch = 20, walleyes 6, northern = 10, bass = 6. Now for the tricky part! The daily and possession limits are the same, except for perch where the possession limit is twice the daily limit or 40. There is a list of lakes, alphabetically, which the rules vary from the norm! On many lakes, and some rivers, you can only have 5 or 10 sunfish, 5 crappies, none, 1, 2 or 4 walleyes instead of 6, 8 of the 10 northern Must be under 22 inches, all between 22" and 26" MUST be immediately released, two over 26" may be kept along with the eight under 22". Nine or 10 can be under 22" if none over 26" are kept. There are three zones in Minnesota for northern pike and EACH zone has different size and daily limits. The daily and possession limits for catfish is 5 with ONLY ONE over 24".

Because you are just starting out, I suggest you don't fall for buying a lot of tackle you will never need or use. I would suggest buying just the basics and wait for later to see is this is for you. I have gone back to the basics. While it is relaxing and fun fishing, I don't want to sit and watch a bobber all day. I want to turn fishing into catching. You will have to put in your time and pay your dues but the learning curve can be shortened. I would suggest fishing from piers as there are a number of good ones on many lakes and rivers in Central Minnesota. I would suggest live bait like crawlers, maggots, leeches and minnows, depending what you are fishing for. If you would like to have some action, find a river or lake loaded with catfish and you will catch fish. I have yet to see a catfish pass up a juicy night crawler. Also walleyes, bass, sunfish, carp, even crappies and northern have inhaled my night crawlers. There is nothing like catching some fish to keep your interest and you will quickly find out if this is for you. Many years the license sales have fallen in Minnesota. This spring, because of Covid-19 I read where there were 135,000 more licenses sold and the spring turkey harvest was up 36% over last year because people HAD to get out of the house. GOOD FISHING!!! Don.

DonaldRotter80 Loc: St, Cloud, Minnesota

I should also mention, ONLY one line is allowed in the summer and 2 in the winter. Many have been caught with too many lines and too many fish. The fine for being over the limit will definitely get your attention and if you have over your limit the warden can also confiscate everything you were fishing with like your boat, motor, trailer and fishing equipment, along with the fish. The equipment is sold at the annual DNR auction and you would have to be there and be the top bidder to get your equipment back. Also there is a fine for not removing the drain plug in your boat, not draining your livewell, transporting live bait or fish home in the lake or river water (bring jugs of water from home if you have live bait to take back home), and also the fine is steep if you do not remove all weeds from the boat, motor, trailer, anchor rope and fish baskets, before leaving the lake! Also, a fine for not having an approved life jacket if in a boat. You can bypass most of these if you fish from a pier or shore or wade out! Don.

Jakestake83 Loc: Mooresville NC

all of this is good advice. I suggest that you use circle hooks to keep the hook out of the stomach of the fish. You might check out one of my books about freshwater fishing at www.booksbyjake.com.