Ask Lemmy

Beyond the practical advice in this thread, I’ll add that there have been more times I’ve gone fishing to sit and think in the quiet outside than to actually catch fish. I find it just as fun to wander around the bank of a pond or paddle around a lake or river trying to fish as much as actually fishing.

I grew up with bait casters and cane poles and a family that loved fishing, but now I’m learning how to fly fish and I feel kinda stupid. I’ve always wanted to fly fish and never had access to it, so now I’m basically starting from scratch: new method, new species, new environments.

Here’s my strategy and thoughts on fishing and hobbies in general:

1. Learn how the equipment works. I’ve never used flies or a fly rod before, so I’m taking the time to learn how to use it and understand how it works. I like manuals and books, but others have pointed out that there are a lot of video series out there for fishing.
2. Learn about the fish in my area. I grew up primarily pond and lake fishing on either the bank or by boat for primarily panfish, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. While those fish are in my region, I also have access to trout and other species I’m not familiar with. New regions and species also mean new regulations and laws; don’t forget to learn about daily limits or mandatory catch and release. You don’t want to end up accidentally having a protected species in your creel or on your stringer when a game warden stops by.
3. Set reasonable expectations and achievable goals. This isn’t my primary hobby and I don’t have the time to disappear every weekend on fishing trips. It’s going to be a slow process and I’m going to make mistakes. I also don’t expect to catch a fish for a long time. My goal is to learn something new and practice doing it. What’s your reason for fishing?
4. Don’t over indulge on gear. You can drive yourself mad trying to get the best gear, especially the way it is marketed, but I’ve had just as much fun fishing for bream with a cane pole, a box of crickets, and a styrofoam bobber older than I am as I’ve had with a collection of tackle boxes, high-end bait casters and a bass boat. You can catch panfish with stale bread and catfish with hotdogs.
5. Be honest with yourself about your learning style. Some people can teach themselves a new skill, some people need lessons. How much can you teach yourself before you need help, or how much money (for you) is it worth spending to learn how to fish?

I spent a good chunk of my youth fishing because it was a great way to get out of the house and go be independent.

I recommend starting with Ocarina of Time of Time. Before you know it, you'll be hauling 'em in everywhere, from Red Dead Redemption 2 to Animal Crossing.

Wish I knew, bought a handline to try from a kayak. No license so it barely cost me anything to try it, ended up feeling motion sickness after a little while and caught nothing. Might be worth trying to get a basic rod and go from land, but there is so much terminology I don't even vaguely understand to go through. Think there are a bunch of different types, like you can just leave some hooks in the water and wait until something gets caught, or you may need to constantly be reeling in the line to get something to bite it. I know I would rather go with just leaving a few lines in the water, could have multiple out then too.

Had quite a bit more luck with crabs from the shore, though they are fairly small. Could probably make a nice crab fried rice with a few of them though and then use the bodies for stock. Not sure how much if any fishing regulations apply to restrict what I can do there though. Mainly limitations of method, like how many nets, how large. There are no catch limits on green shore crabs that I am aware of, brown crabs have got a minimum size and possibly a number limit for personal consumption.

Then of course I have no idea where is actually a good place, and I don't know anyone interested in it to talk to that could help give useful advice.

Find some one who is into fishing and have them bring you with. You probably already have a friend. Fishing is mostly a quiet activity, but there is some socal aspects. Someone to show you how is often much better than books or youtube for learning and there is always someone near any fishing hole that will help. Don't ask for their "secret spot", but there are plenty of not secret spots that work just fine. (and secret spots are overrated in general unless the real secret is how you got permission to fish there)

Lots of good advice, I'd add.

Know your fish, their habitat and feeding habits. Some fish live deeper than others thus a fly wont work and a lure or bait and sinker would.

If they eat flies, time of day is pretty important. If you spend enough time on lakes you'll notice they are pretty active at dusk and dawn. You'll see them jumping. That means they are hungry and can see well enough to get their prey. Cloudy days are good because they can see out the water all day long or at least when the sun isn't shining.

In rivers I look for eddies. Places that a fish wouldn't have to work so hard to stay in one spot. Their there to rest, but if a nibble comes along they'll bite.

With flies and lures try to mimic an injured animal. If using worms or bait, patience.

Fishing varies wildly depending on the species you are targeting. The best advice is probably to look on YouTube for fishing videos in your area.

For pan fish baiting a hook and waiting for a bite (possibly using a bobber) generally works well. It's easy to target them during the breeding season when they make "beds," at other times you may need to find an area with a drop off or weeds. You generally want your bait to be off the bottom by a reasonable amount.

For something like bass you tend to use crank/jerk baits that you need to keep moving to entice a hit. You can generally find them in similar areas to pan fish as they eat those species. The idea is generally to pass lures through areas that allow a bass to hide and strike anything that swims by.

At certain times of the year you can target spawning fish in various rivers. Generally at these times what you use isn't too important, it's more about being there when the fish are passing through.

Much like everything else in life watch a couple YouTube videos, head down to the local fishing spot and chat with people asking for pointers.

My added 2 cents for fishing is also to not get too upset with the frustrations; snagging a line, hooking a finger, knot tying. Enjoy the hobby and "keep yer bobber wet."

Location is very important. If you don't get any nibbles or see anything jump, try moving to a different spot.

Time of day and patience are key. Sometimes you'll get bite after bite, and then the next time at the same spot, nothing.

Also try switching up your bait if it's not working, but you think there are fish there, as they can be picky eaters. Using shiny lures seems to work well.

Never underestimate the effectiveness of giving the line a little jiggle as you reel it in to simulate live prey.

I like to bring gloves to protect my hands from sharp fins (some can cut the shit out of you easily), as well as pliers to remove the hook as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Where are you located? Fishing tends to vary a bit depending on the continent.

It's a matter of experimenting of what works and what doesn't. Location, conditions, weather. Find some locals and talk to them. Watch videos. My favorite was Bill Dance.