Fishing for Fun

FISHING is a great hobby to take up as it is a fun way to kick back and relax. It can be a very therapeutic hobby as it gives you the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, connect with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Among the benefits of fishing as a hobby is it gives you the opportunity to bond with your friends and family. It also teaches you to be patient, learn about nature, and acquire the skills of catching a fish.

Fundamentally, fishing requires some basic understanding, to help you get the most of your fishing experience.

Here are some basic fishing tips to get you started:

1. Get to know your fishing gear. Today's fishing gear has evolved significantly from the old traditional spears, net and poles that were made from bamboo and wood. Today's fishing rod is generally made out of fiberglass or carbon fiber, which includes a synthetic fishing line concealed within the reel.

Basic fishing gear for beginners need not cost a fortune. There are a lot of stores out there dealing with fishing equipment.

You can purchase a fishing rod for less than RM100, which comes complete with reel, line, sinker and hooks. Just get some baits and you are ready to go fishing.

2. Decide on the right location. There is no point trying to catch a fish in a lake or pond that has no fish.

Gather useful info from fishing experts or online sites for tips on good locations and the types of fishes available.

You can also find valuable information from your local angling shops, or supply shops.

When you have an idea about what fish you are planning to catch, it is easier to find the right equipment for it. For example, it is important to use a suitable hook, that will fit into the fish's mouth.

3. Use the correct fishing technique. For example, If the water from river or stream moves swiftly, you need to attach weights to the fishing line, about 12" from your bait, to keep the bait in place.

If the water moves slowly, you can use a bobber (a device that floats on the water surface).

Attach the bobber to your line to keep your bait in place where fish are likely to bite.

4. Cast your line and wait for a fish to bite.

Watch for loose line or a bobber to tell if the fish is touching your bait.

Hooking the fish must be done when the fishing line is not loose.

Patience is important as waiting for a bite can take a long time.

When your fish is hooked, pull it in once you feel a tug on the line.

Set your hook by pulling the fishing rod up, backward and up.

Tips

Fishing tips for beginners

* Learn how to fish with small fish and light tackle without a reel. Many small fish are catchable in shallow water around the shore.


* Do not to completely cover your hook or hooks with bait. The point of the hook should stick out otherwise you will simply take the hook off the fishes mouth.


* Using maggots it is best to just hook a small piece of skin and leave the small hook open as much as possible. Worms should be put on a slightly bigger hook. Also try breads and some kinds of cheeses.


* For beginners, using a bobber you can see from the bank makes catching fish much easier. With a bobber, the angler will be able to see a strike from a fish when the bobber starts to jerk and disappear below the surface of the water.


* Keep a finger on the line. You will be able to feel a "strike" or a "hit" easily this way.