Introduction to Fishing

You are now ready to head out to water and get in some time freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing; whatever you prefer. While the information presented in this book  is intended only to be an introduction to the wonderful sport of fishing, with this information you will be able to head out to water and begin enjoying one of the finest sports in the world.

It can easily take a lifetime to perfect all of the many different intricacies of fishing, especially the more advanced forms of fishing. The great thing about fishing; however, is that when you enjoy fishing it is nothing but sheer pleasure to spend time learning how to perfect your cast, tie the ideal fly or study a drift.

Best of luck to you as you get started fishing!

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction

Chapter 1

Getting Started

What is Fishing?

Levels of Fishing

For Beginners

For Advanced Levels

Factors to Consider

Fishing License

Waters that are Restricted

Keep it or Catch and Release?

 

Chapter 2

Fishing Equipment and Gear       

Fishing Pole

Rods and Reels

Lures

Hooks

Floats and Bobbers        

Snap Swivels

Line

Net

Tackle Box

Sinkers and Weights

Other Accessories          

Boats

 

Chapter 3

Introduction to Freshwater Fishing

Understanding Fish

   Fish Sense

 

Common Freshwater Fish Species

Channel Catfish

Sunfish/Bluegill

White Crappie

Largemouth Bass

Carp

Rainbow Trout

Where and When to Look for Fish

 

Getting Ready to Go Fishing

Making Fishing Knots

Baiting the Line

 

What you Need to Know about Casting

Troubleshooting your Cast

Other Casts

 

Gone Fishing

How Do you Know When you Have a Bite?

Bringing it In

How to Handle Snags

 

Trolling

Surface Trolling

Mid Depth Trolling

Deep Trolling

 

Chapter 4

Fly Fishing

Types of Fish

   Freshwater Species for Fly Fishing

   Saltwater Species for Fly Fishing

Good Places for Fly Fishing        

Fly Fishing Gear

  Fly Fishing Rods

    Rod Length

    Rod Weight

    Rod Action

Fly Fishing Reels

   Single Action Fly Reel

   Multiplying Fly Reels

   Automatic Fly Reel     

   The Drag System

Fly Line Weight

Fly Reel Backing

Special Considerations for Larger Game Fishing    

Fly Line Taper

   Level Taper or L

   Double Tapers or DT

   Weight Forward Taper or WF

   Shooting Taper or ST

Fly Line Density

Lines and Leaders

 

How to Grip a Fly Rod

The Point Grip

The Thumb Grip

Golf Grip

 

Tips for Casting with Fly Fishing

 

Tying Flies

The Perfection Loop

The Nail Knot

The Albright Knot

The Arbor Knot

The Muddler Minnow Knot

 

Methods of Fly Fishing

Surface Fly Fishing        

Mid-Depth

Bottom

Nymph Fly Fishing

 

Chapter 5

Surf Fishing

Gear for Surf Fishing

   Surf Fishing Rods

   Surf Fishing Reels

   Surf Fishing Line

   Sand Spikes

   Weights and Sinkers

       Anchoring Sinkers

       Drifting Sinkers

Live Bait

Artificial Baits

   Swimming Plugs

   Soft Plastic Lures

   Metals

   Poppers

   Bucktails        

Miscellaneous Surf Fishing Gear

 

Choosing the Right Spot and the Right Time for Surf Fishing

Chunking          

Bait Stripping

Clams and Worms

Live Lining

Striped Bass

Bluefish

Fluke

Kingfish

 

Tips for Surf Fishing

 

Staying Safe while Surf Fishing

 

Troubleshooting Problems with Surf Fishing

 

Conclusion