Basics of Fishing
For me fishing is angling, that is, using a hook and
line. Sure there are a number of other
ways to catch fish like netting them, spear fishing, and even trap
fishing. However, for me using a rod,
reel, some fishing line, a fishing hook or two and some bait is the only way to
fish.
Over the years I have fished, or angled if you prefer, using
many techniques including, cast fishing, bottom fishing, and surf fishing. Angling, by the way, got its name because it is fishing using an "angled hook" that is attached to a fishing line which is usually attached to a fishing rod.
For those people new to fishing here is a quick
description of each of these methods and some of the equipment.
Types of Fishing Reels
There are three basic types of fishing reels, the bait casting
reel, the spin casting reel, and the spinning reel.
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The spin casting reel is the easiest to cast as all you need to do is push a button to cast it. The downside of this reel is that they sometimes get jammed. However, they are great for beginners and kids as they are pretty easy to use and to be quite honest with you, I still have one that I use every now and then.
My favorite reel is the spinning reel and I own two of them a Shimano and Daiwo that I use for surf fishing. I wrote a more detailed article about the bait casting reel and the spinning reel at, Surf Fishing Reels, so I won't go into too much detail here.
Types of Fishing
Each type of fishing, bait cast fishing, bottom fishing, and surf fishing have some different characteristics.
Cast Fishing
This method involves casting a line out into the water with
a few hooks, lures, sinkers, bait or a combination of them all. This is often done from docks, land, or boats, on ponds, rivers, and lakes.
How to cast a fishing rod is not too difficult but it can take a little
practice to get good at it. Here is
great video on how to cast a spinning reel.
You can see from that video how cast fishing is done as you cast your bait out in the water where you believe there are some fish that will take your bait and bite the hook.
Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is just as the name implies. Typically this is done from a boat or a dock. You let your fishing line, bait and hook sink to the bottom of the water and then you just raise it up a couple of feet so it is not laying on the bottom. Then you wait and hope a fish swims by and go for your bait.
One of the many types of commercial/recreational types of fishing is what is called "party boats". These are charter boats that carry upwards of 20 to 30 fishermen on them. They go out on the ocean, drop anchor and then the fishermen bottom fish off the side of the boat.
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| Ocean Obsession Party Boat |
Surf Fishing
Surf Fishing is my current passion. We moved to a beachfront community eight years ago and I took up the sport at that time.There are some similarities between surf fishing and casting fishing. That is, you are casting your hooks and bait from the beach. The main difference between the two is the length of the fishing rod and and the amount of weight used for casting. When fishing from the beach you want to cast your hooks and bait a much greater distance than you do when just bait casting.
I wrote a complete article on surf fishing, and surf fishing rods at Best Surf Fishing Rod. If you are interested in surf fishing I suggest you take a look at it.
Types of Fishing Rods
Fishing rods for the most part are differentiated by their use. For example, a rod used for trolling behind a boat will be relatively short and very stiff as it will not be used for casting, but merely dragging a bait through the water. A bait casting rod will be medium length and very flexible so that it can provide a whipping action when casting. A surf fishing rod will be very long and flexible so that it too can whip the bait, hooks and weight a long distance.The materials in manufacturing fishing rods will also vary some by use, but more by cost. Fiberglass fishing rods will be less expensive and normally stiffer than graphite rods. There are even the old standby rod available the bamboo fishing pole. There is no perfect rod. Most rods designed for a specific purpose will function very well for that use. Surf rods do well for surf fishing and bait casting rods do well for bait casting.
Fishing Rigs
A fishing rig is the combination of hooks, weights, bait and lures that a fisherman puts on the end of his line. With the massive amount of fishing lures available, sizes and shapes of weights and hooks, and the variety of baits the possible combinations are endless. Every fisherman's goal is to find that perfect rig that will result in a a fish hookup time and time again.My favorite beach fishing rig is what is called a pompano rig. It has two hooks with a couple of bright colored beads to help attract the fish. I also will use a heavy pyramid sinker as these seem to work pretty well on a sandy ocean floor.
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| Pompano Rig with Pyramid Sinker |
The Best Fishing Tip Ever
The best tip I can give you about fishing is to just get out there and give it a go. If you catch some fish you may have a free dinner. If you don't catch anything, there is always tomorrow, but no matter what, any time you can spend some time out in the fresh air around a body of water fishing, it makes for a great day.Have Fun!
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| First Time Fishing |
Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/25689440@N06/2707490276/
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