Summary
At this point I would repeat steps three and four several times to make sure you are getting the hang of things. Up to this point you have probably been fishing with what we call a conventional reel and a boat rod. Conventional reels are the ones that wind the line on the spool of the reel similar to a winch. These are designed for heavy use and abuse. That’s why the head boats use them. You may want to consider other sizes and types of reels and rods at this point.Hopefully you have made a contact or two or even made friends with an angler or two who can help with the decision to try another reel. Don’t be afraid to ask a tackle shop owner for advice. And don’t be afraid to try something new.
Two Keys to Success
The key to becoming a successful angler is bound by two parts. The first is knowing the mechanics of the equipment and bait. Believe it or not, this is the easiest part. You can become very proficient at casting, knot tying, baiting, even without actually going fishing. The second part is the hardest and knowing this part can make your day. The second part? Simply knowing where to fish. I use the term simply with tongue in cheek. There are tens of thousands of anglers out there who have the mechanics down pat. They can cast, retrieve, bait a hook, and tie knots with the best of them. Only a small percentage of these anglers can be considered successful.Statistics
In almost any organization it can be said with relative assurance that 20% of the people are responsible for 80% of the results of that organization. Those same percentages hold true in fishing. 20% of the anglers catch 80% of the fish. And there is a reason for these data.Know the Fish
The successful angler, beginner and pro, know where the fish are located at any particular time. Most fish move from place to place and back again with the tide and current. Knowledgeable anglers learn these movements and are able to regularly catch substantial numbers of fish. Just wetting a line in any body of water doesn’t work.Bottom Line
When you understand that the one of the differences between a weekend angler and a guide who is catching fish is that the guide knows where the fish are located, you begin to take heart. Now I know I will hear some heat from the guides out there, but honestly, folks, if you are on the water every day and can keep track of the fish, you can catch fish when others can’t. It’s a simple fact.If you are planning to learn how to fish, maybe what we discussed here can help get you started. Of course, I can help answer some questions for you as well along the way.
So I ask all you dads and moms, what better or healthier outdoor activity could you involve your kids in than fishing?
