Beginner’s Guide To Fishing
Fishing can be complicated to anglers just starting out, but with the right gear, location, and information, it’s a fun and relaxing way to spend your time! We here at Nisswa Marine want to help you get off on the right foot, so we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to spin fishing. For more information, or if you want a fishing boat to expand your fishing options, contact our store in Nisswa, Minnesota, today!
Getting Started
Before you ever get to the water, you’ll have a few things to arrange and sort out. First, you’ll need a license. You can get a day license if you only want to spend a few bucks, but if you plan on fishing regularly, an annual license is good year-round for a fairly reasonable price.
Next, you need to know where you’re going. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website has a number of resources for finding the right fishing spot for you, as well as useful info about them like whether sections of water are catch-and-release only, limited to artificial bait, or limited to fly-fishing.
Finally, study up on fishing etiquette. Don’t crowd someone else’s fishing spot. Don’t hold on to more fish than you can reasonably eat, and always adhere to leave-no-trace ethics!
Gear
Obviously, you’ll need a few items to fish successfully. We recommend starting out with a spinning reel and rod combo, which employees at your local tackle shop can help you find. You’ll also need:
- Lures and bait
- Bobbers
- A rubber net
- Needle-nose pliers
- A tackle box to store it all in
Catching A Fish
Once you’re all set up at your chosen fishing spot, it’s time to cast. Start with about six inches of line at the end of your rod and hold the rod with your dominant hand below the reel. Make sure your spinning reel’s bail is flipped to allow the reel to spin. Next, hold the line stable with a finger and bring the rod’s tip slightly behind you. Cast it forward with some force, using your wrist and elbow primarily. When it hits a vertical position, release the line and it should send your lure into the water. Flip the bail back and start reeling in your line!
Once you hook a fish, make sure to pull it in gently but firmly, allowing it to tire itself out before you reel it in in earnest. Otherwise, it might break free or even snap your line!
When you finally bring the fish in, hold it about an arm’s length from your feet and scoop it up with your net. To avoid unnecessary damage to the fish, don’t let it flop around, and don’t squeeze its stomach or touch its gills while handling it. If you’ll be releasing it, try not to keep it out of the water for longer than you can hold your breath.
We hope this guide helps you catch your first fish! If you want to know more, contact us at Nisswa Marine. We proudly serve the people of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota—let us serve you today!