Learn How to Fish: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Have you never gone fishing before, or have you never fished on your own? This guide covers the basics of fishing to get you well on your way to catching a fish. You can learn about fishing equipment, where to fish, and fishing techniques, and you'll be off on a fun new fishing adventure in no time.

Essential Fishing Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is the first step to a successful fishing trip. Here's a breakdown of the essential gear:

Fishing Rods and Reels

Choosing the right size rod and reel depends on both the style of fishing and species you are targeting. There are several types of rods and reels, each designed for specific purposes:

Spin-cast Reels: The reel has a push-button control for releasing the line off the covered spool. These reels are good to use in freshwater and require regular maintenance if used in saltwater to prevent corrosion. The spin-cast is also known as closed face reel or the push button reel. Spin-casting reels eliminate backlash tangles because the spool doesn’t move. This is the easiest rod and reel for beginners.
Spinning Reels: Designed for use in either freshwater or saltwater and available in a wide range of sizes, depending on where you want to use them. These rods and reels have a bail that winds the fishing line onto the reel. To cast, lift the bail, hold the fishing line between your finger and the rod and cast while letting go of the fishing line. Open-Bail Spinning Reels use a rod with a straight handle and a reel that’s mounted under the handle. Line is released using your index finger.
Bait-casting Reels: These rods and reels can be used in either freshwater or saltwater. They are designed so the spool that holds the line rotates when letting line out or retrieving line. These rods and reels are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles for use in many situations. Some have a device to wind the line neatly onto the spool.
Conventional Reels: These rods and reels are generally used to catch large fish from offshore. Most conventional rods and used for trolling or bottom-fishing, but not casting. Like bait-casting reels, conventional reels are designed so the spool holding the line rotates when releasing and retrieving line.
Cane Poles: Simple fishing rod you can use to catch freshwater or saltwater fish. A piece of fishing line (the same length as the cane pole) is attached, along with a float and a hook. Instead of casting, the line is simply swung out into the water by holding the end of the pole in one hand and the line just above the hook in the other. While facing the water near the bank, hold the pole at about a 45 degree angle and let go of the line so it swings out over the water.
Fly Rods and Reels: A fly rod and reel uses the weight of the line to carry the lure to the fish. Lures for fly-fishing are very light and made from feathers, fur and fiber.

Fishing Lines

The type of fishing line to use depends on your situation and personal preference.

Monofilament: Single strand of nylon. It typically holds knots better, is easy to cast, has low visibility, shows some abrasion resistance and is less expensive than other fishing lines.
Fluorocarbon: Single strand of polyvinylidene fluoride. It has very low visibility and stretch, resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet light, good knot strength and it sinks to the bottom.
Braid: Fused or braided strands of polyethylene. It has a smaller diameter, further casting distance, low stretch and exhibits resistance to ultraviolet light and abrasions.
Leader: Material attached between the fishing line and the hook.

Hooks

The most important parts of the hook are the eye and the barb. The eye is where you will tie the line. The barb is a small, extra point located on the inside of the hook that secures the hook in the fish's mouth. However, barbs make it harder to dehook fish and can also damage the fish’s mouth. File or crimp down the barb to support sustainable fisheries!

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One major decision is whether you want to use a J-hook or circle hook. The circle hook is believed to help released fish survive by reducing the rate of gut hooking. Instead, they are made to specifically hook the fish in the mouth. Because they reduce mortality, circle hooks are required when targeting reef fish species with natural bait.

When choosing hook size, first remember that the size of the hook gets bigger as the number gets smaller (size 32 being the smallest and 1 being much larger). Even larger size hooks will end with a “/0” meaning aught. You should match the size of your hook to the size of your bait and the size of the fish you are targeting.

Other Essential Accessories

Snap and swivel: Connected to each other.
Float: Float that bobs at the surface and indicates a fish is biting the hook when pulled underwater. When the float is jerked, it makes a popping sound that attracts fish.
Rubber fishing net and rubber glove

Bait and Lures

Several bait options are available when saltwater fishing, including artificial and natural baits. The type of bait to choose depends on your targeted species, bait availability and personal preference. Remember, fish find food by detecting scent, sound and movement.

Artificial Lures

Artificial Lures imitate the colors, shapes, sounds or scents of baitfish.

Spoons: A dished-out or elongated spoon shape causes them to have a wobbling or darting motion in the water.
Plugs: Constructed from hollow plastic or wood to resemble baitfish or other prey. They have one to three treble hooks. One or two sets of treble hooks may be removed to make it easier to unhook fish. These lures can be fished at almost any depth and some are made to float, dive or both.
Soft Plastics: Molded from soft plastic and made to imitate natural bait. They come in countless shapes, colors and lengths and may be fitted onto a jig head.

Natural Bait

Usually preferred by fish, but can be difficult to catch and maintain. Natural bait can also be purchased. REMINDER: Circle hooks are recommended when fishing with natural baits. Insert a circle hook across the “nose” of the fish, upward through the top of the mouth, or through the back of the fish, just in front of the dorsal fin. Used to catch pompano and other fish in the surf zone.

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Essential Fishing Knots

The most important knot in fishing is the improved clinch knot. This knot attaches your hook or lure to your line. This knot is another option to connect your hook to your line. A double surgeon’s knot is used to connect two pieces of line.

Things to Remember: Match the knot to a function, tie the knot correctly, wet the knot prior to fully tightening it and trim the tag end to 1/8 inch after the knot is completely tightened. The tag end is the active end of the line used to tie a knot. The standing line is the longer end of the line that is not used to tie a knot.

Loop Knot: A Loop Knot can be tied very easily under various circumstances, and attached to swivel and hook. It is a simple starting point for fishing knots. Take the tag end back toward the hook and push it through the first loop nearest the eye. Run line through the eye of the hook and double-back parallel to the standing line. Loop size is determined by moving the overhand knot a desired distance from the lure eye. Make a loop with the heavier line. Hold the three lines between your thumb and index finger.
Palomar Knot: Considered one of the most reliable knots and one of the strongest knots to tie for braided line. Used to attach a line to a hook, leader, etc. Tie a loose overhand knot in the doubled line, letting the hook hang loose at the bottom (steps 2-4).
Surgeon's Knot: Surgeon's Knots may be used with two unequal diameter lines. Working the two lines as one, tie an Overhand Knot. Pass the loop with the twist over the swivel. Continue holding the loop and the lines with the right hand. Keep pressure on both parts of the double line. Release the loop. Loops are made for the purpose of attaching leaders, traces or other terminal tackle. However, this is not a productive practice, when the fish are apprehensive. Far better to attach a single strand of nylon to a short Blood Bight Knot, using another Blood Bight Knot, or a Surgeon's Knot. Take hold of the other side of the loop, and pull it through the centre opening. Hold this loop between the teeth. Draw up the knot by pulling the lines as tightly as possible.
Tucked Sheet Bend: Usually employed by the fly fisherman, the Tucked Sheet Bend is commonly used for joining the backing line to the tapered line. Take the end of the tapered line.
Float stop: The float fishermen who use a running float for casting use the Float stop to prevent the float from running up the line. It should not be used for light lines, and there are better knots for use with heavy ones.

Casting Techniques

Spin-cast Reels

Step 1: Point the rod at the target. For spin-cast reels, push and HOLD the button.
Step 2: Look behind you and make sure the area is clear. Bring the rod over your shoulder in a straight line until the rod is parallel to the ground and the reel is beside your ear.
Step 3: Swing the rod forward until the rod is at a 90-degree angle with the ground; the rod tip should be pointing over your head. At this point, release the button. This movement should be a very smooth motion. If the lure hits the ground in front of you, the button was released too late. If it lands behind you, the button was released too early.
Step 4: Follow through the casting motion until your rod is parallel to the ground and your rod tip is pointed at your target.

Open-Bail Spinning Reel

Grasp the rod’s handle, placing the reel “stem” that attaches the reel to the rod between your middle fingers.
Place your thumb on top of the handle and extend your forefinger to touch the spool cover.
With the other hand, rotate the reel spool until the line roller is directly beneath your extended index finger.
Pick up line in front of the roller with your index finger and open the reel’s bail with your other hand.
Face the target area with body turned at a slight angle - about a quarter turn. The arm holding the rod handle should be closest to the target.
Aim the rod tip toward the target at about eye level.
Swiftly and smoothly, using just one motion, bend your casting arm at the elbow and raise your forearm so that your hand is almost at eye level.
When the rod is almost straight up and down move your forearm forward with a slight wrist movement.
When the rod reaches eye level, straighten your forefinger to release the line.

If the plug landed close in front of you, you released the line too late. If the plug went more or less straight up, you released the line too soon.

Additional Casting Tips

Casting with a spinning reel is as simple and intuitive as winding up and chucking your lure as far as you can, like throwing a baseball. Start with about six inches of line out the end of your rod, with the reel below your dominant hand. A spinning reel employs a bail (a thin wire arm) to keep your line from coming out of the spool. In order to cast, you’ll need to flip this bail, hold the line with your finger, bring the rod tip up and slightly behind you (think of the motion you’d use to pick up a phone), and cast forward using your wrist and elbow. When your rod is vertical or just slightly forward from vertical, release the line to send your lure flying. To keep those two things from happening, you’ll need to properly “set” the hook into the fish’s mouth once it has bitten your lure or bait.

Understanding Fishing Regulations

Before you cast your line, it's crucial to understand the fishing regulations in your area. These regulations are in place to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

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Fishing Licenses and Permits

Fishing for freshwater species requires a freshwater recreational fishing license. This license can be purchased the same way as the saltwater license and has similar costs. Whether you need a freshwater or a saltwater fishing license depends on what species you are targeting, not how salty the water is. If you are targeting snook upriver in fresh water, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. If you’re targeting largemouth bass in a saltmarsh, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license. Or you can purchase a combo license if you are a Florida resident and plan to fish for both saltwater and freshwater species.

Florida has a few special licenses or permits you need to have when targeting certain species, including snook, lobster, tarpon, reef fish or when shore-based shark fishing.

License-free fishing days provide an opportunity for anyone to try out fishing or share their passion.

Before you head out, make sure you have a current fishing license for the state you’ll be fishing in. Licenses are sold online or at fishing shops and occasionally in convenience stores. The price of a day license is usually fairly inexpensive (less than $20), but the exact price depends on the state and your residency, as fishing licenses cost more for non-residents. But annual licenses are a better bang for your buck, typically going for between $30 and $150.

Size and Bag Limits

Bag limit: How many fish a person can harvest during a given time.
Minimum size limit: Rules that state a fish must be larger than a certain size for them to be harvested.
Slot limit: Similar to the minimum size limit, slot limits have both an upper and lower size limit, and only fish that are within that slot may be harvested.
Season: Times of year that are open or closed to fishing for a certain species.

Regulations can vary based on your location within the state of Florida, make sure to check for any local rules and regulations.

How to Measure Your Catch

Total Length is measured from the most forward point of the head, with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side. Girth is best measured with a fabric ruler, such as tailors use. It can also be determined by drawing a string around the fish at its widest point marking where the string overlaps and then measuring the distance between the overlapping points on a conventional ruler. Learn more about how to measure your freshwater catch!
Fish regulated by fork length are measured from the tip of the jaw or tip of the snout with closed mouth to the center of the fork in the tail. This type of measurement is primarily used for saltwater fish species.
Fish regulated by lower jaw fork length are measured in a straight line from the anterior most part of the lower jaw (tip of the lower jaw) to the fork in the tail. Learn more about how to measure your saltwater catch!

Ethical Angling and Conservation

As the number of anglers continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever to be a marine resource steward as well as show others respect when on or near the water. By respecting the marine environment and the people in it, we can help ensure good fishing for generations to come and safe fishing experiences.

Ethical angling means knowing when to keep and when to release your catch while always handling fish with care.

Knowing the limits and executing the appropriate way to catch and release a targeted fish is called ethical angling. Ethical angling means knowing when to keep and when to release your catch while always handling fish with care.

Catch and Release Techniques

Respecting the catch is an important conservation ethic. Fish should never be wasted. If you catch a fish that is under the legal or minimum size or that you do not want to keep, release it quickly. Here are three tips to make sure the fish you release has the best chance at surviving.

Keep fish as wet as possible. Fish have a natural mucus layer that protects them in the water. Wet your hands or use wet rubberized gloves and a rubber net to handle the fish.
Minimize airtime. Keep fish underwater as long as possible while removing the hook, getting ready for a photo, or preparing to release.
If the fish has swallowed the hook, do not tear the hook out. Simply cut the line as close to the mouth as possible.
You can revive a fish by gently moving it back and forth in the water so that water runs through its gills. When it begins to move around and can swim normally, let it go.

Leaving fish in the water during release is the safest option. If the fish appears lethargic upon release, resuscitation may be needed. The goal is to force water gently through the mouth and over the gills.

Responsible Fishing Practices

Be an ethical angler: Ethical angling means knowing when to keep and when to release your catch while always handling fish with care.
Be ready at the ramp: Prepare your boat and equipment before launch.
Watch the wake: Stay at least 200 feet from shoreline and other boaters and follow no wake zones.
Boat safely: Know who has the right of way and when. All operators of recreational boats less than 26-feet that have an engine cut-off device must wear an engine cut-off switch.
Be courteous on shore: Don’t shoreline fish in areas or during times of day when there are a lot of swimmers.
Coming in for a landing: When anchoring up, watch how other boats tie off and do the same. If you think you are too close to other boaters or anglers, you are probably too close.

Environmental Responsibility

Always carry out what you brought in and never leave behind plastic containers or packaging.
Fishing line is very dangerous to birds and other wildlife, so pick up and recycle. The Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is an innovative statewide project dedicated to reducing the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing line. You can make a difference by disposing of your used monofilament fishing line in a designated bin. Watch FWC's Video on How to Build a Monofilament Recycling Bin.
Don't Cut the Line! Reel. Remove. Release. If a bird has swallowed a fishing hook or is severely injured, use our app to find the nearest seabird rehabilitator to care for the bird and/or transporter to take the bird to a rehabilitator.
To protect the water from , never move fish or plants from one water body to another or release unused live bait into the water.

Safety First

Fish with a companion who can offer help in an emergency
Be careful when handling sharp hooks
Don’t cast near other people, and always look around before making a cast.
Wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device or life vest when wading or in a boat.

Finding the Right Spot

There are many places to fish including many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries! Look for a weedy or rocky area where the water is several feet deep. Look for areas where the bottom changes in some way - from sand to gravel or from sand to mud. Stay quiet and avoid disturbing the water or you may scare fish away. Cast the bait as far from shore as you can and watch the bobber. When a fish has the bait, it will probably try to swim away, pulling the bobber under the water.

It’s always best to talk to a real person about where to fish, as they likely have the most current and comprehensive information about local water. In a pinch, a crowdsourced fishing app like Fishbrain or the more data-heavy FishAngler provides good information on local spots. In general, lakes are a great option when you’re just starting out-they usually have a bank or dock to fish from and often have a larger volume of hungry fish than you would find in a river. It’s important to learn good fishing etiquette early-be respectful of other anglers, the fish you catch, and the environment you’re in. Don’t crowd a spot that someone else is fishing: I like to give other anglers no less than 50 to 60 feet on the most crowded water and more than a couple hundred yards if there aren’t many people around. Don’t keep more fish than you can eat, and always adhere to leave-no-trace ethics. Be sure you know whether the section of the water you’re on is catch and release, limited to artificial lures (no live bait), or fly-fishing only.

Reading the Water

It’s helpful to know where fish may be hiding so you can target them better-in other words, “reading the water.” In lakes, fish usually hang out in or around weeds and downed trees close to shore. They might also congregate near drop-offs; for this reason, some lakes are easier to fish if you have access to a canoe or kayak.

Additional Resources

Fish Rules App: The popular Fish Rules App has been updated to include freshwater regulations! Look for it in the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android.
Outdoor Annual: The Outdoor Annual has all the fishing rules you need to know. Head out prepared! Excited but overwhelmed? Keep regulations on hand in the field and carry a digital copy of your license. Plan your trip to a state park and bring the guide along. Get details on fresh and salt water species and gear. This guide is offered for free in Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine's iPad app.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine: Get details on fresh and salt water species and gear. This guide is offered for free in Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine's iPad app.
Local Fishing Organizations: Local fishing organizations or even your state’s forestry department are also excellent resources.
YouTube: YouTube will be your best friend as a beginner.

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