My First Fishing Experience & Tips for Beginners

In October I went fishing for the first time! I met a friend who offered fishing lessons at Lake Anna State Park. He provided all necessary supplies and taught me the basics of fishing, like how to attach a bait, cast, and reel. We spent about an hour at the lake but didn’t get a bite - I did catch a leaf though! It was a great experience. I enjoyed slowing down and listening to the nature around me. I learned so much from my experience that I want to share. Here are my fishing tips for beginners.

1. Don’t be afraid to start

Fishing for beginners can be daunting! If you feel overwhelmed or hesitant to start fishing, don’t be afraid to still try! Resources like takemefishing.org can help ease your mind and educate you on what you need. No one is an expert when they start a new hobby, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

2. Do your research

There are lots of factors that play into your chances of success while fishing, such as the rod, line, bait, technique, etc. There is a wealth of knowledge that can be found on websites like takemefishing.org. This site has a plethora of blog posts for fishing beginners, from how to fish to where to fish to everything you need to start fishing.

3. Practice your craft

Once you’ve completed your research and gathered your supplies, it’s time to implement what you’ve learned. If you’re a fishing beginner, the only way to get better is to practice. Experiment with different baits, hooks, and casting and reeling techniques to find what works best for you and gets you the best results.

4. Find a friend

New hobbies are best shared with a friend! Not only is company always nice, but they may know something you don’t, and you can learn from them. Plus, you need someone to cheer you on when you catch your first big fish.

5. Challenge yourself

As you get better and better at fishing, set goals for yourself. Try to learn how to catch specific fish, like bass or catfish. Or, if you’ve caught lots of small fish, try to catch something bigger. If you mainly fish in freshwater, try fishing in saltwater. Setting new goals and switching things up will keep the thrill of the hobby alive.

6. Enjoy the experience

Fishing is a very grounding and calming hobby since it’s based around silence and patience. It’s almost meditative at times, so learn to just breathe and enjoy the time you spend on the water. Being in nature is healing, and fishing is a great way to get out there and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you catch a fish or don’t even get a bite, just the act of being out there is meaningful.

I never thought I’d enjoy fishing as much as I do, but that’s why it’s important to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.