7 Fishing Tools to Use on a Free Fishing Day

Most states are offering free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week, which takes place from June 6th through June 14th this year. This means that it’s time to gather a few great fishing tools and resources so that you have the best experience possible on the water. If you're a beginning angler or are mentoring someone who is new to fishing, below are seven super helpful tools and resources to use in preparation for a free fishing day.
 

1. Places to Boat and Fish Map. Need some help figuring out where to go fishing on a free fishing day or how to find the closest marina? You can find nearby bodies of water, marinas, boat launches and member hotspots on the TakeMeFishing.org places to boat and fish map.

2. Species Explorer. Now that you know where you are going to go fishing, you'll need to figure out which species you’d like to target or learn about which species you may be able to catch in the area where you'll be fishing. Use the species explorer to identify the types of fish you hope to catch on a free fishing day.

3. State Fishing Regulations. Once you have an idea about the types of species you might catch, you'll need to check your fishing regulations to find out what size limits, bag limits or other fishing regulations apply in your state. Use the TakeMeFishing.org select a state tool to find links to the fishing regulations that you will need to follow on a free fishing day.

4. Bait and Equipment. Next, it's time to assemble your gear and make sure you have the right bait and equipment to use. The Fishopedia section of TakeMeFishing.org will give you a basic explanation of the rods, reels, line, baits, hooks, weights and other tackle you'll need.

5. Fishing Safety Checklist. Before you leave home, be sure to run through this fishing safety checklist to be sure you have the proper safety equipment, including personal flotation devices for each angler.

6. How to Cast. Watch a video or read instructions on how to properly cast with spinning and baitcasting reels, so that you know how to get your line out where the fish are most likely to be feeding.

7. How to Land a Fish. Once you get your first bite, you'll need to know how to reel the fish in or land the fish successfully in a way that causes the least amount of stress to the fish. After you get the fish to the boat, you can take a quick photo and then release the fish so that it can be caught another day by another angler.

Now that you have a list of great fishing tools and resources to use on a free fishing day, don't forget to share your #FirstCatch moments with @Take_Me_Fishing on Instagram and Twitter.