Fishing for the First Time

Fishing is a fun activity that involves catching your own food. Of course, if you would like to try fishing, you will need to get a fishing license. No, doubt, you will be able to find an area to try fishing yourself. At Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire, we have some nice fishing boats on display. We also serve Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Find a Fishing Spot

Use Google to find a public fishing location that has shore, dock, or pier access. Choosing a convenient location will make your fishing trip less complicated. There are some parks that have stocked ponds as well as small lakes with fish. Some of these public fishing areas even have restrooms for your convenience.

Choose the Right Fishing Rod

When it comes to choosing a rod and reel combo, select one that is between $50 and $80. You may want to save money by buying a cheaper combo. However, the cheaper ones usually break after a handful of trips.

Set Up Your Tackle Box

Hooks, sinkers, and bobbers are necessary fishing tools to put in your tackle box. Visit your local fishing tackle store to get some ideas on what you should buy. You can even get some tips for securing live bait to your hooks.

Fish With Bait

Using worms, like Nightcrawlers, can be a great way to attract fish. You can buy them at the store or dig them up in your yard. Worms usually like to stay in moist spots under rocks and leaves. 

If you do not like worms, you can purchase food from the supermarket like hotdog slices and pieces of bread. Although these items do not work as well as worms, they can be effective.

Cast

When casting, you need to hold your rod in the hand you use to throw. Hold the reel shaft between your middle ring finger. Use your other hand to open the bail and pinch the line with your index finger and rod handle. Move the rod to your body's side at 45 degrees. Then, move the rod back to your body's center, and remove the finger that is pinching the line.

Reel In Fish

If your bobber starts to move up and down or side to side, give the fish five seconds to take the bait. You will know the fish is hooked because the bobber will move erratically. Now, it is time to slowly reel in your line until the line is taut. Set the hook in the fish's mouth by lifting the tip of the rod a few inches. Then, reel in the fish. 

Avoid reeling in too much slack so you do not break your line. You can use pliers to remove the fish from the hook. If you do not have pliers, rotate the hook until is close to the surface. Push on the hook so the barb pops out where the hook entered. Then, rotate the hook again so that you can take it out of the fish's mouth.

When you are learning to fish, there are a few steps you will have to take. You want to find an accessible fishing spot that is open to the public. Select the right rod. Prepare your tackle box. Incorporate live bait into your fishing. Learn to cast your line. Figure out how to reel in your fish. If you are interested in boat fishing, visit us at Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire as we serve Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire as well.