Dress for the Occasion
Table of Contents
Get the Right Fishing Equipment and Accessories
Freshwater fishing requires proper use of a rod and reel suited for your skill level. There are tons of fishing rod and reel brands, which vary in features, design, and complexity. But there are two main types available, which are spinning and baitcasting rods. The two have their reel attached in different positions. The spinning rod has its reel attached to the bottom area while the baitcasting rod’s reel is attached to its top. Beginners into freshwater fishing are advised to use a spinning rod and reel as the simple setup aids streamline the learning curve. A spinning rod and reel have a simple set-up that allows for easy casting, an essential skill you need to be successful in freshwater fishing. A baitcasting set-up is a bit complex for a beginner as it increases in making mistakes and lengthens the learning curve.Best Spinning Rod for Beginners

Get the Right Spinning Reel
Whether doing it as a hobby or profession, freshwater fishing should be fun. Why then should you strain yourself dealing with a tangled line? Consider matching your spinning rod with a well-suited spinning reel to make your fishing adventures funnier. Spinning reels have an open-faced design so they help increase the visibility of your fishing line. As a beginner angler, you have to identify a spinning reel that’s lightweight and well-rounded for catching multiple fish species. You can tell the reel size by checking the specifications printed on its label or the box it comes with. Reels with smaller ratings are smaller while those with bigger ratings are bigger in size. Check the gear ratio of your reel and get one rated for anglers with your skill level. The gear ratio determines the reel’s spinning speed and so for a beginner, a reel with a medium gear ratio will be a good choice.
Good Fishing Line and Hook
There are two common types of fishing lines beginner anglers can use. The monofilament lines stretch more and are perfectly suited for beginners. The braid fishing lines come either as mono or bite. The braid bites are light and thin but are not as versatile and easy to handle as the brain mono fishing lines. As for the hooks, they come in many different configurations and sizes. There are options such as treble, double and single hooks all of which are suitable for use by users with different skill levels to catch different fish species.Get The Right Fish Lures
Novice anglers are spoiled with choices when it comes to fish lures. They have the option of artificial lures that resemble baitfish and come in multiple sizes and types. There are also spinning lures designed to be used together with spinning reels and rods. Buyers can as well opt for soft plastics, which come in multiple colors and sizes and similar to spinning lures.Know Where To Go Fishing
Freshwater fishing is divided into five common types. These categories vary based on the water body and the kind of fish one wants to catch. As a novice, any of these freshwater fishing methods can work for you depending on your skill level and the equipment you have ready.- Lake fishing—lakes are the most popular freshwater body sources. Lake fishing is strongly recommended for beginners as lakes are small enough to allow for easy identification of the fish.
- Lake-and-pond fishing—these freshwater structures have limited water and the fish inside can be easily controlled.
- Pond fishing—ponds as well make good freshwater fishing spots. Ponds have limited spacing and water, and the fish inside can be controlled with ease.
- Flowages and reservoirs—fishing in these freshwater spots require you get permission from the responsible bodies. There are only one or two fish species in these bodies hence the strict guidelines.
- River fishing—Rivers are the most common spots for freshwater fishing. Both professionals and novices can have fun fishing in these spots, which offer an unlimited choice of fish species and fishing options.
Know Which Fishing Method to Use
Once you’re dressed for the occasion, you’ve got the right equipment and know where to go fishing, you should identify the best fishing method. You need to know which of the many fishing techniques available will add fun and success to your fishing endeavors.
Fishing On A Boat
Regardless of where you decide to fish, a boat can lessen the work and make fishing fun. Exploring your favorite freshwater body on a boat enables you to cover more surface area, which increases your odds of catching bigger and fatter fishes. There are many types of boats designed to be used in different kinds of water. Beginners can use johnboats, canoes, and skiffs as they allow for easy navigation of small lakes and rivers with limited water. If fishing in bigger water bodies, you’ll need more powerful sportfishing boats or V-hulls.Trolling On a Boat
Attaching baits and lures behind a boat is another fun way to cover more water while fishing. Trolling is the perfect freshwater fishing technique to use when catching fish species that feed on other fishes. Downrigging is the most common trolling technique that aids guarantee a higher level of fun and success. Downrigging involves attaching a lure and line on a cannonball and winch to enable you to discover fishes 200 feet deep into the water body. For shallower bodies of water, planer boards make walleye fishing much easier when trolling.Still Fishing
Still fishing is the oldest and easiest method of angling. This form of angling involves the use of a reel and rod, weighted line, baited hook, and bobble. It’s the most basic technique of angling which gives novice fishers an opportunity to learn the basics of fishing and advance skill-wise over time. The good thing about still fishing is that it does not require the use of technical skills or special equipment and anyone regardless of their skill level can use to hunt different fish species. One of my favorite still fishing approaches is catching walleye from shore.