Lots of people believe that fishing is only for the old souls who seek peace and quiet. And while that may be so, fishing can also be delightful to the right people. In fact, it’s become their way of spending important time in nature and finding solace amidst the chaos of the modern world.
Through fishing, people get to go as far away from the cities as they can, away from the pollution, the noise, or even the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced lifestyle. Instead, they can spend their idle time feeling the ebb and flow of water beneath their boats, letting their minds drift while they wait for the fish to bite.
With everything that’s happening in the world all at once, the calmness of the waters may just be what you need to be able to breathe freely again. Plus, fishing can also be a way for you to detoxify yourself from the internet, social media, and the need to be online or accessible 24/7, which is a disease that many people have in the digital age.
Fishing has many benefits not only on your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. So don’t waste another second and grab at the next chance to go fishing. However, if this is your first time going fishing, there are certain things that you have to be familiar with beforehand, such as:
1. Rod
It would be impossible to go fishing without a reliable fishing rod, which is why it’s at the very top of this list. Fishing rods are poles that are often made with graphite or fiberglass, and it’s what you will use to cast your line into the water. Rods are classified according to their power, bending capability, and responsiveness.
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2. Reel
A reel is what you’ll use to obtain the fish when it bites, which is why it’s attached to your fishing rod. It helps you wind your line so that you can get the fish that’s caught on your hook. You can get a separate reel like the ones from Van Staal, or you can get a spinning reel and rod combo to make it easier since you’re still a fishing beginner.
3. Line
Once you have a rod and a reel, the next thing you’ll need is a line. This is what you cast into the water so that you can catch a fish. There are many kinds of lines classified according to their castability, elasticity, visibility, and strength, which are all important factors that need to be considered depending on the fish you want to catch.
4. Hook
At the end of a fishing line, you’ll find the hook that catches the fish through their mouth. Fishing hooks come in varying types like single, double, circle, or treble because they are used to catchdifferent kinds and sizes of fish. You’ll also need to learn how to properly tie a knot so that your hooks won’t fall off the line.
5. Bait and Lures
After the hook comes to your bait, which is what attracts the fish to bite. Usually, the best kind of bait to use is live ones like worms or minnows, but grubs, bread, or corn can work too. If you don’t want to use bait, you can also use lures, which are basically artificial baits made of plastic. Lures mimic the appearance of real fish or worms, which can then call the attention of the fish you want to catch.
6. Sinker
Since most hooks, baits, and lures are lightweight, you’ll need a sinker to carry your line deeper, especially because you can’t catch fish on the water’s surface. Sinkers are usually made from lead, brass, or steel, and they come in varying weights, which can help you gauge how deep your hook will sink.
7. Bobbers
Most fishing rods are already responsive, which means you can feel when a fish bites, but you could always use a little more help. If you have a hard time gauging when you need to reel your line in, you can usebobbers or floaters as a signal. This is because bobbers tend to float on the surface, so if they disappear under the water, you’ll know that there’s a fish at the end of your line.
8. Needle Nose Pliers
Although this tool isn’t necessarily needed to catch fish, needle nose pliers can help you remove the hooks from your fish so that you won’t risk getting hurt. You can never be too careful when it comes to fishing, especially if the fish has sharp teeth or the hook catches your skin by accident.
All these different fishing gear may be a lot to take in at first, but it gets easier over time. Besides, once you’ve prepared your rod with everything you need, all that’s left to do will be to cast your line in and wait for the fish to bite. So, sit back, relax, and don’t forget to organize all the tools in your tackle box.