8 Easy Steps to Start Fishing

No more video games and social media! It's time for some fantastic outdoor fishing. Fishing is an engaging, entertaining, and challenging sport that's a perfect way for you to start enjoying the outdoors. While fishing does require skill and aim, it is a quiet and relaxing sport as well. It's also a great activity if you plan on going camping this next year. If you want to get started in fishing, we can help. All you have to do is follow these easy steps.

Step #1 Get your gear

Every fisherman needs a fishing pole and tools for them to catch fish. You will want to get the essentials at first, and then you can slowly gather up more and more as you go. Here's a small checklist to help you get the right tools. 

• Fishing pole
• Fishing line
• Hooks (Sizes 2 are for smaller bait and up to 3/0 for bigger bait.)
• Swivel
• Sinker
• Fisherman's box
• Fishbait 
• Plastic bobbers to hold up the line

Step #2 Decide your bait

There's a huge variety of fishing bait, some you can buy from the shop and others you can catch outdoors. If you want to make it a challenge, you can catch your own bait by finding worms, crickets, nightcrawlers, or minnows. Most of these can be found near the river, under rocks, or by digging in the mud.  

Step #3 Line your fishing pole

Some fishing poles will already have the fishing line connected to your pole; if not, you're going to have to do this part on your own. 

You will want to start by grabbing the recommended weight of line from the store; you can tell what type you will need by looking at the wheel that holds the line. On the bottom of the brand name, you will see something that says lbs/yards. Once you have the right amount of fishing line, you will want to pull the line to the same length of the pole and begin placing the line through each circle on the pole, starting with the very tip. Do not cut the line until you have finished all the recommended steps. Once the string reaches the end of the pole, you are going to want to connect the line to the line spool. When you are doing this, you will want to flip the bail over to tie a knot around the line spool, using a double knot. Make sure the knot is tight and then cut off the excess string. You will then want to flip the bail back over to the other side and wind the rest of the string on until it reaches the max capacity (which should be shown on the rod or line spool.)

Step #4 Set up the rest of the reel. 

You will need

• Sinker
• Hook
• Swivel

This part is hard at first but super easy once you get the hang of it. You will need to cut the line after at least 2 feet of extra string at the end. At the end of the line, slide the sinker through. Then grab the swivel and tiea knot to it at the end of the line. To do this kind of knot, you will want to follow these steps. 

Tying a knot for a swivel 

1. Pull the end of the line through the first circle on the swivel. 

2. Pull the line up against the other part of the string. 

3. You will want to have at least five inches of line past the swivel to create a loop. 

4. Hold the swivel in one hand and the two pieces of the line in the other. 
5. Begin twisting the swivel without moving your other hands. 
6. Twist the swivel 5 to 10 times of 7 for good luck. 

4. At the bottom, there should be a small loop pull the end of the line inside of the loop

8. Then tug on both strings pulling the line tight (You may need to use some saliva to make it easier to tighten.)

9. Pull the knot as tightly as possible and cut off the excess string. 

Repeat on the other side of the swivel by cutting 2.5 ft of line and connecting it to the other end of the swivel. 

Tie the hook on the opposite side of the 2.5 ft line using the same knotted technique, and you're ready to fish. 

Step #5 Find an excellent Fishing Spot

If you are living around the mountains, there’s bound to be some rivers around you, if not try to find the closest river or pond. If you want to catch a bunch of fish, you may want to look up some places near you that are known for a lot of fish. With all that being said, if you would rather find somewhere to fish that is peaceful and quiet, you may want to search for your own fishing hole. Make sure to bring a compass, watch and a phone, so you don’t get lost. 

Step #6 Bait your hook 

Remember those critters you found before? Now it’s time to use them. Get your bait and wrap it around the hook. It’s usually best to wrap the bait a couple of times around the hook, so that  it doesn’t get loose when the fish starts to nibble. 

Step #7 Cast your hook 

Now it’s time to get fishing. Follow these instructions for a simple way to cast your hook. 

1. Hold onto the reel foot part of the pole (Close to the line.) 
2. Using your index finger, you will gently hold the line to the pole. 
3. Move the bail arm to the other side of the rod. 
4. Then put your other hand onto the bottom of the fishing rod. 
5. Gently hold the hook to the side of you. 
6. Then use a whip motion to cast your line into the water. 
7. When you are casting your line, you will release your finger from the line letting it drag.
8. Do not release your finger until your fishing pole is at a 45-degree angle. 
9. Once your hook is where you want it, switch the bail arm to the opposite side.
10. Reel in the line once you feel a tug. ( You may also want to reel in the line if it feels loose at the start. Make sure that your line is tight before you wait.)

Step #8 Catch a fish

Once you feel a tug on your pole, you will want to reel in your fish as fast as possible so that it doesn’t have time to escape. To do this, you will want to spin the reel handle backward. Good luck and I hope this article helped! Remember every fisher needs his supplies, Xtreme Pawnshop has all the equipment you need to start your hobby of fishing. Visit us today to get started. 

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