7 Tips For Introducing Someone To Fishing
Photo from goofycartoon.blogspot.ca/
There is nothing more rewarding than introducing someone to the wonderful sport of fishing. Getting to share the passion for angling and the beauty of the water is a gift for the experienced angler, as much as the novice angler. However, it is easy to forget that not everyone wants to head out on the boat for eight or more hours of straight fishing. There are a few things you can do to make sure a new angler has a pleasant introduction to fishing and wants to go back out again. Here are just a few tips to make those early outings more enjoyable.
1. Watch the weather
As anglers, we often check the forecast to make sure we don’t head out in dangerous weather, but many of us will still go out in the rain, heat, or extreme cold. Most of my non-angling friends think I am crazy to go ice fishing, and even crazier to go once the temperature drops below -10C. Pick a nice day to take your novice angler out fishing. They will enjoy it more if they are not soaked from rain, or suffering from heat stroke, wind burn or frostbite.
2. Go for quantity over quality
You hear this all the time when people talk about taking kids fishing, but the same holds true when introducing an adult to the sport. People stay more engaged and have more fun if they are consistently catching fish. The quality part can come later. My attention span is short and waiting for fish to bite got old pretty fast when I was learning to fish. It was only the constant bites from crappie and brook trout that kept my attention and hooked me on the sport.
3. Break up the outing
Whether you are fishing from a boat or from shore, it is important to allow new anglers to take a break and do something other than wet a line for a bit. This may be as simple as finding a nice spot for a lunch break, going in for a bathroom break, going for a hike or a cruising in the boat, or even taking a nap. If something else catches their eye, let them do it. If the fishing is slow I like to break up the day by taking pictures, identifying wildlife, or reading a book. Never insist that your new angler needs to spend all their time fishing.
4. Keep it simple
Use simple gear and simple techniques when introducing someone to fishing. A spinning rod (or spincasting rod) with a bobber and worm is pretty simple for anyone to use. Give them something easy to cast, with a bait that is easy to use and catches fish. Jigs and inline spinners on an ultralight spinning rod are great setups that can be learned quickly and used effectively. Give them simple instructions, and be more concerned about helping them cast and retrieve than you are about catching a fish for yourself.
5. Find out their preference
Find out if your new angler has any preferences for a day on the water. Is there a type of fish they really want to chase? Do they want to keep a fish for dinner, or do they want to practice catch and release with everything? When I started fishing, I was really afraid that I would be told to keep fish. I had no intention of eating them and I didn’t want to kill them. After I was shown how to properly release my fish, I felt even better about hitting the water. However, if someone really enjoys eating fish, helping them catch their dinner may be the perfect way to get them hooked. Also, find out if they care about using bait or artificial lures (having to to use bait would have ended my fishing career before it started), and if they feel comfortable in a boat or would prefer to fish from shore.
6. Go local
Find somewhere close to where your new angler lives. This cuts down on traveling time and makes it less of a headache for them to go fishing. As well, finding areas to fish is difficult when you are new to the sport, so introducing someone to an area that they can visit without you is a great idea.
7. Know when to call it a day
Everyone gets bored at times, even when fishing is involved. If you sense that someone is getting bored or tired, call it a day. It’s better to go home after only an hour or so and leave a good impression, than to keep them out for several hours and make them hate it. I’ll make a confession – to this day I still prefer to end the trip when I’m the last person to have caught a fish. Silly, yes, but it may be the trick you need to leave a new angler on a positive note and feeling great about their day of fishing.
By following these tips you will have a good basis for introducing someone to fishing. Of course, not everyone will take to the sport, and everyone is different and will have their own preferences. Just remember to keep it fun and easy, and tailor the outings to each individual.
Good luck and go fishing!
argosgirl
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Well thought out list! I sure subscribe to the “Keep It Simple” process when fishing and sharing the water with a new angler. I will usually head for the nearest Bluegill fishery and start them out fishing for these pugnacious little scrappers. Appreciate the reminders, sometimes it is easy to overlook their values.
Bluegill and pumpkinseed are the best fish for getting someone into the sport! On the weekend I was reminded once again of just how hard a pumpkinseed will fight. Great little fish. Thanks for reading!