How to Fish (with Pictures)

Co-authored by:

Professional Fishing Instructor

This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This article has been viewed 1,378,567 times.

Co-authors: 179

Updated: November 8, 2023

Article SummaryX

To fish, start by looking for a public lake, river, or pond where you won’t mind spending a few hours. If you live on the coast, you can also fish in the ocean. Make sure recreational fishing is allowed in the area and research if you’ll need to obtain a permit. After you choose a location, plan on fishing around sunrise or sunset because fish are most active at dawn and dusk. Before you head out, you’ll need to buy or rent a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, and hooks, which you can get at a local fishing shop. While you’re picking up your gear, stock up on some bait as well. Opt for a synthetic bait if you don’t want to handle live bait or, for a more authentic experience, get some worms or shrimp. You can even use cheese to lure fish to your hook if you’d prefer! Once you’ve gotten all of your materials, head to your fishing spot and settle in with all your gear. To get started, tie a hook to your fishing line and put some bait on it. Then, cast your line out into the water, and wait for something to bite. Be patient as getting a bite can often take some time! When you feel a tug on your fishing rod, pull it back quickly to hook the fish. After that, reel in your fishing line while pulling back on your rod until the fish is out of the water. For more tips, including how to decide whether to keep or release your fish, read on!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,378,567 times.

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