Fishing is a quintessentially American pastime. There are many types of fishing you can do, from angling to trolling, and whether you’re fishing for sport or food, there’s no other activity that can quench your need for nature and excitement. Just think about all the weekends you’ve spent out on the water. Even if your trips prove fruitless, they’re still time well spent.
Another great thing about fishing is people of all dispositions can partake in it. People who value their quiet time can row a small boat out to the water by themselves. Conversely, you can spend an afternoon at sea with your friends and family. However, fishing isn’t as straightforward as you think. Just like any pastime, there are a few things you need to do first. You could get hurt or worse if you don’t treat this activity with the respect it deserves.
That said, you don’t need to experience to start fishing. All you have to do is to keep an open mind and to follow a few basic precautions. Basic knowledge of fishing gear can also be helpful. With a bit of time and preparation, you can have a fun and productive time with your rod. Here are a few basic tips to get you started.
1. Safety first
While fishing itself is relatively safe, bodies of water are full of dangers. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization believes that fishing is the world’s most dangerous occupation. With tens of thousands of fishing-related injuries and deaths every year, your priority should be safety.
Anything can happen at sea, and you need to make sure you’re equipped to deal with a wide variety of scenarios. Do you know how to administer first aid? What would you do if you or someone else falls overboard? What if the weather turns for the worse? These are just some of the things you need to prepare for before going out to sea.
2. Start small
Many people assume that fishing is an expensive hobby, and it’s easy to see why. For starters, you need a boat to access fishing grounds, and not everyone has the capacity to buy one. And, indeed, many fishing enthusiasts go all out when it comes to their favorite hobby. But if you’re starting, you don’t need to spend a lot on the necessities.
Basic fishing only requires a rod or a hand line, some bait, and hooks and sinkers. There are many rental businesses around popular fishing spots, and you can rent everything from boats to equipment. Start small, and once you’ve progressed in skill, you can then move on to better gear such as the Daiwa Exist.
3. Watch what you buy
If you’re thinking of buying new equipment, you need to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. You don’t want to be out a couple of hundred dollars when your gear breaks after one or two uses. Make sure to check the warranty card before buying anything from the fishing store.
As a general rule, the better the warranty, the more reliable the product. Brands that offer a comprehensive warranty know that their products are reliable and durable. Meanwhile, cheap fishing gear probably won’t last long and is a waste of money.
The bottom line
These three tips will help ensure a safer and more productive time on the water. Make sure to put safety first, regardless of your level of skill. It’s also smart to start with basic gear before moving on to bigger and more complicated equipment. Finally, always check what you buy. The market is full of fakes and low-quality gear, so only go for equipment with an ironclad warranty.
