Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors. You feel pride and a sense of accomplishment when you first catch a fish with your family. However, fishing can be tricky, and it can require many attempts to do it right. Here are a few beginner tips that would help you become good at it. 

• Pick a Place: Saltwater Fishing vs. Freshwater Fishing

If you’ve never been fishing before, saltwater fishing might be a little tricky for you. Most beginners are introduced to freshwater through swimming and find it a little easier to fish in. 

You might be wondering what the difference is? 

Saltwater fishing is in the coastal areas. On the other hand, freshwater fishing is easier for beginners since it takes place in peaceful lakes and small water bodies. If you’re interested in saltwater fishing, you can book a trip with a saltwater fishing guide.

• Choosing the Correct Lure Color

Fishing lures are small objects that are attached to the end of the fishing line. They are typically shaped as the prey of the fish you intend to capture. Do some research before you go fishing so you take the lures you want. Remember, not every fish would be attracted to the same lure. Also, another tip would be to start by matching your lure to the color of the water you’re fishing in, and you can change it up if you’re not catching any. This way, you would be able to know what color will lure the fish in. For example, try using a white lure when fishing in clear water and a lime lure in green water.

• The Right Fishing Gear

After choosing the correct lure, you should choose the right gear for your fishing trip. Fishing rods are not one size fits all. Get the gear that’s appropriately sized for the fish you’re targeting. An 8-pound class casting reel that we love using to catch salmon would be too big for catching small fish like black crappie. Get the right-sized reel instead of making do with what you have. 

• Best Time for Fishing

Most fish avoid direct sunlight. Knowing this would help you plan your day when going fishing. Many species come right out at dawn looking for food. As the day goes by, especially in summer, fish stay in areas under the shade. They are more active on cooler days rather than on hot sunny days. 

• Fishing Lines

Different fishing lines can be used, depending on the type of water you’re fishing in and the type of species you are going for. As a beginner, remember these two lines; braiding line and monofilament line. Monofilament has less sensitivity and only stretches a bit. However, braid lines have high sensitivity, and hooks and lures can be easily attached to it. 

• Sharp Hooks

It is common sense to always check the hooks of your fishing rode before leaving. Make sure they are sharp and pointed. Even though this is such an important step, many people go fishing with old dull hooks. They might catch a few. However, they could have caught a huge lot more if only they had remembered to sharpen their hooks. 

• Tie-the-Knots Correctly

Without learning how to rig, you can’t go fishing. It is important to tie knots properly firstly so that it doesn’t break when you attach the hook. Secondly, learning to tie some knots would mimic lures and benefit you in catching fish. This is only possible with time when you learn those certain knots. 

• Safety

Yes, you need to take all your fishing gear but take care of your safety as well. Make a list of things that would make your fishing trip more comfortable, for example, sunscreen, water bottles to stay hydrated, bandages for any possible mishaps. 

• Do Your Research

Be in touch with the fishing community to know what the new trend is, what new places are good for fishing and what gear is being used currently. Read about different types of fish species in freshwaters and how to attract most fish in one area. These tips and your research would take your fishing skills to another level. 

• Practice Makes Perfect

Fishing takes practice and time. It is a learning process, and with better techniques, you’ll get better at catching fish. 

You’ll be able to put your skills to the test and have a great time when you visit Alaska and go on a trip with Action Alaska Sportfishing. Capt. Cody will ensure that you have a great time fishing on the Kimshan. Visit actionalaska.com to learn more and book a trip.