Fishing Guide. There are three things you need to have for your first fishing experience ― a license, a rod, and a calm attitude. As for the rest of the instructions, leave those to us. By the end of this article, you will be familiar with how to choose bait, how to set the hook, how to adjust the drag, how to cast, how to reel in the catch, and finally, how to land your fish.
Settle comfortably on your boat dock because now come the difficult parts of the process.
In “Part 1” of this blog, we already discussed the first three steps of fishing. Now, let’s take a look at the remaining three:
Step #4 Casting
As a beginner, it’s better to have a spin reel rod as it is better to operate. This rod offers easy maintenance and is quite affordable compared to a bait caster reel rod. The reel of a spin-cast rod is housed in a plastic box, which helps minimize tangles. This rod can be used for casting both heavy and light lures. Here’s how to use this rod:
- Position the rod at your waist level. The reel should be hanging below the rod and the bait should be hanging at least 15 inches below your waist
- Using your fingers, hook the line and slowly open the bail (make sure that you continue holding the line)
- Slightly pull the tip of the rod so that it moves over your right shoulder and then move it forward
- Close the bail and now you can use the retrieve technique
Step #5 Reeling
If you catch a big fish on your first try, then you need to be prepared because the bigger the fish, the harder the pull. You will know this when the reel speeds into reverse. This is when you need to remember the previous steps. Do not pull hard if you feel the reel moving farther. This is an indication that the fish is still swimming. Here’s what you should do:
- Let the reel go and allow the drag to work (just make sure that your rod is held at an angle of 45° to the water and towards the fish)
- As soon as the drag stops, start reeling
- When you feel the fish has stopped swimming, take the line off from your reel and lift the tip
- Raise the rod skyward and reel
- While you are reeling, slowly lower the rod and bow it down to 45°, keeping the pressure even
- Repeat this process
Step #6 Landing the Fish
Now that you know how to cast and reel, it’s time to learn the last step of the process. Here’s how to land your fish:
- When you have reeled in the fish and it gets closer to your boat, drop the weight of the rod to your waist
- Follow the fish with your rod if you feel that it went under the boat
- If the fish is visible, you will know exactly when to land it. All those swimming and escape attempts will tire out the fish and it will tip over with its fin on its side
- If you have caught a crappie, then grab it with your hand or a net
- Once the fish is on the boat, let it flap around for a few seconds and then remove the hook
And that’s how you land a fish! Tonight’s dinner ― baked fish with steamed vegetables and a glass of wine.
Have more questions? EZ Dock Texas can help. Contact us today.