Back to basics - Fishing for Beginners

Written by: Tom Crew

January 23, 2023

Time to read 6 min

Fishing for Beginners

Whether you’re aiming to catch a delicious dinner or a trophy fish for the brag board, fishing is a fantastic sport that offers enjoyment and relaxation for people of all ages. With the right combination of patience, persistence, and a bit of technique, you’ll find yourself reeling in fish all day long. The key to successful fishing lies in understanding your environment, selecting the appropriate gear, and mastering essential skills. Whether you're casting from the shore of a tranquil lake, drifting in a boat on the open sea, or wading in a river, each experience offers its unique challenges and rewards.

This guide is tailored for beginners or those considering taking up fishing for the first time. With the vast array of rods and reels available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. However, with some expert advice and guidance, you can easily navigate through the options and find the perfect gear to start your fishing journey.

Rods and Reels

Fishing rods are classified by their length and the weight of the fish they are designed to catch. For example, a standard fishing rod might be a 7-foot rod suitable for catching fish weighing between 2-4kg. Boat fishing rods, on the other hand, tend to be shorter and are designed to handle heavier fish, typically ranging from 5-7kg, and in some cases, even up to 24kg. Surf rods, often used in beach conditions, are generally longer, coming in at 10 to 12 feet. The extra length of surf rods helps keep the fishing line above the waves and allows for longer casts, crucial for reaching deeper waters.

Matching the length and strength of the rod to the type of fish you’re targeting is essential for a successful fishing experience. For instance, a 7-foot spinning rod is ideal for basic estuary and boat fishing, providing versatility and ease of use for catching a variety of fish species.

Fishing reels come in various designs, including spin reels, side cast, bait cast, and overhead reels, and are rated by size (e.g., 1000, 2000, 5000, etc.). Spinning reels are the most popular choice due to their ease of use and suitability for most types of fishing. Side cast reels are also favored for their durability and user-friendly nature.

The key is to match the type of reel to your rod and the fish you’re targeting. For example, a small to medium reel, such as a 2000 or 3000, is perfect for estuary fishing, providing the right balance of size and strength to handle estuary fish effectively.

Combos are an excellent way to ensure you have a perfectly matched rod and reel suited to your type of fishing. These pre-packaged sets are not only convenient but also take the guesswork out of pairing your gear. Most combos come pre-spooled with line, so all you need to add are a few essential accessories like hooks, sinkers, and swivels, and you’re ready to start fishing. Whether you’re targeting freshwater species or heading out for some saltwater action, combos provide a hassle-free option for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Terminal Tackle

((Hooks, Sinkers & Swivels)

Hooks, sinkers, and swivels come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each designed for specific fishing situations. To increase your chances of landing a prize catch, it’s crucial to match the hook shape and size to the fish you’re targeting. For example, whiting have small, narrow mouths, so using a number 3 or 2 long shank hook works well. When targeting fish with wider mouths, such as bream or flathead, using hooks with a different shape, like ‘bait-holder’ hooks, can significantly increase your chances of a successful hook-up. For larger baits, gang-hooks are ideal, as they provide multiple points of contact, improving the likelihood of a secure catch.

Sinkers also vary in shape and weight, and choosing the right one depends on factors like water depth, current, and the type of fishing you’re doing. Lighter sinkers are suitable for calm, shallow waters, while heavier sinkers are necessary for deeper waters and stronger currents.

Swivels are essential for preventing your line from twisting, especially when using live bait or lures that spin in the water. They come in various sizes, and it’s important to choose a swivel that matches the strength and type of your fishing line to ensure a smooth, tangle-free experience.

Bait Hook

Bait holder hooks are among the most popular and versatile types of hooks available. They come in a variety of styles, each designed to hold bait securely in place. Most bait holder hooks feature barbs on the shaft, which help to prevent the bait from slipping off, ensuring that it stays in position even in challenging conditions. These hooks are ideal for fishing with live bait, as the barbs help maintain the natural presentation of the bait, increasing the likelihood of attracting fish. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, bait holder hooks are a reliable choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Circle Hook

Circle hooks feature a distinctive large circular bend, a short shank, and an inward bending point. This design makes them highly effective for catch and release fishing. When a fish takes the bait, the hook's shape ensures it is more likely to lodge in the corner of the fish's mouth, reducing the risk of deep hooking and making unhooking easier and less stressful for both the angler and the fish. This not only improves the chances of the fish's survival after release but also makes circle hooks an excellent choice for bait fishing. Their unique design also minimizes the need for a strong hook set, as the fish's natural movement usually sets the hook securely.

Gang Hooks

Gang hooks are perfect for using whole fish baits, such as pilchards, especially when targeting larger fish species like mackerel or snapper. These hooks are typically set in a series, providing multiple points of attachment, which helps secure larger baits and increases the chances of a successful catch. Gang hooks are particularly effective in surf and deep-sea fishing, where bigger fish are often the target.

When it comes to sinkers, the key is to find the right weight that gets your bait to the desired depth while still allowing some natural movement with the water flow and wind conditions. A sinker that's too heavy can anchor your bait, making it look unnatural, while a sinker that's too light may not reach the target depth. Therefore, it's important to carry a variety of sinkers in your tackle box to adapt to different fishing conditions. This versatility ensures you can fine-tune your setup to match the environment, increasing your chances of attracting fish.

Bait or Lure?

Undecided between bait fishing and using lures? Don’t worry, both methods can be highly effective! Typically, bait fishing is easier and is a fantastic starting point for beginners. Common types of bait that fish love include prawns, pilchards, squid, and worms. Using bait that your target fish naturally consume in their environment will significantly increase your chances of landing a big catch.

Lures, including soft plastics, metal jigs, and hard body lures, come in thousands of different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs, which can be overwhelming at first. Each type of lure requires a different retrieval technique or 'jigging' action to mimic the movements of real bait, such as a baitfish or prawn. The key is to make your lure's movement as lifelike as possible to attract fish.

Most soft plastic lures will need a weighted hook called a 'jig head.' Jig heads come in various weights and shapes, allowing you to control the depth and action of your lure. Experimenting with different jig heads and retrieval speeds will help you determine what works best in your fishing environment. Remember, practice and patience are essential as you refine your techniques and learn what attracts your target fish.

Mono or Braid?

Confused about whether to use monofilament (mono) or braided line? For beginners, we recommend starting with monofilament line. It’s economical, easier to tie knots with, and more resistant to abrasion from rocks, debris, or pylons, making it ideal for land-based fishing. Mono line also has a bit of stretch, which can be forgiving for beginners as it helps absorb the shock of a fighting fish.

Braided line, on the other hand, offers advantages that experienced anglers appreciate. It has a smaller diameter for the same strength, allowing for longer casts and deeper dives. Braided line also has little to no stretch, providing better sensitivity and hook-setting power. However, it can be more challenging to handle and requires a bit more skill to tie knots properly.

If you're considering transitioning to braided line or want to learn more about its benefits, don't hesitate to ask a knowledgeable team member in-store for personalized advice and tips on using braided lines effectively.