Fishing is a hobby that's open and accessible to everyone. No matter who you are, how old you are, or where you live (as long as you’re willing to travel to an area with water), you can become an angler.
However, that doesn't mean it's mindlessly easy to get started. Sure, it's not hard to buy a fishing pole and it's certainly not hard to sit by the water, but if you want to be successful in actually catching fish – and if you want to have fun in the meantime – you might have your work cut out for you.
The Biggest Challenges to Overcome as a New Angler
Let's take a look at some of the biggest challenges that new anglers have to overcome:
- Finding the right boat. You don't technically need a boat to go fishing. If you live close to a pond, a river, or another body of water, you may be able to set up a fishing pole on the banks. But fishing becomes a much more enjoyable and flexible hobby when you have a boat to carry you. Not only will you be able to head off into deeper waters, but you'll also have more control over your environment – and you can avoid some of the most crowded fishing areas.
The question is, what type of boat do you need? If you've never owned a boat before, this might be an intimidating idea. But the truth is, most boats can be used for fishing in one way or another. What's important is that you try out many different types of boats and find the perfect vessel for your specific wants and needs.
- Choosing the right area. You'll also need to choose the right area to start fishing. If you're looking for convenience and simplicity, this might be an easy question to address. Assuming you live next to a body of water, and it's legal to fish in that body of water, you can get started there.
Otherwise, consider researching fish that are easy to catch for newcomers. Sunfish, trout, walleye, and largemouth bass are common options; once you have a solid list of potential fish to catch, you can start looking for nearby areas that contain them. And don't be afraid to take a specific fishing trip to somewhere new!
- Understanding local laws and regulations. Fishing isn’t legal everywhere, and even where it is legal, there may be specific restrictions in place to dictate when and how you fish. For the most part, local municipalities do a good job of posting these rules and regulations, while simultaneously making them clear and convenient for newcomers. Still, you'll need to make a concentrated effort to understand the rules and restrictions in your area and follow them precisely. These aren't just arbitrary laws; they're designed to protect the environment and improve sustainability.
- Buying the right equipment. What type of fishing pole do you need? Do you need a lure? What type of bait do you need and how much of it do you need? What about fishing line and tackle? It's overwhelming for beginners, especially if you're looking at the massive selection of a sporting goods store. But realistically, it's fine to start out with something basic and suited to a wide variety of fishing styles. You can always upgrade later when you have more specific tastes and interests.
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment. How do you make sure your equipment stays in good condition between uses? Intuitively, you might be able to follow certain guidelines, like drying your equipment before storing it in a tackle box. But others might elude you. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or instructions that came with the equipment when you purchased it. You can also ask a more seasoned veteran for further direction.
- Failing to understand fish behaviour. Understanding fish behaviour is a practical prerequisite for fishing success. What types of lures and movements in the water is this specific fish attracted to? What types of weather conditions do these fish favour? What depth of water do they prefer and is there a seasonality to their movements? It may seem silly to suggest you need to “think like a fish” in order to be a successful angler, but there's a grain of truth to it. Fortunately, fish behaviour is well documented online, so you should have no trouble finding the information you need.
- Relying too much on a fish finder. One of your best assets on your fishing boat is going to be a fish finder – a small device dedicated to helping you locate fish in the water. These devices also typically track other metrics, like water depth. However, most fish finders only provide you with limited, basic information. If you rely too heavily on them, you'll probably end up being disappointed.
- Neglecting weather patterns and local conditions. Weather patterns and local conditions have a huge bearing on how fish behave. Checking the weather and planning your trip accordingly could help you see better results – and more importantly, it can keep you safe.
- Remaining patient. You already know that fishing is a game of patience – but many anglers don't realise just how much patience is required. This is especially true as a newcomer when your skills haven't fully developed.
- Remembering the point. Remember, it’s not necessarily about catching the biggest fish or catching the most fish. It’s about relaxing, having a good time, and bonding with other people (or having time to yourself).
Working Through the Challenges
This article shouldn't intimidate you, and if you truly love the idea of fishing, you shouldn't be turned off or the idea that there are challenges awaiting you. If anything, you should be inspired by them. Part of the beauty of fishing is that it becomes more familiar and gets easier with experience. Each time you go out, you'll have more expertise, more knowledge, and greater skills that you can use to pursue bigger game and have more successful voyages. And at a certain point, you'll be ready to share your knowledge and experience with other people.
One of the first things you’ll need as a new angler is a boat you can use to fish. If you’re ready to take the plunge, or if you just want to browse and see what types of vessels are out there, take a look at our selection of new and used boats for sale today!