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Getting a Fishing LicenseYour Guide to


Table ofContents

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Your Guide to Fishing Classes

Everything You Needfor a Perfect Fishing Trip

How to Choose the Right Fishing Rod

10 Fishing Hacks You Need to Know

Tips for Saving Money on Gear

What to Wear for Every Fishing Trip

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Everything You Need toKnow to Start Fly Fishing


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How to Pick the Perfect Lure

Effective Tips to Improve Your Casting

7 Advantages to Fishing at Night

Top Fishing Destinations for 2019

Top Fishing Organizations in the U.S.

How to Clean, Scale and Steak a Fish

5 Fish Recipes for Your Fresh Catch

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Your Guide toFishing Classes

Fishing is an outdoor sport that has been popular for centuries. It is a great way for participants to enjoy nature, learn about marine conservation and make timeless memories. Unfortunately, many residents across the country want to go fishing, but may feel they are not educated enough on the equipment, bait or fishing laws in their states. In order to help more interested res-idents become anglers, many states offer fishing classes for beginners.


To help educate residents, many state gov-ernments and national parks offer class-es to help anglers of all skill levels get the most out of their fishing experiences. Many of these state- and federal-sponsored fish-ing classes are free of charge for residents. Some states even offer free classes for more advanced anglers. Regardless of where they get their fishing lessons, beginner anglers will learn the skills and gain the confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

Who should consider taking fishing classes?The best thing about fishing is that with the right gear and a little bit of instruction, every-one can do it! In most states, kids as young as eight years old can take beginner fishing classes. Numerous states also have initia-tives intended to get more young children and women to start fishing by providing


them with free fishing classes. These class-es can be a convenient way for everyone in the family to learn the basics of fishing while spending quality time together. Anyone who has ever been interested in learning how to fish should consider signing up for beginner fishing classes in their local area to learn the basics of this inclusive sport.

What do fishing classes cover?Depending on the state, fishing classes can cover a wide variety of topics in the class-room and out in the field. For example, fish-ing classes in a state with consistent yearly snowfall and icy lakes, such as Michigan or New York, may include ice fishing in its cur-riculum. On the other hand, states with ac-cess to the ocean, such as Florida or Califor-nia, may include classes on deep sea fishing. Most states will offer a fishing course that covers topics including:


An overview of fishing equipment and supplies.

Common fish in the area and how to identify them.

How to tie a knot and bait a hook.

Conservation and fishing.

Proper casting and fish handling tech-niques.

Fishing regulations in the area.

Note: Private fishing classes typically cover the same material as the free government courses, but usually have smaller class sizes.


Fishing Classes for BeginnersMany states offer free introductory fishing classes that can be incredible resources for beginner anglers. In fact, many programs offer courses that are targeted to certain de-mographics. Some states offer classes that are designed for children, women, senior citizens or other specific groups of people. These courses generally begin with a class-room portion, where students learn essen-tial skills and information about fishing in their areas. Beginners can learn valuable fishing information, such as:

The parts of a fishing rod.

An introduction to specialized forms of fishing (ice fishing, fly fishing, et-cetera).

Helpful knots to master.


Once students complete the classroom por-tion of the fishing course, the class visits a fishing spot for practical experience. Finding a good spot to fish is an essential skill for all anglers. Attending a beginner fishing class pro-vides these students with a few places to start.

How to select the proper gear and tackle.

How to play, land and safely release fish.

Nature’s effects on fishing.

How to read water and currents for safe fishing.


Fishing locations for beginners are usually very accessible and safe for anglers of all ages.

Fishing Classes for Experts to Hone Their SkillsAdvanced fishermen can also benefit from taking fishing classes. Not only will they be able to brush up on foundational skills, but they will also be able to share techniques with their fellow anglers. Additionally, many states offer classes centered around unique fishing methods, such as:

Ice Fishing. Ice fishing is obviously popular in colder states with heavy snow and icy waters. An angler will find a spot, cut a hole in the ice and start fishing. This method can yield great results, but it can also be very dangerous. An advanced fishing class can help anglers prepare for the haz-ards of ice fishing.


Bow Fishing. As the name suggests, bow fishing is when fish are caught with a specially equipped bow and arrow. This method is popular in a va-riety of habitats with shallow waters, such as rivers, lakes, flooded fields and marshes. Some fishing classes may have courses designed to spe-cifically focus on bow fishing.

Fish Gigging. Gigging is when a fish-erman spears fish rather than catch-ing them on a traditional hook and line. Generally, gigging is done at night in shallow, clear water. This method is helpful for catching fish that are known as “suckers,” which are difficult to catch using traditional angling techniques.


Once you are out on the boat, there is noth-ing you can do if you realize that you have left something important at home. Never forget your essential items again by dou-ble-checking your pack against our compre-hensive fishing trip checklist.

Everything You Needfor a Perfect Fishing Trip


The Essentials:

Your fishing license. You are legally required to have a valid state fishing license, even when at sea.

Sunscreen. Bring sunscreen, even if you’ll be on a shaded boat. Any expo-sure to the sun requires protection.

Sunglasses and a hat. Protect your skin and eyes if you plan to be out-side for a long fishing trip.

An extra pair of socks. Soggy socks can ruin your day on the water and it is easy to get them wet on a boat or shoreline. Bring an extra pair in case you need them.

Quality rain gear. The weather re-port is never 100 percent accurate. Be prepared for rain and wind in-stead of letting it cut your trip short.


Insect repellent. This is especially necessary during summer months.

Small first aid kit. Hopefully, first aid will not be needed. However, if a hook goes awry or a knife slips when you are filleting, you’ll be glad you brought it.

Rods and reels. If you have your own equipment, make sure to pack it. However, rods and reels take up a lot of space and you may prefer to rent them.

Tackle box, fully stocked with equip-ment.

• Long-nose pliers to remove fish hooks.

• Small knives to clean the fish.

• Tape measure to document your catch.


• Extra fishing lines.

• Lures or flies.

• Swivel to keep the fishing line from twisting.

• Hooks of differing sizes.

• Stringer to hold your catches.

• Bobbers or floaters.

• Spare reading glasses, if needed.

• Paper towel.

• Plastic bags for trash.

• Travel-size hand sanitizer or soap.

Cash. Keep a small amount of cash on hand for any last-minute needs.

Hand towel. This can be used to clean your hands or equipment.


The Extras: For a Deep-Sea Trip:

The current fishing regulation guide for your state. It’s not easy to remem-ber the size limits on every species of fish so you can bring the manual with you.

Ice box. This can help to preserve your catches on the way home.

Waders. You can use these if you plan to go into the water at any point.

A camera. If you catch a prize fish, you’ll want photographic evidence.

Water-resistant clothing and extra socks.

Flat, slip-resistant shoes. The boat deck will be wet. Ease your discom-fort by wearing non-slip shoes or deck boots.


Water and snacks. They may be available on the boat, but you should also consider bringing your own.

Sea sickness medication. Even if you do not believe you will get sea sickness, being prepared is better than being nauseous.

Water-proof bag. Keep your cash, cell phone, fishing licenses and oth-er personal items safe inside a wa-ter-proof bag.

Chapstick. Not only will it protect you from the sun, it will ease the dis-comfort of the wind out on the water.


Did You Know? The ocean can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the shore, and that’s not including the poten-tial wind chill. Remember to dress in layers and bring a wind breaker, even if it is summer.

Extra sets of clothes. If you get wet on a multi-day trip, you will need at least one set of clothing in addition to what you plan to wear. If you get wet without spare clothes to change into, you may be uncomfortable until you can go back to port.

Flashlight or headlamp. You could use your cell phone’s flashlight, but an actual lamp will provide better light and will not drain your phone’s battery.

For an Overnight Trip:


External phone battery. Access to an electrical outlet is not guaranteed. Bring an external battery for your phone.

Deck sandals or flat non-slip shoes. An overnight trip on a boat requires you to bring deck-safe shoes that are comfortable enough to wear at night.

Eye mask. An eye mask isn’t essen-tial, but it may help you sleep when you are staying overnight on a boat.

Small water-proof bag. Keep your personal items safe in a small wa-ter-proof bag.

Water and snacks. These may be provided on board, but if you feel you may want extra snacks or water, bring them.


For Ice Fishing:

Long fleece underwear and ther-mal socks.

Layers for extended time on the ice. Bring a windbreaker, beanie, scarf, insulated gloves and a jacket.

Cold-weather boots with cleats. Keep your feet warm and wear shoes that will have traction on the ice.

Water. You must stay hydrated, even in cold weather. Store water some-where it won’t freeze.


GPS or maps. It is easy to get lost when a sheet of ice makes everything look the same. Bring a compass and a map to help you navigate.

A seat or stool. Bring something to sit on that will keep you comfortable and off the ice.

Ice sled. This can be used to trans-port your equipment and yourself safely and easily.

Blanket. In addition to your layers, you may also want an extra blanket to stay warm.

Auger. You will need an auger to drill a hole in the ice.

Fishing net. A fishing net helps you scoop up a catch when you have reeled it in.


Fishing can be expensive for both new and experienced anglers. However, there are many ways to save money on gear and en-joy fishing without worrying about the cost. Strategies for saving on fishing equipment do not differ much from saving on groceries or clothes. Spending less money involves being strategic and purposeful. Anglers who save money are those who do their re-search and do not value waste.

There are some basic ways that fisherman can save on equipment, such as by com-paring prices and purchasing items on sale. Furthermore, anglers can plan their fishing budget by checking prices online before going to a store. Making essential items by

Tips for SavingMoney on Gear


hand and properly maintaining equipment can also help to save money in the long-term. Continue reading below to learn more about the useful ways that fishermen can save money and enjoy their sport.

Buy Sale ItemsCertain fishing equipment, such as hooks, may be worth purchasing at full price. However, many other essential items on clearance will work just as well as full-priced items. Some tackle that can func-tion just as well when purchased with a discount is:

Bait.

Tackle boxes.

Lures.

Sinkers.

Fishing rods.

Reels.


While some items may not meet the per-formance standards of more expensive equipment, they can still function proper-ly. Discovering which pieces can be bought on discount and which are worth the extra money is dependent on personal experi-ence, skill and trial and error.

In addition, many retailers, both online and in-store, host large sales at the beginning and end of fishing season. Therefore, the best time to shop for supplies include the beginning of spring and the end of fall.


Shop OnlineOne of the best ways to save money is to shop online. Certain online retailers have large volumes of equipment. Therefore, many products are listed at discounted pric-es. Some of these online stores include:

E-Bay wholesale fishing

Land Big Fish

Discount Tackle

Fisherman’s Factory Outlet

Furthermore, shopping online makes it easy to perform price comparisons. Anglers can compare the online prices of big-name retail-ers, online sellers and their local shops in one space. These shoppers can ensure they are

https://www.ebay.com/b/Fishing-Equipment-Wholesale-Lots/40147/bn_2311285

http://www.landbigfish.com/

https://discounttackle.com/

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/


using their money wisely and saving wherev-er possible. Checking the prices of equipment online helps anglers develop budgets and buy within their means instead of being swayed by new and shiny gear in a store.

Take Care of Your GearAnother way to save more money on tack-le is to buy less of it. One way this can be accomplished is by practicing gear mainte-nance. While some equipment can only be used a few times before it becomes a hin-drance, many other pieces will continue to work after some minor repairs or touchups. The following are ways to maintain several essential pieces of fishing equipment:

Sharpen dull hooks. Work a metal file or sharpening stone toward the point of the hook. Continue around the entire circumference. Repeat the process if necessary.


Buy What You NeedWhile this tip is primarily for new anglers, it can benefit some experienced fishermen as well. To avoid unnecessary expenditures, anglers should aim to only purchase the equipment they need for their fishing trips. For example,

Repair soft plastic. Holes in plastic worms can be repaired by bringing a lighter or candle to torn area until it melts. Allow the melted plastic to cool and mend the hole.

Wash rods and reels. Thoroughly rinse the rod. Take apart the reel and gently remove all dirt and debris. Al-low to dry completely before reas-sembling.

Touch up lures. During the off-sea-son, take a metal file and steel wool to remove any rust that developed on lures.


it is unlikely that every color line will be need-ed for one trip. Additionally, an accessory like a swivel may not be necessary if the targeted fish species does not twist the line or have sharp teeth. These purchases can be avoided for an upcoming trip.

This type of knowledge comes from both re-search and experience. Therefore, to save money as a new fisherman, it is important to research which tools and equipment are best suited for each purpose prior to visit-ing a supply shop. This allows you to avoid buying unnecessary products.

Do It Yourself Fishing supplies do not have to be fancy to be effective. A lot of tackle equipment can be made at home or refurbished. While making a rod will take special skills and expertise, oth-er fishing necessities can be made easily with


inexpensive materials. The following are some essentials that can be made or assembled at home instead of purchased:

Lures. Various kits provide the nec-essary pieces to build custom lures. They allow anglers to make numer-ous lures of various weights, colors and designs at a fraction of the price of ready-made items.

Trailer hooks. Effective trailer hooks can be easily made from plastic straws. This is especially beneficial for bass fishing.

Rod accessories. Rather than purchas-ing new rods, anglers can add upgrades, such as rope-tape and reel handle rub-ber, to improve their rod handling.

Poppers. These items can easily be hand-made using light materials, such as wood or foam.


Fishing is a sport that is essentially available everywhere. With a legal fishing license, you can fish at a neighborhood lake or take a boat out into the Atlantic Ocean. However, your wardrobe for an ice fishing excursion should not look like your outfit for a trip to the Everglades. Even when you plan to fish at the local river, you may want to pack a second set of clothes for the drive home.

What to Wear forEvery Fishing Trip


For a basic fishing trip, you should always pack:

An extra pair of socks.

A hat.

A windbreaker.

Sunscreen.

However, you may need more specialized gear if you plan an overnight trip on a boat or a deep-sea adventure. Also, no matter the temperature, always wear gear that will protect your skin. Gloves, long-sleeve shirts and hats protect against bugs, sun and cold equally well. They will also allow you to stay more comfortable for a long day on the water.


For Warm Weather When the sun is bright and the air is hot, it is tempting to dress in shorts and a thin t-shirt. However, fishing in warm climates often means long hours exposed to the sun. Shedding layers may help you feel cooler momentarily, but you will regret it if you end the day with a painful sunburn.

Tip: You will dehydrate quickly if you sweat a lot while fishing. Severe de-hydration can lead to fever or hospi-talization so it is important to bring and drink plenty of water through-out the trip.


If you are going on a short fishing trip and only plan to be outside for a few hours, a t-shirt, shorts and sunblock may be enough to stay comfortable. However, if you are spending the day on the water, prepare yourself with:

Breathable fabrics. Wear long sleeves and long pants to keep the sun away and bugs off. However, choose a lightweight fabric for hot weather, such as nylon.

A sun hat and sunglasses. Light re-flects off the water, so stay cool with a sun hat and protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Cooling rag. After a long time in the sun, you will want a cool rag to hang on your shoulders or forehead. You can pack a microfiber cooling rag or soak a hand towel and place it in the cooler so it stays cold.


For Cold WeatherLayers are essential when you are fishing in a cold climate, and sunglasses are espe-cially important if you’re going to be in the snow. While not every cold climate requires thermal underwear, it is essential to equip

Water shoes or sandals. Wear non-slip, water-resistant shoes or waders, in case you have to go in the water.

A rain jacket or wind breaker. The weather can always change, so stay prepared with a rain poncho or coat.

Sun gloves. Your hands can burn just like the rest of your body, and it can be especially uncomfortable to deal with blistered thumbs after your trip. Either bring lightweight sun gloves or remember to apply sunscreen to your hands multiple times through-out the day.


yourself with a jacket, boots and gloves. If you plan a long fishing trip in the winter, you should also have:

A scarf. Protect your face or neck from the cold and wind.

Shoes with grip. If you plan to be on the snow or ice, wear shoes with trac-tion.

A padded rain jacket. Stay warm and dry if you are caught in a storm or flurry.

Insulated shirt and pants. Wear as many layers as you feel is appropri-ate for the weather, but always start with an insulated under-layer.

A change of clothes. If you get wet for any reason, you will be at risk of hypothermia. Do not let yourself re-main damp and exposed to the cold.


Thermal socks. Your boots should be lined for cold weather, but you should also wear thermal socks to keep your feet warm.

Tip: Refrain from wearing cotton as a layer. Even in the snow, layers may cause you to sweat, and cotton is a fabric that absorbs moisture. Not only will it be uncomfortable for you to be damp, letting sweat sit on your skin could lead to rashes.


For Wet Weather In the strictest terms, all fishing environ-ments are wet. However, fishing by a river is not as wet as ice fishing, deep sea fish-ing or fishing in a swamp. In a wet climate, you need to take greater precautions and wear water-resistant clothing. Additionally, always pack extra clothes and extra socks when you are at risk of getting wet.

You should pack the same gear for a short or long trip into a wet environment. Be prepared for water spray, rain or splash by wearing:

A water-resistant outer layer. You may prefer a disposable, plastic pon-cho or brand name coat, but bring something to keep the water from getting into your clothes.

Extra socks. Sometimes your feet get wet, despite your best attempt to avoid it. Have an extra set of socks on hand.


Rain boots, deck boots or deck shoes. Minimize the likelihood that you will get soggy socks by wearing water-resistant shoes.

Rain pants. Your jacket will most likely not cover your legs, so have an outerwear layer for your lower half as well.

Swimsuit. You never know when you may want to jump in the water. Bring a bathing suit instead of ruining your clothes.


There are many pieces of conventional ad-vice that are common to hear when it comes to choosing a fishing rod. For example, it is suggested that taller people should buy longer rods and shorter people should buy shorter rods. However, much conventional wisdom like this is actually too simple when it comes to making the best decision on your next fishing rod. When selecting a rod, you should choose by fishing type.

There are three key ways to judge a fishing rod: power, length and composition. Typi-cally, longer rods have firmer composition and heavy action, while shorter lines have lighter composition and light action. How-ever, keep in mind that this is not always

How to Choose theRight Fishing Rod


true, and even 15-foot rods can sometimes be built out of lightweight material.

Choosing by Rod Length and PowerRod lengths vary from 4-feet-6-inches to approximately 15 feet. The advantages of a larger rod are that it allows you to cast farther, use heavier lines and use larger lures. However, the advantage of a short line is that it allows you more control over your cast.

It is recommended to choose your rod length based on the fish you will be reeling in. For example:

Small fish, like trout and salm-on: Use a rod in the 4-foot-6-inch to 5-foot-6-inch range.

Catfishing or surf fishing: Consider a rod in the 8-foot range.


Choosing the Right Action A rod’s action is how much the rod bends, and it is ranked from ultra-light to heavy. An ultra-light rod has a lot of bend and bounce, whereas a heavy rod will be stiff. The action you need for your rod depends on the kind of fishing you plan to do.

Light and ultra-light action rods are good for “close combat” situations, where the fisher has to repeatedly jerk or walk to reel in the catch. A heavy rod will not have the same responsiveness.

Conversely, a heavy rod is preferable for fighting a bigger fish that may break a light line. The appropriate action for a rod is as follows:

Deep-sea fishing: Longer rods with heavy action are recommended.


Small fish like trout and salmon: Light or ultra-light action.

Catfishing or surf fishing: Medium to medium heavy action.

Deep-sea fishing: Heavy action.

Tip: You can find the specific rod length and action printed on the un-derside of the rod.


Choosing the Best Composition Fishing rods are made of three basic ma-terials: fiberglass, composite and graph-ite. Each of the three compositions have their pros and cons.

Heavy material, made to last, even on a rod with an ul-tra-light action.

Heavier and less responsive when there is a bite on the lure.

Lacks the sensitivity of graphite or the durability of fiberglass.

Hollow rod, so it is more likely to snap than the other two.

Presents a simple medium between the fiberglass and graphite.

Has the best sensitivity and responsiveness to fish.

Fiberglass

Composite

Graphite

ConsPros


Choosing Between the Extra FeaturesExtra features are not the crucial deciding points when buying a rod, but you may find that you have a strong preference for one type of keeper over another or that you pre-fer shorter handles to long handles. Evalu-ating some of the rod’s additional features may help you narrow down your rod selec-tion to the perfect choice.

Handle LengthTypically, you will find short handles on short rods and long handles on long rods.Short handles are best for fishing with a lot of action, so that you can maintain better control of the rod and the jerking line. Long handles are preferable when using longer casting, so that you can get both hands on the rod to control the line.


The Reel There are two standard reels you can choose from: casting reels and spinning reels. Casting reels have triggers but spin-ning reels do not. This is because the mech-anism on spinning rods is simpler and bet-ter for beginners. The rods with spinning reels are easier to cast and the line is less likely to tangle.

However, casting rods are more advanced and more durable. Additionally, line guides are less likely to snap off of a casting rod and the line itself is less likely to break.

Tip: Reels that have metal caps are more likely to last than those equipped with breakable plastic caps.


Line Guides Similar to choosing composition, you may also decide that you need medium line guides in most circumstances. Line guides vary in size and the sizes are typically determined by the kind of reel they are installed on. Casting reels usually have smaller line guides, while spinning rods have larger guides. While larg-er line guides are clunky, micro-guides are more likely to break the line.

Additional Tips on Choosing Your Rod

Heavier lures need heavier rods.

Always follow the line weight ratings listed on the rod. If you use a heavy line with a light rod, the rod may break. If you use a light line on a heavy rod, you may also experience a broken line.


Use a heavy rod when fishing in dense vegetation. You will have to fight through the shrub to reel in a fish, and the resistance may snap a light rod.

Short rods are preferable for kayak or bank fishermen, who need great-er control over their pitch and tip.


After you choose your new rod, it is import-ant to do everything you can to make it last. Keeping salt out of the mechanisms, scratch-es off the ferrules and slime off the handle are simple ways to keep your rod looking and working like new. However, even old rods can benefit from completing mainte-nance tasks.

You can also save yourself money and frus-tration by learning quick and easy ways to keep your fishing line from curling. A healthy line will stop your bait from becoming de-formed. A few organizational tricks can dou-ble the amount of use you can get out of both your rod and the accessories in your

10 Fishing HacksYou Need to Know


tackle box. Fishing equipment is not cheap, so preserve yours for as long as possible with these 10 gear-saving fishing hacks.

Soak your reels after saltwater fishing.Saltwater is extremely corrosive, even to the heavy rods and reels that are meant for deep sea fishing. Pre-serve your best equipment by rinsing it in freshwater after each use, then leaving it to soak overnight. Do not use soap and simply let the freshwa-ter draw out the salt.

Run your spool under hot water. Avoid line twist by running your spool under hot water. The heat will loosen your fishing line while you re-spool it, making it less likely to twist. The heat will also loosen the tension on the line and keep it from stiffening into a per-manent curl while it sits in the spool.

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Use a magnet to organize your fish-ing hooks. Keep all of your fishing hooks right where you want them by using a magnet in your tackle box. Even the smallest hooks will cling to a stan-dard magnet, so you will never have to dig through your tackle box look-ing for them.

Tip: Alternatively, you can organize your hooks with a safety pin. Run the pin through the end of each hook to group them by shape and size.

Shrink wrap your handle. Fish are covered in a layer of slime, and your hands will be too after han-dling a few catches. Keep the mess off your handle by covering it in a lay-er of shrink wrap. Your new rod will look pristine for much longer, and it will be easier to clean as well.

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Use braid on your spinning reels. Braided line lasts much longer than monofilament fishing line and is less likely to break during use. Additional-ly, braided line has no stretch, which makes it more sensitive. Switching to a braided line will save you money in the long run, and your lines will last months longer.

Hang your swimbaits. A swimbait lure will become de-formed if it lays on its side for too long. No matter what size bait you use, hang it up to keep it in good condition. You can either hang your swimbaits from a rack or create a special tackle box for hanging lures. You can clip them up with a rod and safety pins or invest in a full-size rack, if you feel you need the extra space.

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Tip: You can also preserve swimbaits by saving the boxes they were origi-nally packed in.

Release the drag. When you put your fishing rods away for the season, or even a few days, remember to release the drag. Con-tinued pressure on the inner springs of the reel loosen them over time. Gradually, your fishing rod will lose the power it had when you bought it.

Close the bail. Most spinning reels have automatic bail wire that closes when you turn the handle. However, this automatic mechanism is hard on the reel. Pre-serve the life of the reel and prevent wear by closing the bail manually each time.

Use egg cartons to preserve your bobbers.

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Stop bobbers from rolling around your tackle box by storing them in an egg carton. Not only will this make it easier for you to find them when you need one, it will also make them last longer and save them from dings and scratches.

Wrap electrical tape under your hook keeper. Keep your lures from scratching up your handle by wrapping elec-trical tape under the hook keeper. When the electrical tape gets cut and scratched, you can simply remove it and adhere new tape. However, your rod will stay in good shape.

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Fly fishing is a technique that involves cast-ing a lightweight fly above the water or right below the surface. The bait is meant to re-semble insects that typically float on water surfaces, such as ants, grasshoppers, may-flies and caddies. The goal is to outsmart the fish by luring them with a bait that looks like their natural food source. Fly fishing dif-fers from traditional methods, which often

Everything You Need to Know to Start Fly Fishing


involve placing the bait below the water to attract fish. Review the sections below for a complete guide to fly fishing.

Fly Fishing Equipment There are a few basic items you will need to go fly fishing. The following items are es-sential on your first excursion:

A fly rod. This is used to cast the fly line and varies in length and weight, depending on the type of fishing you want to do. For instance, an angler who is trout fishing will need a fly rod between 8.5 and nine feet, that weighs between four and six pounds.

A fly reel. The fly reel holds the fly line in place. Similar to the rod, the type you get depends on the type of fish you are seeking. It’s important to remember that reels and rods must


match and be the appropriate size for that specific fly line. Many man-ufacturers sell the rod and reels as a package, which saves customers the hassle of finding the appropriate equipment.

A fly line. A fly fishing line has four components: the backing, fly line, leader and tippet.

• The backing: This part of the line is attached to the arbor of the fly reel and serves as an additional braided line. It works when a fish pulls out the full length of the regular fly line.

• The leader: This device is a tapered monofilament that goes after the fly line. It is typically transparent and keeps the fly line from being seen by fish.

• The tippet: As the name suggests, the tippet is placed at the tip of the


fly line, right before the fly, and ex-tends the leader.

Artificial flies. This is perhaps the most important piece of equipment. Without artificial flies, anglers can-not lure fish in. There are three main types, including:

• Dry flies: These are the most pop-ular type of fly and mimic flies and/or bugs that are landing on the sur-face of the water.

• Nymphs: These float right below water surface and mimic water in-vertebrate.

• Streamers: These flies mimic small fish. like leeches.


Setting up Your GearOnce you know what gear to buy, you will need to set it up before you can go out fish-ing. The first thing you must learn to get your gear ready is knot tying. The reason perfecting your knots is so important is be-cause they affect your ability to catch and keep fish. There are six main knot styles to set up a rod, reel, backing and line together, which include:

Note: The area in which the angler is fishing along with the type of fish he or she is targeting will determine which type of fly is likely to be the most effective.

Arbor knot. Albright knot.


Keep in mind that you can purchase pre-as-sembled fly fishing equipment. This type of equipment is ideal if you are a beginner who is unfamiliar with the process of setting up fishing gear. If you do decide to set up the equipment yourself, the first step is attach-ing the reel to the rod. Typically, there is a locking mechanism once the reel slides onto the rod.

Surgeons knot.

Braid knot.Improved clinch knot.

Loop-to-loop knot.


The next step is pulling out a few feet of the backing, depending on the weight of the reel and the size of the spool. The goal is to have enough backing so that it fills the arbor. Next, you must pull off between two to three feet of fly line and tie it to the back-ing with an Albright knot. Before moving on to the next step, pull an additional 30 yards of the line and clip it. Once you spool the line all the way, be sure to trim off the extra backing.

The next step involves using an arbor knot to tie the backing to the arbor. You will then use a braid knot to make a loop at the end of a fly line. This step ensures that the leader easily loops to the fly line. Then, use a loop-to-loop knot to attach the lead-er, followed by a surgeon’s knot to connect the tippet to the leader. The last step is to attach a fly to the tippet using an improved clinch knot.


Fly Fishing CastCasting is arguably the most challenging as-pect of fly fishing. It requires practice and differs from traditional casting methods. Fly fishing requires you to use the weight of the line to cast 20 to 80 feet. The length of the cast you want to achieve will depend on the type of fish you are targeting. For instance, if you are fishing trout, you may only need to cast 20 feet. However, if you are fishing in saltwater, it typically requires casting be-tween 50 to 80 feet. The most common way to cast is overhead. To complete a success-ful cast, following these steps:

Start with the fly line in front of you, with your hands gripping the rod.

Raise it above your head, stopped with your hands behind your head.

Propel your arms back in the reverse motion to cast the fly fine in front of you.

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Farm ponds are great locations to practice casting if you are a beginner. A pond can al-low you to become more comfortable with your gear in a small environment. As you gain more experience, you may move on to larger rivers and lakes.

Popular Fish for Fly FishingOnce you are fully equipped and ready to start fishing, the next step is to determine which fish to target. There is a wide variety of fish that are ideal for fly fishing. Some of the most common and popular fish species for fly fishing include:

Trout, such as the rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and sea trout.

Pan fish, such as bluegill, green sun-fish and white crappie.

Redfish, such as red drum, sockeye salmon or Acadian redfish.


Pike.

Carp.

Salmon.

Bass.


The purpose of a fishing lure is to trick a fish into thinking your hook is something it would like to eat. With that in mind, pick-ing the right lure for fishing is all based on whether or not that lure would be enticing to your catch. Weather and seasons can change which lures will work best, which is why lures are available in so many varieties. There are a few simple tricks you can use to decide which will be the best lure for your next fishing trip. Though most freshwater lures are produced for bass fishing, they can also be used to draw in crappies, perch, wall-eye, northern pike, muskellunge and other freshwater game fish. To select a handful of lures that will work every time, consider the kind of fish you like to reel in and the usual

How to Pickthe Perfect Lure


weather in your region, as well as whether the water is typically clear or muddy.

Basic Lures It is important to note that lures are differ-ent than bait. Lures are reusable and made of plastic, while bait are live fish or bugs that are used to lure in bigger game fish. Minnows and worms are common forms of bait.

There are several basic categories of lures, and each has an infinite number of varieties to choose from. Basic lure categories include:

Jigs. These are a versatile form of lure that are effective for almost ev-ery kind of fish. They have weighted heads and skirts of feathers, hair or soft plastic. They come in almost ev-ery size and color and can be used


on their own or combined with bait. Using a jig requires the angle to cast the line, let the jig sink to the bottom, then walk it back through a series of short hops or jigs.

Spinners. A spinning lure is a simple beginner lure composed of a metal shaft and a spinning blade. Dragging a spinner through the water causes the blade to vibrate and attract fish.

Spoons. These lures are curved met-al lures. They are named as such be-cause the original spoons were actu-al kitchen spoons without handles. Spoons come in every color and size, and their shape causes them to move through the water in a side-to-side motion. This imitates the movement of an injured baitfish.

Soft plastic baits. Mostly used for bass fishing, plastic baits are commonly


made in the shape of worms, baitfish, frogs or even small lizards. They are occasionally colored or have metallic flakes inside the plastic. Plastic baits can be cast out, then twitched a few times to slowly draw the attention of game fish.

Plugs. Made of solid plastic or wood, plugs are also designed to resem-ble baitfish. Some plugs are known as crankbaits because they make a rattling or gurgling sound to attract fish. These lures usually sport multi-ple hooks and sometimes come with plastic lips that cause them to dive when pulled through the water.

Spinnerbaits. What makes these dif-ferent from regular spinners is that they sink lower in the water and usu-ally have more than one blade. Spin-nerbait are called as such because


they combine soft plastic bait lures with at least one oval-shaped spin-ning blade.

How to Choose the Right Lure Lures come in a large selection of colors and shapes. Noisy lures are best in muddy water and dark lures are best in dark water. How-ever, as an angler, you rarely need an entire tacklebox of outlandish shapes and colors. Instead, keep in mind a few basic tips when choosing a lure:

Flies. A fly is a simple hook with a feather or skirt, and it is usually best for trout fishing. Most of these lures are designed to sit on the surface of the water, like actual flies.


Match your lure to the dominant prey species. Largemouth bass is one of the most popular game fish in the U.S, and they eat insects, perch and minnows. If you plan to fish for bass, match your lure to one of its preferred prey. Alternatively, if you plan to reel in catfish, consider lures that look like frogs, crayfish or larger prey fish.

Choose lures that make vibrations in colored or muddy water. If you’re fishing in water with low visibility, use scented or vibrating lures to draw in fish instead. Spinners are a good choice for murky water.

Use larger lures in cold water. Fish are sluggish and prefer to conserve energy in cold water. They generally will not choose to chase small bait, so use your most enticing lures.

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Use dark lures on overcast days and neutral colors in stained water. Your lure should look as realistic to the fish as possible, so use colors to match the environment. Use dark lures on dark days, neutral lures in neutral water, green lures in green water and so on. In clear water, be especially certain to pick a lure that resembles the color of the dominant prey fish.

Choose small lures for small fish and large lures for large fish. A small bluegill will not be attracted to a lure that is equal in size. Remem-ber that lures are supposed to look like what the fish would typically like to eat, so consider size when you rig your line.

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Save Money on Homemade LuresDepending on what you’re fishing for, you may be able to save your money and forego


buying a store-bought lure. Check around your home to see if you have anything that can be used as cheap yet effective bait, in-cluding:

Soap. Unperfumed chunks of soap are a traditional form of bait for cat-fish.

Dog food. There is controversy on whether dry or wet is the best dog food choice to use as a lure. Howev-er, it is agreed in the fishing commu-nity that dog food makes great bait for carp, catfish and panfish.

Fruit. Dried berries are an affordable and effective way to reel in carp and catfish.

Marshmallows. Marshmallows are a tested way to catch trout and blue-gill.


Sour candy worms. Next time you run out of worms, consider using a brightly-colored gummy candy worm to draw in the fish.


A great cast is key to a successful fishing trip. It is crucial to get your hook out to the exact area where the fish are biting. To do that, you need to get some distance in your cast and to keep your lure from bouncing. How-ever, the technique you use to get a good cast can differs, based on the kind of rod you’re using. For example, a solid swinging motion is the right way to cast a spinning reel, whereas a proper fly fishing rod cast requires a firm flick.

Effective Tips toImprove Your Casting


Some anglers work on getting a longer cast by practicing in a field. They use flags or yardsticks to measure the distance they can cast the lure and continue to practice until their cast has reached the distance they are seeking. This practice should only be per-formed in a field or clearing without many shrubs or trees. There are several additional basic tips anglers can use to get a smoother, longer cast that don’t require a day on land.

Tip: Remember, casting is similar to any other sport. The more you prac-tice, the better you will become.

Casting a Spinning RodPosture and technique make all the differ-ence when it comes to a solid cast, but the right equipment can help too. A few simple


things you can do to improve your cast in-clude:

Stand with your feet shoulder-dis-tance apart and your back straight. For your cast to be effective, you must have a good swing. Get the most from an easy cast by standing with your feet sideways from the direction you will be swinging your rod. This gives your body space to rotate.

Hold your rod pointed directly back from the direction of the cast. To get the right cast, you need to con-trol your rod. Hold it straight back and keep in mind that your line will cast in whichever direction you point the tip of the rod. When you swing the rod, point the tip where you want the line to go.

Hold the rod with your casting hand around the base of the reel.

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Make sure you have a solid grasp on your rod by gripping it where the reel meets the rod. Also, it is important to keep your hands in place so you can hold the line with your finger.

Keep the line taut with your in-dex finger. When casting, keep ten-sion on the line with your finger or your line may unravel when you cast. However, make sure to keep your grip light enough to let the line slide under your finger.

Use lighter lines. A 20-pound line will not move as far as a 10-pound line, and it will weigh down your rod. Lighter lines give you more distance on your cast, though you should still consider the weight of the fish you will be reeling in.

Use heavier lures. Alternatively, you will be able to cast a half-pound lure

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Casting a Fly Rod The technique to casting a fly rod is much trickier than casting a standard spinning reel rod. This is because the fly fishing method is one of the most effective, but also one of the most artful. To get a stunning forward cast, you must:

farther than a one-ounce lure. With the right technique and a little bit of weight on the line, you can add yards to your casts.

Attempt a smooth motion. Cast-ing a fishing rod is not like swinging a baseball bat. You are not attempt-ing to get maximum distance with maximum strength. Instead, make your cast a fluid motion, similar to a golf swing. The longer and smoother your reel spins, the farther your cast travels.

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Let a length of line out from the rod. Allow approximately 25 feet of line to extend in front of you before you begin your cast.

Hold the line between your middle and ring fingers. Grip the rod just ahead of the reel so you can control the swing and hold the line between your fingers.

Keep your elbows close to your side and your wrist stiff. A forward cast in fly fishing is a basic back-and-forth motion. Unlike a spinning rod, you are flicking the line instead of swing-ing it, so your wrists should stay stiff.

Start with the rod pointed down at the water. The first motion in a for-ward cast is to bring the line up over your head, so start with it pointed down at the water. Your motion will not be as fluid if you do not begin

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from a downward position, as the line will not have space to extend.

Quickly pull the line overhead and let it extend behind you. Pull the rod back quickly, and stop when your forearm is at a 45-degree angle from the rod. Keep your wrist stiff in order to get the right angle on your back-ward motion.

Pull the line back with a quick for-ward acceleration. When the line is extended behind, reverse your mo-tion and quickly pull the rod back to extend the line in front of you.

Stop when the rod presses your forearm. If you keep your wrist stiff and your elbows close, you will feel the base of the rod press into your wrist. This is the point that you should stop and let the line fly.

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Tip: If you hear your line making a cracking sound when you extend your cast, it indicates that the line was not fully extended when it was pulled forward. Resolve this prob-lem by slowing down your cast.


7 Advantages toFishing at Night

Fishing at night has been popular with an-glers for decades. In fact, some fishers be-lieve that flathead catfish can only be caught at night or that bigger bass will only come to the surface when it’s dark out. There are some good reasons for night fishing’s pop-ularity, considering that fish are more active at night. Additionally, most fishermen are less active at night, eliminating the compe-tition for fish. This combination makes for a great fishing environment, but it does have its drawbacks.


Enjoying the benefits of night fishing safely requires that you are familiar with the area you choose to fish in. Fishing at night in-cludes low visibility, and there is not enough artificial light to fully replicate daytime light. Furthermore, you must be more conscious when handling your equipment at night, or you risk a hook in the thumb or another in-jury. Keep in mind, it can also be tricky to steer a boat at night. However, you should also note that many experienced anglers still believe that night fishing is worth it, de-spite the extra challenges. If you think you can find the extra challenges to be part of the fun, you may enjoy this sport at night.

The Benefits of Night Fishing Some of the greatest benefits of night fish-ing have to do with reduced competition. Fish are more daring when huge boats are not ripping up the surface of the water, and


your bait looks more enticing when there are not several other lures in the water. Some key benefits of fishing at night are:

Some piers are open for free. Sometimes, piers are open to an-glers for free after dark. Once bait shops and other retail outlets have closed, it is possible to use the pier without paying fees. Take advantage by setting up your line after closing. However, be sure that you still have your fishing license on hand.

Fish are more active at night. It is worth noting that fish are more active at night than during the day. However, the peak hours for fish ac-tivity are still dawn and dusk. Fish feed at all times of day, but they will hang out closer to the surface when the water is cooler, which is usually at night.

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There is less competition in fa-vored fishing spots. Fishing at night means sharing the water with less anglers. With less hooks in the water, your lure is more likely to attract fish, and you may go home with much larger catches. It also means that there are no other anglers to occupy the prime spots.

The weather is more enjoyable. The sun can be stifling during the summer months, but the tempera-tures are much more pleasant after sundown. You will be more comfort-able while you wait for a pull on your line, but you should be mindful of the bugs during the evening hours.

There are less boats to scare away fish. Since there are fewer hooks in the water, there are also fewer boats.

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Boats are noisy and disruptive to aquatic environments, and any boat will scare away the fish. However, with fewer boats on the water, fish will be more daring.

Less wind makes it easier to cast. During the summer months, the winds tend to die down at night. Without a harsh wind flinging your line around, you get better control of your cast and your lure is more likely to land where you want it.

It can be more exciting. In the low light of the moon, it is much harder to see what you’re reeling in. This makes night fishing more thrill-ing, as you won’t be completely sure what is at the end of your line until you have it in your net.

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What You Need to Go Night Fishing When you set out to fish at night, you should be thoroughly prepared. In addition to the items you would need for a daytime fishing trip, you should also bring:

Lights. Even if you go night fishing when there is a full moon and some natural light to help you navigate, be sure to bring additional lights. Further-more, do not rely on the light of your cell phone. It will not be as powerful as an actual lamp or headlamp and will require you to use your phone battery and keep your phone in your hands.

A net. Instead of attempting a lip grab like you would during the day, use a fishing net to pull in your catch in the dark.

A compass and a GPS system. With low visibility, your navigation


equipment is especially important. However, don’t rely solely on the GPS system. You should consider also bringing a compass or map.

A fluorescent line. Instead of the fishing line you would use during the day, consider a black or blue fluores-cent monofilament line. It is afford-able and will glow in the water, so you can find your lure easier.

Spinnerbait, crankbait or jig lures. Attract a fish’s attention in the dark water with loud or vibrating lures.

Bug spray. Bugs are more active at night, and you may encounter nu-merous mosquitoes on the water. Stay protected with strong bug spray.


Choosing a location to fish is important, since it can make or break your experience. The best fishing locations regularly change due to several reasons, including water quality, water temperature and the availability of fish. What makes a fishing destination great is partially subjective, as it depends on the type of fish you are targeting. However, the top fishing destinations not only have a flourishing fish population but also provide a beautiful and relaxing ambiance.

Top FishingDestinations for 2019


Whether you are looking to reel in your next big catch or simply relax in the outdoors, the sections below provide information on the top destinations for fishing in 2019. This list includes both freshwater and saltwater locations that are known for their variety of species and vast surface areas.

Lewis Smith Lake, AlabamaCommonly known as Smith Lake, this freshwa-ter reservoir is located in Northern Alabama. In recent years, it has become a top location for fly fishing at night. Smith Lake spreads across 21,000 acres, with over 500 miles of shoreline. It is home to a variety of specifies, but most notably, bass. Anglers typically fish for large-mouth bass, spotted bass and striped bass on the lake. Smith Lake is also a top location for fishing tournaments due to the great fishery and the various environments available, in-cluding swamps and streams.


Montauk, New YorkMontauk is home to several state parks with exceptional fishing opportunities. Unlike many other lakes that only offer limited fish species to choose from, Montauk has one of the best fish migrations in the country due to the currents from the Atlantic Ocean. An-glers can fish Bluefin tuna, herring and sev-eral other species. Montauk offers some-thing for every type of angler. Many local anglers look forward to the fall season, no-tably October and November, when there is an increase in striped bass population. There are also great opportunities for sight fishing in June.

Lake Champlain, New York/VermontLake Champlain is the eighth largest natural freshwater lake in the U.S. This popular fish-ing location spreads over 400 square miles,


offering anglers endless fishing locations. There are over 90 identified fish species in Lake Champlain. It is a top fishery for trout, bass and pike, as well as a popular tourna-ment location. The lake also features a rec-reational playground for anglers, making it an ideal location for family trips.


Galveston, TexasHome to one-of-a-kind tarpon, sharks and big bull reds, Galveston Island offers a vast vari-ety of saltwater fishing opportunities for en-thusiastic anglers. Fishermen can gain easy access to an array of fish from an abundance of beaches, piers and jetties. These game spe-cies include speckled trout, redfish, flounder, cobia and more. There are also large sharks swimming in the waters, which can make for legendary photo opportunities. Due to the mild winter temperatures, Galveston offers some of the best fishing charters year-round.

Cape Cod, MassachusettsKnown for world-class saltwater and fresh-water fishing, Cape Cod waters are filled with striped bass, bluefin tuna, flounder, cod, swordfish and more. Anglers can en-joy the sport of fishing in the spring, sum-mer and fall seasons. There are many fun options available for fishermen of all skill


levels, including deep-sea fishing or fishing in various ponds and lakes. Some of the top waters for fishing in Cape Cod include White Crest Beach, Cape Cod Canal, Bass River and Morris Island.

The Florida Keys, FloridaIf you want to escape to tropical paradise on your next fishing trip, consider visiting the Florida Keys. You can enjoy some of the top fishing spots, from Key Largo to Key West, sparkling with beautiful crystal clear blue and green waters. While a variety of fish prowl these productive salt waters year-round, certain species become more active at different times of the year. Catch a red-fish in the winter or fish under the milky twi-light while catching mutton snapper during May’s full moon. Other eye-catching fish found in the Florida Keys include tarpon, dolphin, bonefish and wahoo.


Venice, LouisianaOff the coast of Louisiana are some of the most prized game fish available. Whether you bring your own boat or hire a charter, you don’t want to miss the deep-sea fishing opportunities available. Venice, Louisiana is considered a mecca for fishers through-out the state. The warm waters in the re-gion are rich with dozens of popular fish species, such as tarpon, sailfish, swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, amberjack, snap-per, grouper and more. If you want to avoid deep-sea fishing, keep in mind that Venice also offers plenty of brackish and freshwa-ter fishing.

Outer Banks, North CarolinaThe Outer Banks of North Carolina have an enormous variety of fish available. From fly fishing to deep-sea fishing to beach fishing, North Carolina’s coast offers everything a


fisher could want. The area is widely con-sidered the “Billfish Capital” of the world because of the influx of sailfish and blue and white marlin. Along with billfish, fishers can also find bass, perch, flounder, mack-erel, cobia, dolphin, tuna and more. There are plenty of options all year long, so any time of year is a good time to visit the Outer Banks.


Nantucket, MassachusettsThe island of Nantucket is miles away from Cape Cod and provides some of the most se-rene and consistent fishing in New England. It’s known for its great variety of fishing and pleasant climate. A popular summer tourist spot, it is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a good season on the water. Here, you can catch bluefish, striped bass, black sea bass, flounder, bonito and false alba-core. It is also possible that Spanish mack-erel could end up on your line. With healthy, good quality fish in abundance, this is one spot you don’t want to skip.

Kenai River, AlaskaThis 82-mile river is renowned throughout Alaska for its great sea-run fishing. From May to October, hundreds of thousands of fishers flock to its banks to catch enormous specimens that can reach 100 pounds.


Anglers can find King, sockeye or pink salm-on and rainbow or Dolly Varden trout. The Kenai River is known to produce true re-cord-breakers. Beginning in July and lasting through the end of summer, the late runs produce some of the most prolific catches in Alaska.


Top FishingOrganizations in the U.S.

The largest fishing organizations host tour-naments, publish industry magazines, rep-resent the interests of anglers in front of


Congress and offer international chapters for members. No matter their size, most fishing associations share the same core in-terests. The goal is usually to create a com-munity of involved anglers, while protecting their passion and supporting recreational fishing as a hobby. Some groups may do this with group fishing charters or online edu-cational videos. Others simply create fish-ing group meetings, encouraging anglers to learn from each other.

You don’t have to join a national fishing as-sociation in order to enjoy the benefits of being in a club. Local organizations support conservation, create communities and host tournaments, just like many national clubs. Additionally, smaller state clubs or niche in-terest groups may be more selective than national groups. For example, you may pre-fer a small Christian fishing club to an inter-national association.


How to Choose a Fishing Club

You may want to join a fishing club in order to participate in tournaments or you may decide to join to engage with people who have similar interests. To pick the right fish-ing club for you, first identify what you’re hoping to get out of your club involvement. You may join a club to meet other anglers, learn more about fishing, contribute to con-servation efforts or compete with friends. When you select a club, remember to ask what it does for you and how it helps you meet your personal goals as an angler. You should also ask:

How often does this club meet?

How long has this club been estab-lished?

How does it select members? Can any-one join or is there a membership vote?


National Fishing Clubs B.A.S.S. About: The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) has been an established club since 1967 and is now a worldwide authority on bass fishing. B.A.S.S. Nation currently has over 20,000 members and chapter organi-zations all over the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Italy, Japan, South Africa and Zimbabwe. B.A.S.S hosts the national, professional bass fishing tournaments.

How to get involved: Find a B.A.S.S Nation organization near you or sign up online for

Do the members have common in-terests outside of fishing?

Does the membership provide any benefits or discounts at other places?

What are the membership fees?


an annual membership. The membership fee for a single year is $30, but it may be reduced to $15 during special promotions. Membership includes a one-year subscrip-tion to Bassmaster Magazine and free B.A.S.S gear. Five-year memberships and lifetime memberships are also offered.

Trout Unlimited About: Trout Unlimited was founded al-most 50 years ago, and boasts more than 300,000 members throughout its combined 400-chapter organization. Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization with a strong emphasis on conservation.

How to get involved: A membership in Trout Unlimited includes a complimentary sub-scription to Trout Magazine, an assignment in a chapter organization with like-mind-ed anglers and access to online training and conservation materials. Membership


in Trout Unlimited also includes discounts, such as a 20 percent discount at Wyndham hotels. A one-year membership is $35, but there are also family membership plans, children’s membership plans and lifetime membership options for different fees.


International Game Fishing Association (IGFA)About: The International Game Fishing As-sociation (IGFA) was established in 1939, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to ed-ucation and conservation. The association supports ethical angling practices and out-standing achievement in the field of fishing.

How to get involved: An IGFA membership includes a subscription to International An-gler Magazine, discounts on tackle, trips and charters, as well as access to online educa-tional videos. A one-year membership costs $50, but there is also a digital-only member-ship option for a reduced cost. Members may also choose lifetime, family or youth membership plans.

American Sportfishing Association (ASA)About: The American Sportfishing Associa-tion was founded in 1933 to promote the in-terests of tackle manufacturers. The organi-zation has since expanded to represent the


entire sportfishing industry. It offers mem-berships for both anglers and businesses, and serves as a legal advocate for issues of interest to anglers.

How to get involved: The ASA has 11 mem-bership categories, ranging from non-voting recreational members to marine manufac-turing members. The organization requires the completion of a membership applica-tion. Benefits to joining primarily include ac-cess to educational materials and involve-ment in legal advocacy.

Fly Fishers InternationalAbout: Fly Fishers International was estab-lished in 1964 as an organized community for fly fishers. It emphasizes sportsmanship and conservation and has a vision of pre-serving both wildlife and camaraderie. The organization supports fly fishers of all skill levels.


How to get involved: Fly Fishers Interna-tional membership benefits include travel discounts, a subscription to multiple publi-cations, insurance discounts, membership gears and a community of like-minded fly fish-ers. A general one-year membership costs $35, but there are also three-year member-ships, senior memberships, youth member-ships and lifetime memberships available.

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)About: The CCA was created by recreational anglers in 1977 when overfishing decimat-ed redfish and speckled trout populations in the Gulf. By 2015, the CCA had chapter organizations from Oregon to Texas. The association continues to bring together rec-reational fishers to protect conservation and advocate for coastal issues.

How to get involved: The CCA offers 10 mem-bership options, but the standard one-year


membership costs $35. The benefits include an organization of coastal anglers, subscrip-tion to Tide Magazine and access to tourna-ments.


How to Clean, Scaleand Steak a Fish

What comes after catching a fish is just as important as the fishing process itself. You will probably use your catch for consump-tion, so it is important that you follow certain steps in order to get the most out of what you caught. Furthermore, proper storage is also an important factor in preparing your catch. Make sure not to take more than a day to clean your fish. Storing it in water or ice for a day after you catch it can prevent it from spoiling.

Moreover, it is important that you have the appropriate tools and space to properly execute the cleaning, scaling and steaking tasks. You may use a scaling tool to remove the scales, however, you may also just use a


knife. A pair of scissors can aid in removing the fins and you should use a sharp butcher knife to steak the fish easily without dam-aging the meat. It is recommended that you perform the process over a flat, clean sur-face with enough space to clean, scale and steak the fish comfortably.

Cleaning the FishThis task can be messy, and you should con-sider performing it outdoors. A lot of fishing sites have tables set up for you to clean your fish when you catch it. You can find these at docks or parks with fishing stations desig-nated specifically to clean fish. To clean a fish, perform the following steps:

Wash off the fish: you should rinse off your fish when you catch it. This will ensure that your fish is no longer slippery and will make the cleaning process easier from the start.

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Find a clean surface: find a clean, flat surface to clean your fish. You may find access to running water or a hose attachment near these surfaces for you to rinse off anything from the ta-ble, or you may clean it with your own tools. Otherwise, you should always bring some newspaper with you to place on top of any surface to make it safe for you to place your fish on top.

Rinse the fish after scaling and gut-ting: part of the cleaning must also be performed after you scale the fish. You must complete this task to remove any of the fish’s organs along the cavity. This will prevent it from having a bad taste after you cook it. Your goal is to remove any of the dark organs that are distinctively different from the meat. Make sure you use low-pressure wa-ter to perform this task to prevent the meat from breaking apart.

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Scaling Once you rinse and dry your fish, it will be easier to remove its scales. You may use a scaling tool or a knife to perform this duty. Regardless of the tool you choose, lay the fish down with its head facing your dominant hand. If you are using a knife, you should use the blunt side to take the scales off. To do this, move the knife from the fish’s tail towards its head and repeat this procedure several times until you remove all the scales. Flip the fish and perform the same process on the opposite side of the fish. You should do this process where it is not very windy as scales are messy and become hard to clean up after you remove them. Rinsing the fish with water will help to ensure you removed any additional scales that remain on the fish.

Dry your fish: Once you are done with rinsing your fish, you may use a paper towel to pat dry the fish.

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Once you are done with the scaling process, take a pair of scissors to cut the dorsal and pectoral fin, and any additional fin the fish may have before you move on to the next steps.


GuttingBefore cutting the fish into steaks, you must clean out its guts out. As stated above, the black organs that are distinctively different from the fish’s meat should be removed for better taste. To gut your fish, simply use a very sharp knife and insert at the lower end of the fish’s tail. From there, you must make a cut that goes through the fish’s stomach all the way to its head. Make sure you don’t cut too deep because you may puncture the intestines. Your goal is simply to open the fish to remove its organs in a clean manner. Once it’s open, you may rinse off all the or-gans and scrape them down with your fin-gers. Additionally, you must remove the or-gans located right under the fish’s gills. To do this, simply make a shallow cut right under the gills and with your finger, remove any re-maining organ. Now, you may rinse off your fish to ensure that the organs are properly off the fish such as any traces of blood.


Steaking the FishNow that your fish is clean, you can start with the steaking process. First, you must remove the fish’s head and tail. Cut the tail and then remove the head by cutting right under the fish’s gills. Once you have removed its head and tail, you should use a sharp chef knife to make wide cuts. You must make each cut approximately one to two inches. These cuts are perpendicular to the spine, so the process is different from that of making fillet cuts. You may store these cuts on the fish, or cook them, as it is the end of the process and the fish is now safe for consumption.

The process of steaking a fish is typically easier that making fillet cuts. However, you should keep in mind that this process should be reserved for big fish such as tuna or salm-on, as they have less bones and more meat to make this type of wide cut. For steaking,


you may leave on the skin of the fish to pre-serve its flavor and be able to cook a juicier fish. Otherwise, you may remove the skin simply by making a very shallow cut below the gills and pulling the skin off with pliers right before steaking your fish. Moreover, fish steaks take shorter time to cook, and can be cooked in a skillet or oven. Keep in mind that the wider the cut you make, the more time it will take for that piece of the fish to cook, so make sure you make the cuts based on your desired results.


5 Fish Recipesfor Your Fresh Catch

A successful day at the lake is its own reward, but so is the incredible dinner you can make with your catches. After all, a fish dinner will never taste as fresh as the one you reeled in yourself. Once you have cleaned and filleted your photo-worthy catch, wow your family by turning it into an equally impressive meal. To get you started, we have gathered five sim-ple and delicious recipes for different types of fish. Whether you are preparing a trout, salmon or catfish, try out a recipe below and enjoy your new favorite and fresh meal.


Simple Lemon Butter FishIngredients:

4 white fish fillets

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tsp. kosher salt

1 Tsp. paprika

3 Tbsp. melted butter

Extra lemon slices (to be served with the dish)

1 medium-sized lemon

Black pepper


Fresh chopped basil or parsley

1 Tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

Using paper towels, dry any excess moisture from the fish fillets. Set fil-lets aside.

Combine melted butter, lemon juice and zest and 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt. Stir the ingredients until they are mixed well.

Place a large, heavy pan on medi-um-high heat and heat up the olive

In separate bowl, combine the remain-ing kosher salt, paprika, garlic pow-der, onion powder and freshly ground black pepper. Press the spice mix even-ly onto both sides of the fish fillets.

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oil until it is hot. Place two fillets in the pan at a time to allow the fish to brown properly. Cook each side un-til the fish becomes opaque, has a somewhat firm texture in the center and has browned. As you cook, light-ly drizzle some of the lemon butter sauce onto the fish. Save the rest of the lemon butter for serving.

Serve the fish with the leftover lemon butter and garnish the plate with basil or parsley and lemon wedges.

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Directions:

1 sprig of fresh rosemary

Salt

Black pepper

1 sprig of fresh basil

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat.

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Catch of the Day (Trout)Ingredients:

1 trout (cleaned, with head removed)

1 garlic clove (sliced)

1 lemon (sliced)


Hold the trout up by its spine and use a fork to comb the flaky meat from the bones.

Serve with lemon wedges as garnish.

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Lay trout on a sheet of aluminum foil. Line the cavity of the trout with the slic-es of garlic and lemon. Stuff the fresh rosemary and basil inside and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the fish in the aluminum foil and set it on the grill.

Cook trout for 15 to 20 minutes over direct heat until it easily flakes off with a fork. Remove the herbs, garlic and lemon from the fish.

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Crispy Fried FishIngredients:

1 ½ lbs. of fish fillet (most white fish will work)

2 eggs

½ cup dark beer or water

2 cups bread crumbs (or more, if nec-essary)

Peanut or corn oil for frying

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 Tsp. seasoned salt

Directions:


Mix flour and seasoned salt in a shal-low dish.

Place bread crumbs in a large reseal-able food storage bag.

Coat both sides of the fish fillets in the flour mix.

Beat eggs and beer with a whisk in a medium bowl.

Heat about two inches of oil to 350 °F in an electric skillet or deep fryer.

Dip fillets in the beer-water mixture and let the excess drip back into the bowl.

Place one to two fillets in the plastic bag with bread crumbs. Seal bag and shake it until the fillets are complete-ly coated. Repeat until all filets are coated.

Fry the fish in hot oil for about four minutes. Turn the fillets over so that both sides turn golden brown.

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Drain excess oil from the fillets on paper towels. Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges and your pre-ferred side dishes.

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Pine Nut-Crusted Trout in RisottoIngredients:

Risotto

3 Tbsp. minced shallot

Salt

6 oz. cooked trout (optional)

2 cup risotto rice

1 ½ qt. vegetable or fish broth

2 Tbsp. neutral oil (such as safflower oil)

1 Tsp. dried thyme


3 Tbsp. salmon or trout caviar (op-tional)

Pine Nut-Crusted Trout

Salt

½ cup pine nuts

2 slightly beaten eggs

Trout caviar (optional)

1 cup fine cornmeal

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup neutral oil (such as safflower oil)

2 lbs. trout fillets


Directions:

Pour broth into a pot and bring to simmer.

Add rice, thyme and salt. Let cook for one to two minutes, stirring frequently.

Turn heat to low.

Pour oil into a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.

Sauté shallots on medium-high heat in heavy pot with oil until translucent.

Slowly add trout broth, starting with one cup. Stir until rice absorbs the broth. Add more broth and repeat process until rice is slightly firm.

Pulverize pine nuts, cornmeal and salt in a food processor until fine.

Organize a breading station for the trout with the pine nut-cornmeal

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mixture, eggs and flour all in sepa-rate bowls.

Fry trout for four to five minutes until golden.

Stir in optional trout meat and caviar and heat for two minutes.

Dip the trout in eggs, then flour, followed by the pine nut-cornmeal mixture.

Heat up risotto and add more broth to loosen rice.

To serve, place risotto in a shallow bowl, topped with fish and garnish with caviar.

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Bourbon SalmonIngredients:

6 Tbsp. bourbon

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Salt

2 garlic cloves (crushed)

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tsp. fresh ginger (grated, peeled)

Black pepper

1 cup brown sugar


Directions:

8-6 oz. salmon fillets

½ cup green onions (thinly sliced)

4 Tsp. sesame seeds

Preheat broiler.

Remove fillets from bag and place onto broiler pan with cooking spray.

In a plastic food storage bag, com-bine the first eight ingredients with the salmon fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning bag once.

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Broil for 11 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with fork.

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Serve on plate and sprinkle with ½ Tsp. sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp. green onions for garnish.

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Documents

Your Guide to Getting a Fishing Licensefishinglicense.org.s3.amazonaws.com › pdf › bonus › national... · 2019-03-05 · The current fishing regulation guide for your state