| Fishing is considered a national pastime in United | | | | budget |
| States. Many people took up fishing as a fun and | | | | When the right time has come and you go fishing |
| tranquil sport that allow them to spend some | | | | for real, you need to do some research on the |
| quiet time with their friends and family. | | | | fishing location. You can check with your state's |
| Here are seven things you should know if you are | | | | fishing regulation authority for information about |
| considering taking fishing as your favorite pastime. | | | | fishing locations around your state. Alternatively, |
| 1. Is a license required? | | | | you can also visit the fishing equipment stores and |
| You should first check your State's fishing | | | | ask about hot spot for fishing. List down the cost |
| requirements and make sure if a license is needed | | | | of accommodations, boat rental, guide and other |
| for you to fish. One of the easiest ways is to | | | | miscellaneous items. It may be difficult but try to |
| step into a sporting good store, which sell fishing | | | | keep the cost within you travel budget. |
| equipment. The sales persons will be able to | | | | 5. Go with a buddy |
| advise you about license requirements as well as | | | | The fishing trip can be very fun when you can |
| the procedure on acquiring it. Some shops will | | | | share your joy of fishing with a friend or family |
| even help you with the necessary paperwork. | | | | member. For safety reason, you should avoid |
| 2. Set a budget for fishing expenses | | | | fishing alone. In the event of an emergency, there |
| You will need to budget for fishing equipment | | | | is at least someone you can count on to call for |
| purchase. Make a list of the equipment that you | | | | help. |
| need and set a budget. If the total equipment | | | | 6. Fish in shallow water first |
| cost exceed your budget, you will want to | | | | For beginners, it is wise to start fishing in shallow |
| consider borrowing some equipment or buying | | | | waters first. Aim your cast in shady or rocky |
| from second hand stores. You can also go to | | | | areas where the water is deep, as this is where |
| online auction sites to look for the fishing | | | | the fish is hiding. As your skill level improve, you |
| equipment that you need. As a beginner, get only | | | | can attempt to fish in deeper waters. |
| the basic things that you need. There is no need | | | | You can move closer to the water so you can |
| to spend too much money buying branded and | | | | gain better accuracy if your casts are going in a |
| expensive equipment that is usually reserve for | | | | disorganized manner. Keep an eye on the bobber |
| experienced anglers. | | | | and watch closely for any movement. When a |
| 3. Practice at home first. | | | | fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under |
| If you have a back yard, mark off an area using | | | | water. Remain calm as you keep your line tight |
| a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your | | | | and reel in your catch slowly. You can use a net |
| cast when practicing with your fishing equipment. | | | | bring in the fish if you reel in enough. Remove the |
| Rehearse and study your movements to find a | | | | hook from the fish with great care. |
| method that will work for you. | | | | 7. Adhere to the fishing regulation |
| As fishing hooks are very sharp, you need to be | | | | If you got an undersized fish (as noted in the |
| careful when handling it avoid injury to yourself or | | | | state's regulation book), return it to the water |
| others. Before casting, look around you and try to | | | | quickly. Likewise, if you have no intention in eating |
| stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people | | | | your catch, return it to the water too. This |
| with your hook. | | | | ensures that the water has a consistent supply of |
| Learn to cast your line ahead of the fish, making | | | | fish, which will provide future fishermen the thrill |
| your bait land slowly, with as little splash as | | | | to experience a catch. |
| possible. The fish can see well at close quarter but | | | | Regardless of the result of your catch, remember |
| not behind. | | | | to have fun and enjoy the calm, restful and |
| 4. Research the locations to fish and plan a travel | | | | serene view of the river. |