The Facts About Fishing

Fishing is one sport that truly does not distinguish between age, gender or physical capabilities. It is a sport that can be pursued all year, in any type of weather, at any time of day, and it doesn't require a big bank account. Perhaps that is why it is one of the most popular hobbies in America with such a wide array of people.

If you're considering taking up this activity as a hobby but you're not sure where to begin the first step is to decide if you want to try fly fishing or angling.

Fly fishing is considered by many a true art form in addition to being a sport because it is done in calm, still waters, and instead of using a worm or bait that is required with angling, the fisherman uses a fly that is intended to fool the fish into believing it is eating the insects that have been landing in the water. The trick is to make sure your fly resembles the same insects the fish have grown accustomed to eating. This is where it becomes a battle of wits because if you aren't offering up what they are used to eating, they will reject it out of hand as a trap.

Angling is the type of fishing that most people think of when they consider the activity because it can be done from a boat or shore and it can be done in rough waters such as the ocean. With angling, the fisherman uses a worm or another form of bait which can be almost anything, including marshmallows or canned bait. What the fish will eat seems to be a matter of which body of water you are fishing in and what they have been used to eating. It's helpful to know the locals so that you can get some inside information on where they're biting and what type of bait they're going for.

The next thing you need is a license that allows you access to angle or fly. If you're a non-resident of the state you can get a temporary license that is good for short duration of time for a nominal fee.

Finally, make sure you understand what type of fish is in season so that you know what you can keep and what you can't. You should also make sure that you understand how to do a catch and release so that the fish that you are releasing back into the water isn't just being thrown back to die. If you're doing strictly catch and release, use barbless hooks so that you don't damage the fish's mouth which will eventually cause the fish to die since it won't be able to survive injured.

This is an enjoyable and cost effective hobby that a whole family can benefit from. And after all there are very few hobbies where with just a little effort you get to enjoy the spoils and eat what you have caught.