Fishing Training
While many will swear up and down that fishing is simply a game of luck, but that is not entirely true. Luck does play a small part in catching a fish, but to maximize the number and quality of the fish you catch a certain skill and knowledge of the species and the know how to use the best equipment is necessary.
There is more to knowing where and when to catch a fish than one might think. Studying the habitats, life and migration patterns, water currents, and depth and eating habits all affect the amount and quality of the fish you will catch. Any idiot can cast a line, but it takes skill and wisdom to improve. This is exactly why local fishermen, who have fished the same waters and often the same few species their entire lives, are so valuable as guides. They know where the fish are going to be, what time of the day they will be biting, at what depths they are, and what your bait should be.
Fishing courses, generally for fly-fishing, are often offered by tour operators or pros. These training sessions will teach you proper techniques for the sport. For other methods the best practice is just to go out and fish.
Fishing Gear
Although you can fish with very little - just a string, hook, and bait - there are thousands of different pieces equipment available for fishermen.
Fishing pole - One of the most important elements of fishing, unless of course you are spear fishing. Varieties of poles exist and mostly depend on the type of fishing you intend to do. A cheap, basic pole can be bought at any department or sporting goods store, but it won’t be able to handle large fish or any serious fishing excursions. Most other poles are far more specific. Some are designed for fly fishing, bass fishing, ocean fishing, marlin fishing, and even crab fishing. Plastic collapsible cases for poles are necessary for shipping or bringing on airplanes.
Tackle Box - The tackle box is the fishermen’s luggage for his/her tools and accessories. In it he keeps everything he needs to fish other than his pole. Many tackle boxes have been passed down through generations and are filled with timeless pieces of fishing memories.
Hooks - The hook was recently named by Forbes as one of the top 20 inventions of mankind. The size of the hook depends on the size of the fish. They generally come in packs and are made in varying shapes, metals, and weights.
Lures - The lure is an important part of every advanced fisherman’s tackle box. The lure is a small rubber, plastic, metallic, or woven item with a hook or multiple hooks that acts as your bait and a magnet for aquatic life. Different fish are attracted by different things: some by bright colors, some by shiny objects that resemble the scales of a fish, and some fake worms and insects.
Line - The line on your pole will break. It gets caught on sticks and rocks and snaps because of fish that are too heavy, but most reels have a sufficient amount of line for a long time of fishing. Replacing a line depends more on the type of fishing you intend to do. Lines vary by strength, thickness, and color.
Net - If fishing from a boat a net is a good idea to have. Once you reel the fish close to the boat you or a friend can scoop the fish on the boat and then properly remove the hook from its mouth with greater ease.