Fishing: Something Everyone Can Enjoy at Home or Away

posted on 16 March 2011 | posted in Recreation and Hobbies

Remember when you were just a little kid and your father took you down to the local lake to catch some fish? Those were some good times, weren't they? I believe that everyone has their own fishing story of some sort. It seems to go along with what people do I'd venture to say a large portion of the population of most any country has had a direct or indirect experience with fishing.

Whether from far inland where lakes, rivers and streams provide fish or from coastal towns or cities where the mavens of brine can be had, almost everyone has had an experience with fish or fishing. From the size 32 trout hook to the 11/0 shark hook, fishing can be a challenging or easy prospect, depending on your particular quarry.

Fishing does not need to be an expensive venture, it can be one of thrift. All one needs is a basic bamboo rod and about 20 cents worth of line - and a 2 cent hook. The sport can also end up costing anglers in the hundreds of thousands of dollars take for example anglers that compete in blue water tournaments. With that in mind, tackle purchases should reflect the fish you are fishing for.

In freshwater, most anglers can get enough tackle - e.g. carp tackle - for under $100 to catch a myriad of fishes. Soft plastics will work best in most seasons for bass, small hooks and bobbers with live bait for panfish, spoons (appropriate size for species) work good for trout. A medium weight spinning combo is best for all species, but may overpower smaller targets.

Saltwater species require more specialized tackle. For inshore fishes, a medium weight spinning reel will provide access to most species. Two hook rigs are utilized with live bait and a 1 to 2 oz. sinker for a variety of panfish. For inshore gamefish, a good casting setup will be costly but effective to land trophy fish. Offshore anglers must charter or have a large boat to catch pelagic and bottom fish. A good standard conventional reel will provide access to most of these species - line weight based on the size and aggressiveness of the fare. Fishing can be an enjoyable sport for almost anyone, but you must take into account what you will be fishing for - and arrive prepared. Good luck and tight lines!