Fishing

What Fishing Gear Does a Beginner Need?

If you're new to the exciting and fun world of fishing, then here is some of the quintessential fishing gear you'll need to get started:

• Fishing line - where you're fishing will depend on what type of fishing line you'll need. In rougher waters, you'll want a heavier and stronger line, whereas in calmer waters, you'll want a thinner line.
• Fishing hooks - you can't catch fish without some quality hooks, and for beginners, a single hook will do the job.
• Fishing lures - artificial bait will mimic real movements when in the water for attracting fish.
• Fishing clothing - since you'll be out most of the day, you'll need a hat, long-sleeve shirt or jacket, sunglasses, trousers and sunscreen to protect yourself against the sun.
• Tackle box - available in a range of different shapes and sizes, a tackle box is crucial for storing and transporting all of your fishing gear.

How to Choose a Fishing Rod for Beginners?

There are many different types of fishing rods available - but again, it all depends on what type of fishing you are doing. This means choosing the best fishing beginner fishing rod is crucial when first starting out.

As the most popular fishing rod for beginners, a spinning rod is ideal. Not only are they beginner-friendly and comfortable to use, but spinning rods are affordable, lightweight, and allow for longer casts when using light lures. Spinning rods also have pretty good accuracy when casting, but not as much as baitcasting reels.

How to Choose the Best Fishing Reels?

Once you've decided on a fishing rod, you'll then need to select a fishing reel. Here is some information on the types of reels available to help you make the right decision:

• Spinning reels - also known as 'eggbeaters' due to the whipping action when reeling, they are ideal for beginners because the spool doesn't spin when casting, making them much easier to use when starting out.
• Baitcasting reels - these types of reels are made for seasoned anglers as they can be more difficult to use. Once mastered however, baitcasting reels provide very high levels of control and accuracy.
• Overhead reels - these reels are perfect for when trolling or feeding out the line directly below a kayak or boat, rather than casting out the line. An overhead reel sits on top of the rod and offers instant spool control and line contact.
• Fly reels - these types of reels are specifically designed for fly fishing rods. They offer improved drag consistency and adjustment, as well as resistance to drag friction. Counterbalancing the weight of the rod when casting, a fly reel provides increased drag when a fish decides to make a long run.

How to Tie a Fishing Hook?

Nothing is worse than reeling in a fish and then feeling the line slack, realising the fish took the lure due to an incorrectly tied hook. Here are some simple steps to tying a simple clinch knot, ensuring your fishing hooks are always tied tight and correctly:

• Insert the line - slowly thread the end of your fishing line through the tiny hole at the end of your hook, making a loop.
• Wrap it - carefully wrap the end of the fishing line around the part that has been threading through the hook. Wrap it around at least five times.
• Create a knot - slowly feed the end of the fishing line through the loop.
• Pull it tight - with both hands, grab the fishing line and the end of the line, and pull it tightly. The knot should tighten around the hook and close the gap.
• Finish - finish by cutting off the excess fishing line, leaving about 0.3cm remaining.