Fishing

Fishing is the worldwide, 10,000 year old pastime of hunting fish. Fishing can be for subsistence or commercial purposes, and one can also fish for recreation and competition.  To be a great fisherman, it takes a lot of patience and skill, a little luck, and the right equipment.  The most conventional form of recreational fishing is by using rods, reels, hooks, and bait (fishing with nets is typically prohibited outside of the commercial realm), so you need the right gear. It is important to have the right rods, line, and bait for the water conditions and desired fish species. Below you can find all the equipment necessary to catch the big one.  

Fishing Gear

This page has links to buying guides for fishing equipment. Click here for the Fishing Gear Index--you'll find more searches and a more complete listing.

Rods Fishing rods are commonly made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or bamboo.  Whatever type of fishing you are in to, there's a rod for that. Fly Fishing Freshwater Rod/Reel Combos  ... more.	Reels  Fishing reels are used for the deployment and retrieval of fishing lines using a spool mounted on an axle. Freshwater Spinning	Fishing Line  There are a variety of fishing lines for different fish and water conditions.  For choppy waters you need an extremely tough, thick line. Try braids  or a fusion  line. For calm waters try a fluorocarbon line  that cannot be seen by fish.	Baits and Lures  The right kind of lure can make all the difference.  Scout the types of fish that are likely to be in the area and choose the appropriate bait. Freshwater Tackle Terminal Tackle	Clothing and Accessories  Equipment like fish finders and field guides can drastically increase your fish hunting success. Equipment Storage  Fish Field Guides Fish Finders Ice Fishing Gear  Tools  Trolling Gear

Fishing Tips

• Keep your hooks sharp.  The hook should scratch your fingernail while being lightly dragged against it.
• If a fish swallows a hook, cut the line and don't try to pull the hook out.  The fish's stomach acid will dissolve it in a couple days.
• Bobbers are used for floating baits off the bottom for fish such as crappies and sunfish. Bottom rigs, using sinkers  instead of bobbers,  are effective for catching catfish and yellow perch.
• Always have the proper resources for the type of fish you are seeking.  Read up on books for catfish,  trout,  and bass. 

Related Guides

Hunting Guide	Camping Guide	Outdoors Buying Guide	Beer Guide