Image via WikipediaWhen I am fishing I don’t use the same ole fishing rod for every occasion. I use the rod and reel that fit the water, obstacles and species I am fishing. Fishing for small brook trout doesn’t require a heavy rod or line as that tends to take the fun out of fishing and the same thing goes for Chain Pickerel or Smallmouth Bass, don’t go so light you lose everything.

Knowing the difference between rods can make for far more exciting fishing in my books, although as a kid I only had one fishing pole and it was really a not a fishing pole at all, just an electric fence pole and it worked great for catfish.

In my case my fishing pole was actually a pole but for the most part fishing rod and fishing pole mean pretty much the same thing.

Even when I finally got a real fishing rod my dad always referred to it as a fishing pole.

That was many years ago but today I don’t use a thin metal pole, instead the rods are made up of various materials like, graphite, carbon, fiberglass, bamboo or composites making for some pretty cool rods.

Today I spend most of my time on the water with my fly rod in my hand. It’s just so much more fun when I land a big Chain Pickerel using my fly rod but I still have a blast using my spinning gear for these toothy monsters of the shallows.

Image from WikipediaNot everyone gets the chance to get hooked on fishing at an early age like I did. Even if you are an adult before you ever pick up a fishing rod you still have a great hobby for the rest of your life.

So you have decided that you want to learn to fish. There are several ways of learning, the hardest being trial and error. It would be best to find an instructor for one-on-one lessons. A couple of my fishing buddies never fished until they met me and now they are every bit as hooked on fishing as I am.

Learning the things that will make your fishing experience one you want to remember is key.

1. Buy Sea-Sickness Medication. I have had motion sickness my entire life but I don’t let that hold me back. My advice is to buy sea-sickness medication. If you don’t need it who cares, but if you do and you don’t have it, well trust me it’s no fun.

NOTE: When I take sea sickness meds they knock me out cold, so I take one before going to bed, another when I wake up so my body gets adjusted to them and then I take another before hopping on the boat.

2. Buy a Reference Book. A lot of good books are available at your bookstores and online. The book should give you instructions as well as terms and definitions. Some things you may not immediately understand but you should know anyway. Learn how to tie different kinds of knots. This knowledge will be invaluable for other purposes throughout your life.

3. Give Group Fishing on a Boat A Try. There are party boats that carry from fifteen to as many as sixty anglers. The boat provides everything like bait, rod, reel, sinkers and hooks. They assist you in fishing and take the fish off the hook for you. Mates will spot you and will generally stay close to assist you. Party boats generally will cost you $25 – $70 a day, and the fish are yours to keep. The party boat is a bargain for beginners.

My brother Bob and I did this in Florida a couple of times and it was huge fun. We both have fished our entire lives but I would say that 80% of the people there had never fished and they were all like kids in a candy store. Give it a try.

4. Pick Your Pier. Assuming you have already acquired skills to operate a rod and reel, you need to look for a fishing pier. Majority of coastal cities have one public pier or pay-to-fish pier. You can rent tackle and buy bait at the piers. If you’re having trouble, there are many pier anglers willing to help and give you tips.

We are fortunate enough to have a pier within 5 minutes of home. A great place to try out your new tackle.

5. The Reel Deal. The conventional reel is probably what you’re using up to this point. The conventional reel is designed for a lot of wear and tear. You may now want to consider other types and makes of reels. Ideally you have met people and perhaps made a friend or two who can assist you in selecting a reel. You can even ask a tackle shop owner for tips.

You need to understand the mechanics of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait are not that complicated. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish. Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and knowledgeable anglers understand these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are located.

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