"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles."

Doug Larson

There are infinite ways to fish.

How you fish depends on the climate where you live, your skill set, your personality and the type of water near you. Do you live near a lake, stream or ocean? Do you prefer to fish alone or with friends and family? Do you enjoy a learning curve or prefer something simple? Income matters, too. A basic fishing boat, gear, licenses and trailer could cost $10,000. Used boats are cheaper. Pontoon boats, excellent for family fishing, start at around $18,000 and could go as high as $60,000. Depending on the type of fishing you like, you may need a special rod, special line and, usually, a special reel.

How you fish depends on the climate where you live, your skill set, your personality and the type of water near you. Do you live near a lake, stream or ocean? Do you prefer to fish alone or with friends and family? Do you enjoy a learning curve or prefer something simple? Income matters, too. A basic fishing boat, gear, licenses and trailer could cost $10,000. Used boats are cheaper. Pontoon boats, excellent for family fishing, start at around $18,000 and could go as high as $60,000. Depending on the type of fishing you like, you may need a special rod, special line and, usually, a special reel.

Sometimes the sport is easy. Just drop a hook with a worm over the side of the boat and see what happens. Sometimes fishing is complex and almost an art form. For example, fly fishing requires a scientific knowledge of the bait lifecycle, feeding times and a sense of where the trout hang out. Fly fishing also requires skill and dexterity to pay out the line and drop the right fly in the right spot, setting the hook at just the right moment.

Famous Fishing Lures

Rat-L-Trap Swimbait - Trolling or casting, for bass or walleye

Hula Popper - Casting for bass

Gold Bead Rubber Leg Crystal Bugger -River trout

Rooster Tail -Trolling or casting, for rainbow and brown trout

Swedish Pimple - Pike, trout, walleye, perch, albacore and bonito

Sinking Twitch Bait - Saltwater fish

It's reel easy to do.

Why do people love fishing? For one, fishing is accessible to almost anyone. About 90% of Americans live within six miles of freshwater lakes or streams or the ocean. Then, there is the variety: America affords so many ways to enjoy fishing. You can spend time alone, with friends or with family. A fishing boat or pontoon boat adds to the fun, but fishing from shore can be equally satisfying. And almost unlike any other sport, fishing is a sport you can enjoy even if you’re skunked. You still experience the beautiful scenery, the peaceful sound of the waves and time outdoors.

6 Ways to Fish

Still

Casting

Fly

Trolling

Ice

Big Game

Should you keep what you catch?

Ironically, almost half of all the people who fish let their catch go, and don’t eat them. They want to enjoy the sport without affecting thefish population (or having to clean the fish). Many conservationists will tell you the opposite: that culling fish makes the species stronger and prevents overcrowding. But the best reason to keep fish is to eat them.

Chefs suggest:

• For Grilling: Fish with some heft lend themselves to the gratesof a grill — salmon, tuna and swordfish are all popular.

• For Baking: Look for cuts ofdenser, bigger fish such as Arctic char, sablefish and Pacific halibut.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week. Doctors remind us that fish are filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Fish are rich in calcium and phosphorus and are a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium. If prepared well, fish taste great, especially if they are freshly caught. After a day outdoors fishing in America, a fish dinner makes for a special celebration.

Leave a Reply