KEY INFORMATION BEFORE YOU GO FISHING

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MORE CONTENT BELOW!

A Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) caught on rod and reel.

This Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) is being held with the lipping method while the more weight of the fish is supported with other fingers.

INTRODUCTION:

This Guide to Fishing is for novice anglers of all ages seeking the thrill of catching a fish with rod-and-reel. There is also content for veteran anglers to refresh upon and learn from.

We’ll cover all the basics you need to know to get started enjoying recreational fishing, or sportfishing, in the United States for both residents and non-residents.

We’ll start with choosing your first fishing location and what you need to do before your fishing line hits the water such as acquiring a fishing license and understanding basic regulations.

Then we’ll get into the basic gear and tackle needed followed by some simple rigs and knots you can use to catch fish.

We’ll cover other important tidbits about fishing, including common fishing techniques, to make your first fishing experiences more enjoyable.

This guide is an extension of the KN Fishing Smarts (KNFS) community. We promote responsible fishing and always seek to learn and share knowledge about fishing and fishes. Glad to have you join us!

FISHING TECHNIQUES & OTHER SKILLS

YOUR FISHING GUIDE

Koaw with a 25lb Channel-Blue Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus x Ictalurus furcatus) caught on rod-and-reel. This is a hybrid type of catfish that is not often encountered in the wild.

Hello! I’m Koaw (rhymes with boa), an avid angler with over 30 years of sportfishing experience.

  • My goal is to help you catch fish in an efficient, responsible manner so you better enjoy time outdoors.

I’ve taught children and adults how to catch their first fish while emphasizing respect for our natural world. I always enjoy seeing new anglers succeed and catch new PBs (personal bests.)

I’m formally educated as a biologist with emphasis on fisheries and aquatic systems. My deepest outdoor passions center upon ichthyology (fish biology), fishing, and other ecological interactions.

Though I have much experience and knowledge about fishing, there is always so much more to learn. As is with any endeavor, we all have to start with the basics.

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