05-31-2009, 11:14 AM
Once upon a time, all that was needed to go fishing was a cane pole and can of worms. A boat and motor was almost considered an extravagance. Those days are long gone. Or are they?
Contrary to the perception one might get from TV, magazines or a visit to a sporting goods store, fishing need not be expensive or complicated.
"Fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "All it takes is some basic knowledge and equipment to have a fun, relaxing fishing experience. And it' s even more enjoyable when you take a youngster or two along."
In today's hectic world, many youth don't get an opportunity to enjoy fishing because they don't have an adult in their life to take them. And one reason some adults don't take those youngsters is because they themselves have not learned how to fish.
"People see the advertisements and the TV fishing shows with all the high-tech, fancy equipment, the big boats, and the overwhelming selection of lures, bait, and accessories and they don't know where to start," Kurre said. "And so too often they don't start, not realizing how simple it can really be."
Kurre suggests that novice anglers start with a visit to a local bait shop or sporting goods store.
"Don't be intimidated by all the equipment and accessories you see. All you really need are the basics. Store employees will steer you in the right direction because they would like to see you become a regular angler and customer."
For the beginner, just a few essentials are needed: rod and reel, tackle, bait (and bait bucket for minnows), life jacket and fishing license. Beyond that, most of what you might want to take along can be found at home, such as a cooler, pliers, sun screen, bug lotion, chair or cushion.
Kurre offers the following quick-list for the beginning angler:
Rod and reel: A simple rod and reel can be purchased for as little as a meal at a fine dining establishment. For simplicity, start with a spin casting reel.
Tackle: Tackle includes such things as bobbers and sinkers, hooks, and artificial lures. When starting out, avoid artificial lures. Store employees will help set you up with the basics.
Bait: The kind of bait you'll put on the hook will depend on the species of fish you are after. Worms, minnows and leeches are popular live bait for numerous fish species. Panfish such as crappies and sunfish are usually easier to fish for and catch than species such as walleye, northern pike or bass. A worm on a small hook will usually do the trick.
PFD: A coast guard approved personal flotation device such as a life jacket is required while in a boat on water. It's also a good thing to have when fishing from shore or a dock. Safety first!
Where to go: Minnesota is fortunate to have numerous lakes, rivers and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Many of those waters have locations where you can fish from shore or from a fishing pier. In addition to the DNR, many counties and communities also provide places to fish. Ask around. Or, explore the DNR Web site for more information.
Practice: Once you have your equipment you need, practice casting by attaching a sinker weight to the end of the fishing line. You can do this in your backyard. You also will want to practice tying different knots to your tackle. Search for "˜fishing line knots' on the Internet and you'll find all the help you need to tie a basic knot. It's easy.
Cleaning fish: If you have never cleaned fish, you'll want to find someone to teach you. Or, simply practice "catch and release." Use pliers to remove the hook from the mouth of the fish and then let it go. For young people especially, happiness is simply feeling a fish on the end of the line and reeling it in.
Contrary to the perception one might get from TV, magazines or a visit to a sporting goods store, fishing need not be expensive or complicated.
"Fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "All it takes is some basic knowledge and equipment to have a fun, relaxing fishing experience. And it' s even more enjoyable when you take a youngster or two along."
In today's hectic world, many youth don't get an opportunity to enjoy fishing because they don't have an adult in their life to take them. And one reason some adults don't take those youngsters is because they themselves have not learned how to fish.
"People see the advertisements and the TV fishing shows with all the high-tech, fancy equipment, the big boats, and the overwhelming selection of lures, bait, and accessories and they don't know where to start," Kurre said. "And so too often they don't start, not realizing how simple it can really be."
Kurre suggests that novice anglers start with a visit to a local bait shop or sporting goods store.
"Don't be intimidated by all the equipment and accessories you see. All you really need are the basics. Store employees will steer you in the right direction because they would like to see you become a regular angler and customer."
For the beginner, just a few essentials are needed: rod and reel, tackle, bait (and bait bucket for minnows), life jacket and fishing license. Beyond that, most of what you might want to take along can be found at home, such as a cooler, pliers, sun screen, bug lotion, chair or cushion.
Kurre offers the following quick-list for the beginning angler:
Rod and reel: A simple rod and reel can be purchased for as little as a meal at a fine dining establishment. For simplicity, start with a spin casting reel.
Tackle: Tackle includes such things as bobbers and sinkers, hooks, and artificial lures. When starting out, avoid artificial lures. Store employees will help set you up with the basics.
Bait: The kind of bait you'll put on the hook will depend on the species of fish you are after. Worms, minnows and leeches are popular live bait for numerous fish species. Panfish such as crappies and sunfish are usually easier to fish for and catch than species such as walleye, northern pike or bass. A worm on a small hook will usually do the trick.
PFD: A coast guard approved personal flotation device such as a life jacket is required while in a boat on water. It's also a good thing to have when fishing from shore or a dock. Safety first!
Where to go: Minnesota is fortunate to have numerous lakes, rivers and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Many of those waters have locations where you can fish from shore or from a fishing pier. In addition to the DNR, many counties and communities also provide places to fish. Ask around. Or, explore the DNR Web site for more information.
Practice: Once you have your equipment you need, practice casting by attaching a sinker weight to the end of the fishing line. You can do this in your backyard. You also will want to practice tying different knots to your tackle. Search for "˜fishing line knots' on the Internet and you'll find all the help you need to tie a basic knot. It's easy.
Cleaning fish: If you have never cleaned fish, you'll want to find someone to teach you. Or, simply practice "catch and release." Use pliers to remove the hook from the mouth of the fish and then let it go. For young people especially, happiness is simply feeling a fish on the end of the line and reeling it in.