How Fishing Works
Fishing is an activity of trying to catch fish. Fishing is one of the most accessible outdoor sports. Nearly anyone, no matter age, income level or even fitness ability, can easily participate. You can fish either in freshwater or saltwater.
What do you need to start fishing? Of course you need some fishing equipment or fishing tackle. But, you don’t actually need all of them. The most important equipment you need to start fishing as a beginner are fishing rod, fishing reel, hook, line, baits, lures, net, and tackle box. Tackle box is not really necessary, but it is recommended to keep all bait and in it safe.
If you are wondering what is the difference between baits and lures, well, baits are mostly living things, such as worm, insect, or even smaller fish. Lures are more like the artificial baits (imitation of small fish), such as spinner, crank, and minnow. Bait is cheaper than lure (you can even catch your own bait) and bait is extremely effective at fooling most fish. As for lure, it is expensive and mostly only for aggressive or predatory fish.
Even though fishing seem easy, there are a lot of technique, skill, and method in fishing. The very basic skill that you need to learn is how to cast properly. The way you cast depend on the reel you use when you fish. There are two type of reel, spinning reel and baitcaster reel. The way these two reel work are different.
To cast using spinning reel, hook the line with your forefinger, and open the bail, continuing to hold the line. Then, pull the rod tip back so the tip sweeps over your dominant shoulder, and then bring it forward swiftly pointing the rod tip at your target. As the rod comes forward of your shoulder release the line with your finger so the weight of the lure pulls line off the reel. Close the bail with your hand, and you’re ready to fish.
To cast using baitcaster reel, push the button to put the reel in free spool while holding your thumb against the spool to prevent it from unwinding. Pull the rod back so the tip sweeps over your dominant shoulder, and then bring it forward swiftly, pointing the rod tip at your target. As the rod comes forward over your shoulder let your thumb off the spool so the lure can pull line from the reel. Place your thumb back down on the spool as the lure splashes into the water. Reel once or twice to engage the anti-reverse and you’re ready to fish.
After learning about how to cast, you also need to know about fishing technique. There are some fishing technique. Not every fishing activities use fishing rods. Fishing techniques include hand gathering, spearfishing, netting, angling, and trapping. Hand gathering here refers to gathering seafood by hand. For example, by picking shellfish at the beach, or even by digging for crabs and clams, or by diving under water to catch.
Spearfishing is a method of fishing that has been used throughout the world for millennia. Early civilizations were familiar with the custom of spearing fish from rivers and streams using sharpened sticks. Currently spearfishing makes use of elastic powered speargun and slings, or compressed gas pneumatic powered speargun, to strike the hunted fish. Spearfishing may be done using free-diving, snorkelling, or scuba diving techniques, but spearfishing while using scuba equipment is illegal in some countries. The use of mechanically powered speargun is also outlawed in some countries and jurisdictions. Spearfishing is highly selective, normally uses no bait and has no by-catch.
Netting means to catch fish with fishing net. Nets are devices made from fibers woven in a grid-like structure. Fishing nets are usually meshes formed by knotting a relatively thin thread. Early nets were woven from grasses, flaxes and other fibrous plant material. Later cotton was used. Modern nets are usually made of artificial polyamides like nylon, although nets of organic polyamides such as wool or silk thread were common until recently and are still used.
Angling is a method of fishing by means of an “angle” (fish hook). The hook is usually attached to a fishing line and the line is often attached to a fishing rod. There is five basic method in angling, such as bait fishing, fly-fishing, bait casting, spinning, and trolling. All of them are used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. People usually do bait fishing and trolling.
Bait fishing, also called still fishing or bottom fishing, is certainly the oldest and most universally used method. This method of fishing as the name says, uses bait. This method is really simple, all you need is to set the bait at the hook and then cast it and wait until the bait reach the bottom. Another type of bait fishing, most commonly done in rivers and streams, involves drifting a baited hook into deep pools and beneath in-stream cover (such as logs and rocks) to entice game fish that station themselves in those locations for feeding.
Trolling involves the use of live bait or artificial lures that are drawn through the water behind a slow-moving boat, originally rowed but now generally motor-powered. Trolling is usually done inland on lakes and reservoirs, but it is also the primary method for big-game fishing in the oceans. The method has the advantage of covering a large amount of territory where fish might otherwise be difficult to locate. The correct depth and speed of the lure are crucial in the method.
The last fishing technique is trapping. This technique uses fish trap to catch specific target. For example, there are lobster trap, crab trap, eel trap, octopus trap, etc. This technique is really simple, all you need to do is wait. So, you leave the trap and then collect it after time passes.
Lastly, fishing also have some effect. By fishing, you can make yourself a better person. Fishing can help you lead a happier, healthier life. Here are some benefits from fishing :
1. Fishing can keep you physically fit
While fishing itself isn’t necessarily going to get your heart rate up, many of the best fishing spots require a bit of paddling, biking or hiking to reach, all of which have proven cardiovascular benefits.
2. Fish are an excellent source of nutrition
While not all who fish keep what they catch, those who do may be in for some bonus benefits. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may decrease blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke and heart failure. They could also reduce irregular heartbeats and improve brain function in children.
3. Fishing may reduce stress
Fishing can help people relax which can help to reduce stress.
So, for conclusion, fishing is a really fun and relaxing sport. By making this article, I hope you can learn more about fishing and also trying to start fishing by yourself if you are interested in it.
