To have a successful fishing trip does not necessarily mean catching a bunch of fish. Not even close. Good fishing is more about the act of fishing itself and less about catching a big kahuna.
That’s not to say that actually catching a fish is not a heck of a lot of fun – it is! However, it is entirely possible to have a pleasurable and memorable fishing day without catching a single one. It’s all about the serenity of the activity, the beauty of the outdoors, and the comradery of fishing buddies that make it worthwhile more often than the catch.
The satisfaction is even more so with these fishing do’s and don’ts.
Do…Go with the Flow
You know what they say, “the best laid plans…” oftentimes don’t go as planned. This is especially true when mother nature is at the helm. If you think you can predict the weather, the fish, and the actions of other anglers…think again. So the best course of your action is to have a loosely-based plan of where you’ll fish, and be prepared for anything weather-wise. Just go with the flow and handle things as they come. This requires an open mind, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit. Do this and you’ll have a great time.
Don’t…Forget Your Fishing Net
Or any of your other essential gear, for that matter. Many anglers don’t bother with a net, but what if you do catch that big one? You’re going to want to make sure it doesn’t get away, and having a good fishing net with a handle will do wonders. Hooking, then promptly losing a big fish will haunt your dreams, rest assured.
Do…Try a New Fishing Spot
Sometimes habits are hard to break, and just because you may have had great luck in one spot does not mean you’ll get the same luck time and again. It’s easy to get comfortable going to a certain lake or stream because you have experience there and know how to handle the conditions. But one of the hallmarks of great fishing is trying out new spots. Exploring a new body of water, whether that be a pond, lake, or river bed is one way anglers get good at the sport of fishing. The sense of exploration also provides an extra level of excitement to your fishing day.
Don’t…Put Off Fishing at Every Opportunity
Time flies, and the older we get, the faster time seems to go. Next thing you know, it’s been months or years before you’ve taken a fishing trip. Don’t let that happen! Seize every opportunity you can. If you find you suddenly have a day that opens up, grab that fishing gear, and a buddy (or just yourself) and get to the water. Or plan a multi-day trip to a place that’s further away, and make a vacation out of it. The bottom line…don’t put yourself into the position of wishing you had hit the water more often.
Do…Pass Your Love of Fishing On To Others
The vast majority of anglers got their passion for the sport from someone else, be it a father, older brother, grandfather, friend, or whatever. Learning how to fish is knowledge passed on from one person to another. So if you have the chance to teach someone how to fish, take it! It is a beloved shared activity and a way to really bond with another person. Who knows? It may turn into a hobby or passion they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. You’ll also have another fishing buddy to call upon, not to mention someone who can take your photo when you catch that big one!