Fishing is one of those activities where you can forget about everything happening in the world and just go out on the lake and be at peace with nature. Especially with solo fishing, the feeling of solidarity and calm is unmatched by anything else I've experienced. Whether it was a movie or tv scene that made you want to go fishing too (or even a video game!), we’re really glad you’re here and can’t wait to help you get started!
Fishing license
Depending on where you live, this will be the first step you take since, without a fishing license, you can get into trouble with the authorities. Don't worry, though; fishing licenses aren't like private pilot's licenses; they're pretty affordable! Especially the yearly ones, which retail around $30 to $180, you can get a lot of bang for your buck should you decide to make repeat trips. If a long-term commitment doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you should also be able to find a day license at your local fishing shop, which is typically around $15.
Where to Fish
This is highly dependent on where you live. While apps like Fishbrain and FishAngler can help you, I've found there's no better way to get the latest updates on the best fishing spots than from an actual fisherman. For this, I would recommend you consult your fishing shop vendor for advice about local fishing communities and ask for advice there! If you're willing to try your luck anyway, remember that lakes usually have more fish and are easier to catch than rivers. You can expect to find bass, trout, and panfish in lakes, while salmon and other trout species are more common in rivers.
Gear you’ll need
The rod and reel are the best places to get started and also happen to be the most common set of gear you'll find out there. Typically sold as a combo, your fishing shop vendor will show you how to set it up and get you started, which, by the way, is super simple! If you forget how to do it at any point, a short YouTube tutorial is all you'll need to get back on track instead of visiting the fishing shop over and over.
After the rod and reel, you'll need a bait or lure of your choice. The most common bait you've probably seen is a live worm; you can't go wrong with this. However, in recent times, you may also have heard about PowerBait, which fulfills the same task. Generally, you should get comfortable with baits before you transition to using lures, which are decoys that get the attention of a fish.
When starting, bobbers can be a helpful addition to your gear. These are small balls attached to your bait that float on the surface until a fish is caught on your bait, which makes them bobble or sink to show that you have a fish on your hook!