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Go Fishing - Tips & Advice

Dec 27, 2006

Summer is the perfect time to grab a rod, a reel and some bait and toss a fishing line into the water. Here's some tips for the ultimate summer fishing trip.

Fishing Tips - Stay Cheap

All you need is a cheap rod and reel, some fishing line, some plastic bobbers, hooks and a tackle box. You (or your parents) can probably get all this at a hardware or discount store for less than $40 US.

Fishing Tips - Catch Your Own Bait

You can buy minnows or night crawlers at any bait shop but it's way cooler to catch your own. You may have thought about sticking your younger sister on the end of a fish hook - but you'll get in less trouble, and catch more fish, by digging up worms or crickets yourself.

Fishing Tips - Be Ready

Get your fishing gear and bait together the night before so you're ready to go the next morning. Practice your casts the day before. Use an open area where there are no trees or powerlines and aim for a target about 25 feet in front of you.

Fishing Tips - Location

Ponds are your best bet if you don't live near the ocean. Most ponds are loaded with some kind of fish. Even if they're not worth eating, they're still fun to catch. Lakes and rivers, especially the mouth of a river, are also fishing hot spots. Rivers act as the spawning grounds for many fish, so this can be perfect area to cast your line. Many fishermen don't like to share info on their favorite fishing holes but if you talk to someone at a local outdoors store, they may give you some tips on the best lakes and rivers in your area to check out. If you live near the coast, try fishing from large rocks or off a pier. Fish like covered areas, so try casting around heavy weeds, rocks or logs. Also, if fishing on rocks, be aware of the tide schedule. You don't wanna get stuck out on a rock in the middle of high tide and have to have a lifeguard rescue you - you'll look like a pansy.

Fishing Tips - Be Patient
You may go hours without even getting a bite and you could go home without catching anything. Don't worry. You can always make up a story about how you caught a really big fish and decided to throw it back.

Fishing Tips - Don't Get Eaten
Watch where you step and wear a life jacket if you're going near really deep water. Bring along mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a first aid kit. If a big fish with giant teeth jumps out of the water and tries to attack you - run away and scream.

Fishing Tips - Bring a Friend
Fishing is way more fun when you do it with someone else. Always go with a buddy. They can help you out if you're just learning to fish and can help carry your catch home.

Fishing Tips - Know the Rules
Many parts of the world require you to have a licence to fish in certain areas. If you don't have a licence you could face a fine and lose your fish.

Fishing Records
  • The heaviest fish ever caught was an ocean sunfish weighing 4,928 pounds (2,230 kg).
  • The biggest fish ever caught using a fishing line was the 2,686 pound (1,221 kg) Great White Shark which was caught off the Australian Coast.
  • If you've been on a great fishing trip this summer, about it and send us a picture.
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