Get Your Mind Off It – Fish Part 2

Yesterday we took a look at how fishing could help you stave off the stress of quitting and today I’ll talk about what to do with all that fishing stuff you bought.

Now that you have your gear, attach your reel to your pole (if it isn’t already) and start practice-casting with your pole. Thread the line through the holes on the rod, tie a weight on it and practice tossing the weight out into an open field.

When you’ve got that down, it’s time to set up your pole and head to the creek, stream or lake:
1. Pull about 3 feet of line out at the end of your rod and attach a hook at the end.
2. Put a sinker, which is the split lead weight that looks like a little bead, around the line about 3 to 6 inches up from the hook with pliers. The sinker keeps your line in the water.
3. Place a Bobber about two or three feet above that, depending on the depth of the water. This bright colored round plastic or foam ball let’s you know when a fish is on the line by disappearing under the water.
4. Hook a worm, mealworm or other bait on your hook. It’s best to do this right before casting your line into the water. Make sure to keep your bait cool.
5. Toss your line in the water using the cast you’ve mastered.
6. Enjoy the scenery while watching your bobber. When you get a hit, your bobber will move.
7. “Hook” the fish by jerking your line, then reel in your catch. Carefully remove the fish from the hook by sliding one hand down the fish starting at its head, then grasping the flattened fins while removing the hook with the other hand.
8. Clean your fish by removing its insides and place your fish in a cooler. You can fillet it later, if it is large enough. If not just scale it before cooking.

Keep in mind that it is easy to get cut on fins, hooks and other fishing gear, so don’t let small children take the fish off the hook. Also, check your local game commission to see if there are any fishing advisories in your area. During some seasons, creeks and streams can be contaminated more easily than at other times. Also be sure you have water safety gear if you are going out onto the water.

That’s all there is to getting started this sport, unless you are pining for “Bass Master” status. Fishing can be a fun relaxing hobby for the whole family. Give it a try!