Bringing your kids or grandkids along for a fishing trip can yield some awesome good times and memories, but only if you actually catch some fish! Impress your friends and family with a great catch by following some of these tips from the experts of fishing. Read this article to help you become a better fisherman.

When you first start fishing, do not choose the most expensive equipment. While costly gear may be nice, it’s not necessary, and won’t lead to you having more fun or catching more fish. Pick appropriate gear to your lifestyle and skill level for a better experience.

Use sunscreen when you are fishing even if the sun doesn’t seem particularly bright. The sun can be quite harsh out on the water. Always apply sunscreen just in case.

Use a sinker during colder months. Using sinkers weighs down your line, letting the bait sink deep into the less-frigid water where fish hide out during the winter. The number of sinkers used will depend on the depth of the water.

Bass can be caught by using grubs. These little insects will help you land some large fish. While they are very popular for smallmouth bass, they can be equally effective for largemouth bass too. They are perfect for areas without much coverage, such as highland reservoirs.

Before pulling in a catch, be prepared to have your hands wet. This prevents the fish’s skin from drying. You should especially do this if you are practicing the catch and release method.

Basic Essentials

When going fishing, be sure you bring the basic essentials with you. These may be different, depending on where you will be fishing. Generally speaking, basic essentials are items like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you plan on going into the wild to fish, be sure to also carry a cell phone, compass, and flashlight.

Don’t fight with fish that you want to throw back. It is very possible for a fish to injure itself through excessive fighting. Let the fish go if it’s fighting you, and you can’t reel it in; don’t risk killing it.

Make sure you bring a fishing net next time you go fishing. When you reel in your catch, the fish may be very jumpy, in which case you will want to have a device to secure them in place. This will reduce the chance that your fish gets lost back in the water.

Fly fishermen should be sure to practice their casting techniques often. A fly rod will take time to learn and to get better at using it you have to practice as much as you can. The more you practice, the more you will find yourself improving in form and better able to land flies precisely where you would like.

It is crucial to learn basic knots if you want to learn to fish well. Proper knotting techniques are important to help you catch a fish and help you change lures quickly. If you practice your knots some before you go fishing, you should be able to attach hooks with ease and adapt your gear to changing conditions quickly.

Make sure that you have patience when you go fishing. Although it might be common sense, most people give up easily when they don’t catch a fish during the first thirty minutes. So make sure you have the patience and time to dedicate if you truly want to become successful with fishing.

Try changing up the color of your bait when you find you are not seeing much success while fishing. Like people, fish have color preferences; some gravitate toward brighter colors, while others are more likely to go after dull or earth-colored lures. So, when packing your tackle box, include plenty of bait colors.

Imagine the reaction of your little ones when you land that trophy fish for dinner. Once you have mastered the art and skill of fishing, you can be confident in your ability to create lifelong memories.