If you’re just starting out, fishing might seem intimidating because there’s a lot that you need to know. The good news is, you can get by perfectly fine without knowing most of the advanced stuff, just focus on the basics. 

That’s what we’re doing in this article. These are the essential bits of information you need to have success on the water. 

Size Matters 

The size of your lure is important and understanding how to choose is an important fishing tip. Choosing a lure that’s too large will scare smaller fish away and choosing one that’s too small won’t attract enough attention from the fish you want to catch. 

One way to choose is by considering what type of fish you’re targeting. If you’re fishing for bass you’ll want something in the two to three-inch range. This will attract bass between one and three pounds which will be most common in lakes and ponds. 

Fish Around Structure 

Structure refers to anything that’s in the water, touching it, or hanging over it. The structure could be a shoreline full of weeds or it could be a boathouse where someone is storing their boat and gear. Regardless, this is where you want to fish because it’s where the fish hide. 

Casting into open water all day will do you no good. You need to fish changes in the water to be able to find the fish. For example, if you’re fishing from the shoreline, look for an area with a lot of weeds and lilypads. Inexperienced anglers would think to avoid that section but you actually want to do the opposite. 

Choose the Right Rod and Reel 

You can’t fish without a rod and reel and most people don’t understand how to choose. You’ve got two basic choices:

• Spinning tackle
• Casting tackle

As a beginner, I recommend going with a spinning rod and reel combo. These are easier to use, less prone to tangles, and lightweight for smaller fish, and less fatigue. If you purchase a combo, it means you get the rod and reel together so you don’t have to try and match them up.

Safety is also an important factor and as you’re learning to battle fish, manage your drag, etc, you may lose a few rods overboard. Accessories like the Cush-it ensure your rod stays afloat and helps you maintain your grip to prevent you from losing it. 

Understand Presentation

The presentation refers to what your lure does in the water. This is important for catching fish because you need to understand what your lure looks like versus what it “should” look like. 

For example, swimbaits create their own presentation because they have tails and some are jointed. Jigs require the angler to jerk and twitch them, otherwise, there is no presentation. If you’re experimenting with lures make sure you understand how they’re supposed to look so you can provide a natural presentation. 

The Weather is Important 

Weather is an important factor for a few different reasons. First, it determines how active many fish such as bass will be. When the temperature is lower and the air is very dry, bass tend to slow down. This forces you to slow down your presentation, use smaller tackle, and fish different locations. 

Outdoor conditions should also impact the color of your lure. If you’re fishing on an overcast day with a little fog, you’ll want to use a lure that mimics that color scheme. If the sun is shining on a humid summer morning, you’ll want to go with a bright and colorful lure. 

For more tips on how to choose lures, rods, reels, fish finders, and more – check out Your Bass Guy for expert fishing reports and guides.