Q&A for How to Fish

It is better to fish at low tide. The lower water level will trap more fish, and thus increase your chances of catching one.

This will depend on the type of fish you want to catch. Some fish are more responsive to powerbait, while others are more likely to snatch lures. You should research the type of fish you are going to catch, and find out what type of bait is used to catch that fish.

It's risky but you could use your fingers and with your other hand hold the fishes mouth open while you obtain the hook out the fishes mouth.

You could either look on the internet at the fish or you could ask a local ranger hope this helps. There may also be an app relevant to your locale, check the online resources available.

If you're just fishing for fun, it really doesn't matter. If you're trying to catch a lot of fish it is better to fish on opposite sides of the boat.

It depends on how good your memory is when choosing the fish to take home at the end of the day. You don't normally because the fish are out of water and can't go that far if you are catching the same fish then you could split them up but if you want to split the fish up, it's optional.

Fishing takes a little bit of strength, and practice can help it. If you can't do it at all, you might be able to go to a shallow stream and catch fish in a net (if state/local laws permit) or with a spear (again, if your local laws permit). You could also set out traps to catch fish like minnows. If you intend on trying rod fishing, work your elbows and wrists as much as possible to avoid wearing out your arm.

No. It depends on what you're trying to catch and what kind of bait you're using.

While it's not physically impossible to do so, it will cause severe pain to the fish. Gently removing the hook is more humane.

For smaller fish, it is normally okay to just pull them out of the water. But for bigger fish (big bass, walleye, pike, etc) it helps if you have a net which guarantees you will get the fish.

Fish like bluefin tuna, seabass, sturgeon, salmon, cod, and halibut are all considered endangered. The more popular a fish is to eat, the more likely it is to be endangered. Big sea fish tend to be targeted a lot by commercial fishers.

They eat smaller fish, so carp, shad, mullet, and perch are a few types that will lure them in. You could also get specialized lures and hookless baits that attract gar.

I personally recommend putting the hook through the head or the tail, but you can do whatever works for you.

Yes, it's generally safe to keep anything you catch in the same bucket of ice. Since you kill the fish as soon as you catch them, there's nothing much to worry about.

Using a longer line will help, but make sure the reel spool is full. Also, consider using a bigger pole with a larger spool and a lighter line. Throwing the line more gently can help you master a smoother swing that sends the line further.

Balance wind, rain, and heat resistance. Usually, a lightweight shirt and shorts are good for staying cool throughout the day. Bring a windbreaker jacket and a pair of gloves. If you're going out in cold weather, bring along warmer clothing.

No. The child might rip the hook out and cause severe pain to the fish. Having an adult remove the hook is safer and more humane.

Yes, but you won't be likely to get much of anything.

It depends on what fish you’re trying to catch. For example, catfish are bottom feeders so let your hook fall near the bottom.

Any hook you want. It's personal preference really. I prefer bigger hooks with single hooks and smaller treble hooks.

Look for spots, blemishes, or other abnormalities. Look up a picture of the fish so you know what a "normal" one looks like.

Unless you have a pond on your property that is stocked with fish (some people do, and it is worth looking into if you have the means), you can't fish in the traditional sense. However, you can do activities such as playing fishing video games or watching fishing shows until you can get out fishing again. You could also consider starting an aquarium if you enjoy watching fish. Research fishing locations around you-there may be a great pond or lake nearby that you hadn't before considered. It may not be the same as fishing in the comfort of your own home, but a short drive is worth it.

No; most religions permit the killing of animals for food. If you are really worried about it, you may want to consult a leader or scholar in your religion on whether they believe it is okay or not.

It depends on what you want to catch. Popular choices include worms, leeches, crayfish, and crickets, as well as many types of small fish. You can also use lures, which come in a variety of types. Research what the fish you are going for prefer to decide.

A good rod that isn't too expensive is an open reel rod such as the Shakespeare Reverb Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo.

Salmon and trout are two of the tastiest fish to eat. Check with your state to see what type of fish live there and then decide.

It depends. Short rods don't necessarily mean that the rod isn't going to hold. When catching fish, it's always good to use a medium-sized rod. A rod that is too short can be hard to control, just as would be one that is too long. Usually, when catching large fish, you'll harpoon the fish, so it makes it easier to bring on shore, therefore making a rod's size not matter too much.

There really is no size for your bobber. Bobbers usually come in the same size; a ball a little larger than a golf ball. A bobber's size is not chosen depending on the size of the rod, it's about the fish. Usually, bobbers are for small to medium-sized fish, so a bobber for fishing giant halibut won't be useful. You don't have to worry about what size your bobber has to be since the sizes only vary a little bit.

Yes. Your backyard is your property, and you don’t need any license to fish or keep the fish. However, a pond in your backyard is probably quite small, and you most likely won’t need a rod.

It depends. If the pond is really small and doesn’t have any signs about requiring licenses, then yes, you can keep the fish. However, if you fish in an area that requires a license, you will be fined. Also, keep in mind that not all wild fish will survive; transferring between two habitats is something hard to adapt with.