Fishing is like any sport, with practice, you get better. In order to tackle fishing, you need to make sure you have the proper gear for the type of fishing you are going to try. In order to catch fish, you should know your fish and their habits.

Brook Trout are common in streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes and will eat almost anything moving in the water. They commonly have a green, brown back and sometimes have yellowish streaks, and spots of yellow, red, and blue on their sides. The lowest fins tend to have white edges. The Brook Trout can grow quite large and the largest on record is 14lbs 8oz that was caught in Ontario.

When starting out, you want to decide what type of fishing you want to do. The most common method tried of beginners is light tackle fishing, using a lightweight fishing rod. You can get a spinning reel or a bait casting reel with a light monofilament line. Depending on whether you are going to stand on the shore or go trolling in the boat, you can use either real worms, plastic worms, or lures. Lures are preferred for trolling in the boat. If you have a fish finder, you can decide which lure would work better. Sometimes in deeper water, the brighter lures work the best.

If fishing on the side of the shore, decide where your fish might be. Trout will hang out in protected areas, such as overhangs on the side of the bank, in shady spots from trees, and where the water is somewhat calm. If you stand on the shore, stand upwards of the current so your line will follow the path of the stream.

When you do feel your fish on the hook, don’t panic. Set the hook in by snapping the rod firmly. You’ll know if you snapped too hard and the fish has been lost. Slowly, start reeling the fish in and make sure you have your net ready to scoop it up when it is close enough. You’ll soon have your prize.

Fishing can be a discouraging sport if you worry too much about landing the big one. Just remember that practice is what it takes, along with patience. Enjoy being out in the fresh air and fishing will let you leave all your worries behind.

By Penny S. Harmon