Fishing For Beginners
Sitting in a simple flat-bottom skiff with a good friend, lines cast in the water, is a pleasure that many people love to partake in. But what if you’ve never fished by boat before? It’s important to learn how to fish properly in order to get the best results with the least amount of frustration, so there are definitely some tips and tricks you’ll want to master.
Roger's Performance Marine, with locations in Centerville and Hurricane, has provided this beginners’ guide to fishing to get you off on the right track in your learning. Stop by one of our dealerships to chat if you still have questions after reading!
Packing Your Boat Properly
When you’re using a fishing boat, you have the twin advantages of a wider breadth of water you can cast your line in as well as sufficient storage space for all your gear. When you’re fishing on land, you might lose track of your stuff on a grassy, muddy riverbank. Use this to your advantage and bring everything you’ll need for a successful day out on the water.
These supplies should include your fishing gear, like a tackle box, rods, a net, and pliers. You’ll also need safety supplies like sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, life jackets and plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Organize everything in its place so your craft stays tidy and everything you need is easy to locate.
Getting The Right Bait
One of the most important components of fishing is using the correct bait for the fish you’re trying to catch. You can’t just throw any old worm in the water and hope your dream catch will bite. Do some research or ask at the bait shop about what might work best for where you’re fishing and what you’re hoping to catch. Fish will strongly prefer bait that resembles their normal food, which means that live bait will work best. Make sure you’re handling bait with clean hands so you don’t impart an offputting aroma on it.
Check The Forecast
You don’t want to end up caught in a serious storm that hampers your ability to safely return to shore. You probably also don’t want to go out if temperatures are overly hot or cold, as you won’t be comfortable and could be susceptible to heatstroke or frostbite if conditions are bad enough. That’s why it pays to check the weather in advance of your trip as well as the day you plan to depart, since the weather can change rapidly.
If high winds, hail or lightning are on the forecast, you’ll probably want to reschedule your trip because these are extremely dangerous conditions. You won’t be well-protected in a small fishing boat and it’s more likely to capsize if the waters are particularly choppy. Going out in fair weather is the best call, but a little mist or rain likely won’t deter you too much, provided you bring waterproof clothing to stay warm and dry.
Want to know the best fishing equipment for beginners? You can stop into Roger’s Performance Marine near Salt Lake City to chat with our seasoned staff about the best items to round out a beginners’ fishing kit! While you’re here, check out our inventory of new and used fishing boats. We also provide boat storage as well as a used parts boneyard to help you with repairs.
Roger’s Performance Marine welcomes our customers coming from all of Utah, including the cities of St. George, Ogden, Washington, and Cedar City. Our dealerships are in Centerville and Hurricane, so whether you’re in the north or the south of the state, you’re near us!