Getting Started
Courtesy of The American Sportfishing Association

Get your tackle ready -- rods, knots, hooks, bobbers & bait.

To go fishing you can use 6 to 12 pound test fishing line with a Cane Pole or Rod and Reel. Cane Pole: Tie the line to end of pole. Rod & Reel: Thread the line from the reel through the rod guides.

It is important to tie a strong knot. The Palomar Knot is an easy one to tie. 1. Start with plenty of line. 2. Double the line and pass the end through the hook's eye. 3. Tie an overhand knot (like you were tying your shoe strings) but do not pull it tight yet. 4. Pass the hook through the loop. 5. Pull the loose end of the line to tighten the knot. Trim the end. Leave at least 1/8 inch of your line at the knot.

Here are two easy ways to get your line ready. Different types of bobbers are available. Left bobber 1. Wrap line under the hook of a small bobber. 2. Squeeze a split shot sinker onto the line. 3. Tie a hook (size #6 to #10) to the end of the line. Right bobber 1.With this kind of bobber, wrap the line under the wire spring. 2. Attach a hook with a leader (You can buy one ready made). It's called a snelled hook. 3. Tie a bell sinker (1/8 to 1/4 oz.) to the end of the line. IT'S EASY TO STICK YOURSELF WITH A FISH HOOK. BE CAREFUL!

Now you need some bait. Many fish eat: 1. worms and nightcrawlers 2. small minnows 3. grasshoppers and crickets 4. they eat most small crawly things

Now let's learn how to cast! To have more fun on your fishing trip, you should practice a little with your spincast rod and reel. You can do this at the lake or pond where you have space to cast safely. Hooks are sharp! Take care that no one stands behind you. There's no need to bait up when practicing, but make sure there's enough weight on the end of the line to cast. Then, follow these steps:
1. Grasp the rod grip with one hand. Push the reel's thumb button down and hold it down.
2. Face your target with your body turned at a slight angle - about a quarter turn. The arm holding the rod handle should be closest to the target. Aim the rod tip toward the target - about level with your eyes.
3. Smoothly and swiftly, bend your casting arm at the elbow, raising your casting arm until your hands reach eye level. Then, move your arm forward at once with just a slight wrist movement.
4. Cast the rod forward and release the reel's thumb button. 5. Once your bait is in the water, turn the reel's handle once.
Anything go wrong? If the end of the line landed close in front ofyou, you released the reel's thumb button too late. If it went more or less straight up, you released the button too soon. Keep practicing. Remember, being able to hit a target is much more important than being able to cast a long distance!