Fishing - how you go about learning?

[PreppingPingu]

Ever since I saw one of those compact fishing poles that looks like a large pen until you open it all out and attatch the reel, I have been wondering about fishing. I don't know anyone who fishes and I can't imagine there are clubs like archery and shooting! How would someone like me go about learning how to fish and what to do, as she doesn't know anyone who does it? I love the idea of sitting quietly, setting lines and nets and pondering life, the universe and everything, while I waiting for something to take the bait.

[SilentPartner]

I dont fish but i would think a good start would be to go to a fishing suplies shop (non chainstore) and ask. A friend of mine had one of those pen fishing poles and he broke it on his first time out (trying to colapse it) so id say it would not be a good buy. If your looking to add to your survival skills id also look into longline fishing.

[unsure]

your local tackle shop will be able to tell you were your local fishing club is . as for telescopic rods , don`t bother . get your self a pole and a couple of rigs , they don`t need to be expensive or new for that matter . go to your chosen fishing spot . then with a plumb weight on the hook ,find the bottom ,set your flote so its just out of the water but sitting upright , remove the plumb weight ,bait up and relax , when the flote goes under just lift it up and you should have got your first fish.

after typing all that ,i`m asuming you want to fish the local area rather than the sea.thats alot differant to set up .

[scoobie]

You'll get a load of different opinions on this one!

I'd stay away from poles personally, more flexibility with a light ledger rod (can use for float for 'silver' fish, bigger species and spinning)

If you're sea fishing for the table from a beach. A 11-12ft beach caster and fixed spool reel. 15lb line, and all the accessories that go with it.

Go to your local tackle shop, tell 'em you want to get into fishing they can tell you where to go, kit to buy, clubs to join etc.

You can get started for £50 easily for everything, if you're fishing in freshwater you need a rod license. £27 a year.

I'm just getting back into it after 18 years away from it! I popped into my local tackle shop at the weekend just to see what's around kit wise now, got offered a cuppa within a few minutes of walking in the door

[unsure]

i guess using a pole or not using a pole is down to choice , i`d rather use a pole for the ease of it , but can and do use a rod depending on were or how i wantr to fish .

[Ferricks]

I agree - local tackle shop 1st stop. Ask them about local fisheries / fish farms for fishing (a big downside is that these can be £'y and may be fly only...). if there is one that fits the bill near to you, they let you practice in a "safe " environment and you usually meet some likeminded folks who will help you with your casting.

There may also be some local angling clubs near you and again, a tackle shop will be able to help you with that and also explain permits and rod licences (england only) etc to you - my experience is that they are REALLY helpful.

[unsure]

if you were closer , i`d take you myself

[Ferricks]

if you were closer , i`d take you myself

We could organise a "fishing meet" for the start of next season?

[unsure]

we could do that , it would need to a commerial fishery , pay your 5 quid and a day rod license is about 3 quid . there is a small out of the way fishery about 2 miles from the local train station on the manchester to liverpool line if thats any good to any one .

[Ferricks]

I like the sound of that - as will my fishing mental OH!

Organising early enough could = cheaper travel costs etc.

ANYBODY UP FOR IT????