Your Top Tip! Be part of a new feature series!

[ThroughTheEye]

Hello fellow anglers!

I would really appreciate a couple of minutes of your time to help me with some research I'm doing ahead of writing a new feature series all about angling. Over the next few months I am will popping some questions up and your responses will really help.

What I would like to know is:

"If you could offer a new angler one top tip to help them with their fishing - what would it be?"..

I need a minimum of 100 responses to validate the research so please help me out!

 

thanks!

[Dales]

Never put your sandwiches in the same bag as your maggots.

[wotnobivvy]

Don't use your mobile whilst playing a fish, one of them will be lost.

[Phone]

Do not pick your nose after baiting your terminal gear.

 

Phone

[Andy_1984]

To touch on what Phone said. MOST definitely do not pick your nose after hooking up casters.

 

If you feel the urge to do a jobby do not try to relieve the pressure by farting. It will only force the issue later on in the day.

 

heres one you can keep:

 

Take your feckin litter home with you.

Edited May 28, 2013 by Andy_1984

[Sportsman]

Fish where the fish are, no good fishing where the fish aint.

[Steve Walker]

You can put feed in, you can't take it out.

[Phone]

Through,

 

Here's my "speech" before a kids fish-in.

 

First Time Fishing Tips

Just Do It!
You don't have to fish the first time out. Walking along the shore is a good first step.

 

Catch fish.
When you do actually go fishing for the first time, plan to go somewhere where there are plenty of easy ways to catch fish. Bluegill and other sunfish are just right for first time anglers. It doesn't matter if they're small -- catching fish is the key, not catching big fish.

 

Be patient.

First timers are going to make mistakes as they learn. Encourage them and laugh with them during this fun time.

 

Be safe.
Find a spot that is comfortable and safe. Avoid slippery or steep banks. Be careful handling hooks. You may want to consider using barbless hooks for beginning anglers. This will minimize the trauma.

Practice casting before you head out on the water.

Always wear or have hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen for protection.

 

Use the Right Equipment.

Use Live Bait.
An earthworm is probably the number one bait for first timers. Minnows and mealworms (maggots) also work well. No artifical lures.

 

Go Fish.
After you arrive at a local lake, look for that safe, comfortable spot with room. to cast and a gently sloping bank. Use a bobber (float) and learn to watch the float. You may want to release the fish that you catch. Careful handling for live release is important. Minimize the length of time the fish is out of water. Gently removing the hook. (UK standard are different than we have, you may want to expand on this rather second level topic.)

 

Do Not Stay Too Long.
First trip should not be a 2 - 3 day session.

 

Phone

[Phil Adams]

Never keep lures in the pad of emergency toilet tissue you keep in your bag.

 

Never pull for a break using the rod, hand line.

 

Never have a naked flame anywhere near your tent or bivi.

 

Focus your attention on the basic skills of whatever you are trying to learn.

 

Ask questions if you are unsure, but don't be afraid to try.

 

That old fella with a old gear, smokin roll ups, knows more about catching fish than any magazine, DVD, "celebrity angler" ever will. Be polite and listen.

 

Dont spend too much time on forums.

[RUDD]

Expensive tackle and bait do not catch fish.

 

Feed little and often.

 

Try to keep quiet and low to the sky line.

 

Patience is a virtue.

 

Spend time learning about a venue, method or bait.

 

Proper planning and preparation prevent p!ss poor performance - make sure your tackle is always sorted out and ready to go.

Its no good flapping around for half an hour trying to find kit if an opportunity arises or turning up to find an essential item missing.