As many of you know, fishing is a complex sport. This means there are MANY different ways you can do things, and some may feel more natural to you. This is why it is important for you to know the different techniques, and the different types of rods/reels to use when doing them. That is what this page is focused on.
Some of these techniques include but are not limited to:
In bait fishing, the fisher will rig multiple hooks with some kind of bait (alive or dead) and wait for a fish to bite. This is a very popular technique and is often used by anglers targetting catfish or bottom feeders. Using weights is helpful when bait fishing, and it will quicken this long and timely technique.
In fly fishing, the fisher will use a light weight lure but on a weighted line. Fly fishing is arguably the quickest and easiest method to catch fish. Fly fishing allows you to use a light rod (light to medium-light power) as you are throwing weightless lures. Fly fishing is most common in fast flowing rivers, and is a go to technique to most river anglers.
In bait casting, the fisher will often use a baitcaster rod (not to be confused with the technique) to cast live or dead bait (other fish/food items) into the water. This is arguably the most popular technique, as you are able to also do other techniques at the same time. Bait casting is the perfet technique for beginner-intermediate anglers, or if you just want to sit on the water and enjoy yourself.
In flipping, the fisher peels off about 50-80% more line than the actual length of the rod, while feeding it back through the guides while you jerk the rod up and down, this allows for the bait/lure on your line to do a more natural looking motion, and catch you some good sized fish. Flipping is not reccomended to beginners, and it takes a while to master. It is reccomended to practice doing this in a calm lake/pond and not in a fast flowing river, unlike fly fishing.
In trolling, the fisher uses a swimbait (soft or hard) and sets it up on their boat. In trolling you want to have a heavier rod (medium heavy/heavy) as you have a higher chance at catching giants than you do on the shore. In trolling you want to be in a decent depth (10-20) feetand preferebly over seaweed or watergrass. This allows for fish hiding from it's prey to get that suprise effect, to see your lure and chase it. You can vary your speeds based on what you're trying to catch. This is my personal favorite technique, and is used to catch my favorite fish, the Northern Pike.
Lures and bait are very important when trying to catch a fish, and increase your chances greatly rather than using a just a plain hook. Lures are essentially trying to mimick the look, movement, and sound of a actual fish. There are different types of lures for every type of fishing you can imagine. And there are lures to mimick about every type of prey fish you know. Most fishing techniques require a certain type of lure, such as swimbaits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Having a wide variety of lures and knowing when to use them will help you be a better angler, and take you to the next level.
As I said before, lures are used to mimick real fish. But you could always use real fish if they're available to you. Things such as worms, minnows, and shads are very popular baits used by anglers, and will help you catch fish. However, if you want live bait (such as fish) you will need a bucket and an aerator. This allows for the fish to be kept alive for a long period of time while you fish.
You've already heard about lures, techniques, baits, and more. But what are those to you if you dont have a rod and reel? It is important for you to have a reliable and strong rod for what you're fishing for, and a smooth and reliable reel. There are many places to buy rods and reels, and even combos. And there are many brands too (such as those on the home page). Before purchasing a rod and reel you want to know what you're buying, so you don't waste all your money on something that isn't needed for what you're fishing for.
Rods are essential to fishing, and there are so many options to choose from. There are many different actions for rods, such as Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, and Heavy. Each of these rods allow you to ues different weight line and lures, and some (Medium - Heavy) can catch big fish without the risk of your line, or your rod snapping. As you move up in action, and get to those heavier rods. The price will increase, and the length will do the same. This is because they are using better material that costs more money. However, this doesn't mean lighter rods are cheap, they just can't handle the kind of fish heavier rods can.
Reels are another essential to fishing. And they can get pricey, so you want to know what you're in for. There are 3 main types of reels. Such as the spinning reel, the baitcaster, and the spincaster (also known as pushbutton). Each of these rods have their own pros and cons about them, and it is very controversial on which reel you should use. I can only suggest my personal opinion, and this may be bias. But in my opinion, if you are looking for small fish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, other sunfish) without breaking the bank, buy a spincast. If you are looking for topwater finnese fishing small to even large fish, use a spinning reel. And if you are looking to catch big fish with big lures and use a heavier rod, use a baitcaster.
There are many tips and tricks for fishing, and there are many websites that can help provide them to you. But from my personal experience, nobody else's opinion will make you feel as comfortable as you'd like to be in fishing. And it is all based off of how you like to fish, and what you like to use to. Some people prefer something over another, and the most important tip is to always do what you want to do.