By: Mindy Simons-Assistant Director-Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau
This time of year, when the snow is starting to melt and anglers are itching to get on the water, is a perfect time to brush up on your fundamentals or better yet, get a young person interested in fishing even before it is time to get in the boat. Practice makes perfect, even when angling, and having good fundamentals can make a difference in the number of fish you can catch!
One of the easiest ways to practice casting fundamentals is to rig up a rod, tie on a bait, tape the hook with some duct tape for safety and start practicing. Use a bucket to practice precise flipping and pitching, practice roll casting from different angles, or if you are a complete beginner, just work on gaining more distance or a smoother cast. The possibilities are endless!
In addition to casting, if you are working with a new angler, teach them how to tie some basic knots and rigging techniques. Again, practical application is great here, so tape off a hook for safety and start with the basics. A Palomar knot is an easy first-knot to master and can be used in a variety of applications. Teach them some of your favorite techniques, for instance, I love to fish the drop shot technique for deep bass, but it is more than just tying on a hook…share your knowledge so that the younger generation can get a jump start and feel empowered to handle their own tackle.
As we look toward open water fishing, I hope you will be inspired to get back to your fundamentals and pass them on!
