By JACOB WILL
Sheridan High School Student
The Sheridan Student Column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School’s 10th grade English class, taught by Abby Williams.
Fishing can be a very complex and rewarding hobby, but there is a lot of learning involved. One of the most important aspects of fishing is having the right gear for the right job. Different fishing gear could be rods, reels, tackle, and even what you are fishing from. Most people start with a cheap rod from any convenience store, but there is much more to choose from if you are looking to catch big fish. Fishing, just like any other hobby, requires lots of practice.
First up is how to choose the right rod and reel for you. For a beginner, it would be best to get a push-button reel and rod combo since they require no special technique and are reliable. As you advance in skill you can upgrade to a spinning reel combo. A spinning reel requires a small amount of practice, but it is a lot more versatile. A spinning reel will be able to cast further and be more consistent than a push-button reel.
When it comes to deciding on a rod, it all comes down to your target fish. Most beginners start with panfish, and with that, you would want a medium/light power. As you progress, bass may become another target species, and for bass, you would want a medium/heavy power rod.
Next, I will explain what tackle or bait to choose. Panfish include bluegill, perch, and crappie, and require earthworms or wax worms for bait. The best bait for panfish would be earthworms or wax worms. When using bait for panfish the most effective method would be to use a bobber and a weighted hook. If you are wanting to target bass, however, it is a completely different ballgame. Bass are smart and they can be tricky to catch, depending on the time of year. In cold winter months, the bass sink to the bottom, so lures like jigs or artificial worms work well. When the weather is warmer the bass are closer to the surface and filled with energy, so lures like crankbaits or swimbaits work well.
Another thing to take into account is where you are fishing from. That would be from the shore or on a boat or kayak. When fishing from land it can be very easy to fight the fish and get a good cast. From a kayak, fish can pull you all around and it can be pretty hard to cast. Fishing from a boat, on the other hand, is a great way to fish. Boats are very stable and make for easy casting and good positioning in the water.
In conclusion, fishing can be very fun for all skill levels because it’s an always-evolving game. Fishing takes lots of practice and patience. As you become more experienced you will learn what works in certain conditions and what doesn’t. It is very easy to get into fishing and it is lots of fun. I have been fishing for all my life, and I still learn something new every time that I go. I’ve been fishing from Canada to Texas and countless places in between, and it is always a blast. Lastly, never forget: Practice makes perfect.