How to Start Fishing: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need for your first fishing trip: gear, licenses, where to go, and how to catch your first fish.
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Featured category · Fishing
Start with the basics
Six guides that cover everything you need for a safe, successful first trip.
Essential Fishing Gear for Beginners
A no-nonsense checklist of the fishing gear beginners actually need, and what you can safely skip.
Read the guide →How to Tie the 5 Most Useful Fishing Knots
Step-by-step instructions for the improved clinch, Palomar, uni, double uni, and loop knots every angler should know.
Read the guide →How to Cast a Spinning Reel
Learn to cast a spinning reel accurately in minutes with step-by-step instructions, drills, and fixes for common problems.
Read the guide →How to Find Fish: Reading the Water
Learn where fish hide in ponds, lakes, and rivers, and how weather, structure, and season affect where to cast.
Read the guide →Fishing Safety Tips for Beginners
Stay safe on the water with practical tips for weather, hooks, wading, boats, sun protection, and first aid.
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