So HOW do you catch a fish? Wannabe anglers have pondered that question for eons. And if you asked ten different anglers, you’d probably get ten different answers (and most would help you catch fish). Though learning how to catch a fish sounds complicated, let’s decode it while empowering you with logical information that you can use to figure out how you can catch fish. Two of the biggest factors are going to be where you’re going fishing and what fish species you’re trying to catch.
Ask your fishing coach. The great thing about fishing mentors is that you don’t have to ask them how to catch fish. They will tell you… and keep telling you how to catch fish. That’s why they’re fishing mentors. And the great thing about learning from your fishing coach is that instead of learning by yourself through trial and error, a mentor will help avoid all those mistakes while catching more fish and faster. Just be sure and thank them repeatedly for offering their time and experience to teach you how to catch fish.
Ask bait shop people. Anglers love to tell stories. And what better place to share stories about where the fish are biting on what bait than at the local bait and tackle shop? If you’re unsure how to ask, try this trick. First, ask if you can buy a map of a local lake or have it already on your smart phone. Then ask for some advice on where to fish for what. After you get that advice, ask them what bait they would recommend. You’ll likely get all the information you need to locate and begin catching fish.
- Ask other fishermen. This can be tricky so tread lightly. Don’t simply walk up to a fisherman and ask, “Hey, how can I catch a fish and where’s your favorite spot?” You’ll probably get a rotten-bait stinky look. Instead, tell the truth that you’re new to fishing and unsure where and how to catch a fish. You might add that you’d really be proud to help feed your family a fish dinner some day. Again, be appreciative about the advice they offer. If they still give you a stinky look, thank them anyway and wish them luck.
Ask fishing guides. You wouldn’t think that a fishing guide would openly tell some kid where and how to catch a fish. That’s kind of like messing with their business. But you’d be surprised that many guides love to help new anglers get into fishing and gladly share some expert tips on how to catch different species. The reason that they’re fishing guides is because they love to show people how to catch fish. Be polite and also ask about their guide service and website so you can pass along that info to other anglers.
- Ask fishing gear sales persons. Besides bait shop people, fishing gear sales people often know where and how to catch fish… because it’s their job and they’re often also experienced anglers. You can use some of the same lines of asking for helpful information as you did in the bait shop, especially about what’s the best baits and lures to use during certain times of the year.
Research online resources. Rather than wade through the 21 million hits you’ll get from an online search on “how to catch fish”, narrow your search to the species of fish, where you fish. Your state DNR or Fish agency is a good place to start. If you really want specific and easy to learn tips on catching that fish, try a online search for; 1)how to catch, 2)the species your after, 3) exact or nearby body of water, 4) the time of year you’re going fishing. For example, we did a search for… how to catch…small-mouth bass…grand traverse bay… in the summer. We got 20,000 hits to explore, including helpful videos. Refine your search even more by including “videos” and you’ll get plenty of advice to both watch and listen. Review some of these 
helpful links on how to catch fish from TakeMeFishing.org. 1)How to choose bait, 2)How to cast and retrieve, 3)Basics of Jigging, 4)Bottom Bouncing. You’ll also find lots more how to catch fish info on TakeMeFishing.org so explore and learn.- Use Fishing Apps. Yeah, there’s an app for that! Check out our list of fishing apps on the right side here to find out which ones might be best for where you live and the types of fish you’re after. Some apps can actually help you find out what’s biting where on what bait, right now. That saves you hearing the old fisherman’s story of, “Oh you should have been here last month when they were really biting.” We want you to find out where they’re biting now. But we also don’t want you to break the piggy bank on buying fancy apps that aren’t suited for where you fish. So explore their features first before setting the hook into one. We want you to have some change left over for buying those hot lures.
