In fishing, most beginners learn the sport from their father, grandfather, uncle or friend rather than taking lessons as in other sports such as tennis or golf. There aren’t very many established fishing schools available to beginning fishermen and -women, and most of these offer lessons and techiques geared toward those who already have some experience angling.  There is just not much available to the angler that is starting at Square One.  With this in mind, here are a few tips in case you ever get called on to act as a tutor for the completely novice fisherman.

Patience, patience, patience…

More than anything, have patience. To someone who has never done it before, fishing is sport unlike any other.  Many of the things, terms, and practices that you take for granted will be completely foreign to the beginner.  Remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question, and the responsibility is on you to guide the novice and make your answers and explanations easy to understand.

Practice, practice, practice….

Before actually going out on the water, it is a good idea to introduce a new angler to the equipment and techniques on dry ground. A “dry run” is much easier to accomplish on dry land, and your student will be able to concentrate easier to the lesson at hand rather than the water, the rocking of the boat, the unfamiliar sights and smells, etc. This will also allow you to practice more patience, as you will be able to give 100% of your attention to your student, and not feel like you are wasting your own fishing time.

Start the beginner with equipment that is comfortable and appropriate for the kind of fishing you will be doing. Go over all of the basic operations of working the rod and reel.  Again, remember that fishing equipment is not like equipment used in any other sport, and a beginner will not know what all of the buttons, gears and settings are for.  Teach, and then allow the student to practice; watch and give advice as needed.

Even gaining fishing skills can be done out of the water.  I remember, as a child, practicing my casting for freash water fish in my backyard, with a sinker on the end of the line instead of a hook and leader.  By the time I actually got onto the lake for the first time, I could cast my lure within a few inches of where I wanted it.

First Time “Real” Fishing…

The first thing you must determine before taking a novice angler onto the water is whether or not he/she is going to be affected by motion sickness.  For someone who has never been on a boat before, the gentle rolling motion of a boat — whether on a small lake or the open sea – will be a very disconcerting feeling. For some, it can ruin the experience immediately.  So if there is any hint that seasickness may be a problem, have the student take motion sickness pills or apply a patch ahead of time.  (Ingesting ginger is also very effective — and a more natural method — of alleviating the feeling of motion sickness.)

For the first trip, again remember the “patience” mantra.  Assume that your student angler will need lots of attention, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get a lot of fishing in yourself, at least not at the beginning of the outing. When the beginner hooks a fish, he/she will definitely need watching and guidance in how to reel in the catch without breaking the line, or letting overexcitement cause the first catch to be lost.  Landing the fish will be a first-time experience, and the student angler should expect help with this task, as well as the proper way to hold, unhook, clean and even cook the catch.

Offer encouragement, offer advice, and let this day be for the student.  Remember that the faster your student becomes and experienced angler, the sooner you will have someone else to share fishing memories with.  And this new fishing buddy will be eternally grateful for the time you took to share this new sport.

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Outdoor Dan