I like fishing in all its many forms. For freshwater fishing, I employ the full range of tackle available. I use spinning, bait casting and fly for everything from pumpkinseeds to giant pike.
The advantage of this is that each form of fishing has its own special joys and challenges. I love trout fishing small streams with a short, light fly rod. With a heavier fly rod and larger, tooth-proof flies, I go north to Canada for big pike. For coastal river species, there is nothing better than a fly rod for the annual runs of shad, stripers and Atlantic salmon.
For almost all fishing, I also like to vary my fishing with spinning and bait casting gear. When bait fishing for carp, the best tackle is an old style bait casting reel with a click alert system to tell you when a carp has picked up your doughball and is running with it.
For a time in the 1940s when spinning reached these shores after WWII, it was thought that it would replace all fly fishing and bait casting use. Of course, no such thing happened.
It is true that spinning and the related spincasting tackle have over the years taken the preeminent role in all fishing. If that is the case with your forays afield, try adding another type of tackle to the mix of fun.
Using a fly rod to properly present a fly in a small stream and have a trout take the fly has always seemed to be the best way to take these fish. And landing a big pike on a bulletproof minnow fly or a carp on a crayfish imitation just adds another thrill to your memory bank of great catches.
You probably have a fishing buddy who has fishing gear you lack and who would be willing to lend you a bait caster or fly outfit while you learn about different types of tackle. Most likely, he can give you lessons on casting and take you on a trip or three for you to try various tackle types before you buy.
A trip to your local tackle shop will start you in the right direction just by asking questions and learning about the gear. Many tackle shops later in the spring have scheduled lessons in fly fishing by their expert or a visiting tackle rep or pro to help you get started the right way.
Libraries are also a great help for reference material. They have magazines and books specifically on freshwater fishing with spinning, bait casting and fly, and often stock DVDs or tapes for loan on these subjects. Similarly, check with the librarian or the library bulletin board for meetings of local fishing clubs that are always anxious to help beginners learn more about all aspects of the sport of fishing.
It is not hard to get started learning about more fishing opportunities. It just takes a little bit of effort to get in on a lot of fishing fun this year.
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