A light morning breeze cools the back of your neck, and your cast throws smooth ripples across a calm surface. Whether eagerly waiting among friends or navigating the waters alone, there’s nothing quite like casting a line and feeling the familiar tug of a Fish hidden under waves of cherry blue water. The anticipation of that first bite is a sensation that drives fisherman, experienced and amateurs, to bodies of water throughout the U.S. for the return of fishing season.

Spring kicks off the season to reel in dinner, and trust us when we say there is no greater solitude than watching the sun pierce the horizon while waiting for your next big fish tale.

Most states’ fishing season begins about late April, and it seems like the world of angling changes nearly each year. New rods, the best baits and the hottest holes are tricks that you only gain after accumulating years of experience as a fisherman, but we have good news for you newbies… we’ve gather a list of some of the most notable tools of the trade for the upcoming season with precisely you in mind.

This list of ten actionable tips, tricks and advice includes fundamental fishing knowledge that any amateur needs before he or she is reeling ‘em in.

License

First things first, each state offers different types of licenses, and our best, biggest and most important tip is to get the proper one and familiarize yourself with state regulations. Most places provide a hassle free experience, by offering licenses for purchase online. Not only does the amount you pay for a license go toward conservation services, but you’re also doing your part to preserve the art of fishing. Not to mention you can get some pretty hefty citations for not having one.

 Get To Know Your Rod

Learning the lingo and getting familiar with your rod and its parts are the most basic, but also one of the most vital parts of this whole fishing process.

Here’s the nitty-gritty, starting from the bottom and working your way up:

• the bottom of the handle, in technical terms, is known as the butt cap
• the handle, also known as the grip, is obviously where you’ll be holding
• the reel seat is where your reel attaches to the rod
• the hook keeper holds your hook so you don’t impale yourself or others (we think it’s pretty important)
• butt, or the thick part of the rod nearest the handle
• ferrule this is where sections of your rod come together (if your rod breaks into two pieces)
• the butt guide is the first guide and closest to the thickest part of the rod
• guides are the little rings that carry your line up the rod
• windings are how the guides stay attached to the rod (in lamest terms, string that is painted over with enamel)
• tip is exactly as it sounds and also the most flexible part of your pole
• and the tip top is the guide at the tippy top of your rod (hint, hint: it’s probably the most important and you’ll likely break it a whole lot)

We have covered every part of fishing reel too, it`s here.

Picking Your Gear

Finding the right equipment is easy enough if you know the kind of fish you’re after. You can ask local experts or just hop over to a tackle shop and ask for their best advice. However, if you’re certain you want to start fishing but not about what you’re looking to catch, you could run into some problems. Finding the perfect rod is impossible if you aren’t sure what you’re fishing for, but you will be able to select a rod that will work fairly well.

Smelly Bait

The variety of bait also depends on where and what you’re fishing. Lures are always a great option, but they can get expensive and, to be frank, nothing really beats live bait. Though, the live stuff can really smell up your fridge.

If you are looking to use live bait, you’re fishing freshwater and looking to avoid the fishy stench, earthworms are cheap, effective, and versatile and won’t stink up your refrigerator. You can also try frogs, grasshoppers and crickets.

As mentioned above, your bait depends on what you’re look to catch. If you’re seeking bass, for instance, bait that stimulates multiple senses (like a brightly colored lure) will bring on the most strikes. An additional benefit to using a lure is not losing your bait to tricky fish.

 Technique

An angler’s main objective is to select a technique that matches the fish they’re seeking. Each method is named after the action the bait or lure presents, and the style that produces the most strikes is always the one that mocks what the fish likes to eat. Some systems work best with lures and some with live bait. If you don’t have a preference in what you hook, live bait should always be your go-to, regardless of technique.

Season Specific

Because fishing season typically opens in spring you’ll need to do some migration research! Since spring generally means mating season, it’s not a stretch to assume the same for fish.

For instance, America’s most recognized gaming fish, the largemouth bass, does its spawning in ideal water temperatures, which are approximately 60-65 degrees. Water generally reaches this temperature between May and June. Lucky for us, this means an active fishing season.

They typically begin spawning at depth ranging between three and five feet, and the ideal site is a hard-packed bottom that is covered with a thin layer of muck. Their nests are usually between three and four feet deep on the north shores were the sun has the longest warming effect.

If you’re early in the season you’ll likely be reeling in small bass. At that point, you can shift your plan of attach to drop-offs and the edges of stream channels.

 No bites?

Many smart, experienced anglers will return to a location where they’ve had luck. Still, because of conditions, a spot may dry up after a few hours. If your rod has served more as a resting spot for dragonflies than a secret fish slaying weapon, it’s time to reel it in and check your bait. If your baits still attached and you aren’t ready to give up, cast a bit further out or drop your depth.

Keep A Proper Record

Say you travel to a specific spot in a lake, and you feel like you’ve hit a goldmine; track it (location and condition) for next season. As mentioned above, the smartest anglers return to sweet spots.  Pay attention to the areas and depth where you’ve had luck, and be certain to note the conditions when your luck runs out. If you are not interested in filling out the fishing log old fashioned way, then we encourage you to try out one of these mobile apps.

Reeling In

I realize it sounds simple, but there is a bit more to reeling in a fish than just giving your rod a good jerk, and believe it or not, this is where many amateur fisherman come up with nothing but a bait-less hook.

There is a lot of finesse that goes along with setting the hook and playing the fish. If you’re too quick you can lose your fish, if you’re too slow you can lose your catch, your bait or gut hook your fish (when a fish swallows the hook). If you play your fish for too long it’s even possible that the fish can die from exhaustion.

While keeping your line tight and holding your rod a 45 degree angle, its easier to feel the little nimble that normally comes before a fish really takes your bait. A floater might bob up and down or you’ll feel a tug. The time to act is when the bobber begins being drug along the surface or pulled under. Jerk quickly to set the hook and let your fish react. If your captured pal begins to swim away, allow your drag to do the work for you. Only begin reeling in once the fish has stopped running or when it swims toward you. Your line should be kept taut.  Couple this play technique with pumping and you’ll certainly land yourself a prize.

Landing, Netting And The “Bass Thumb”

Bass Thumb

How to properly land and handle a fish depends on what type you’ve caught. Species without teeth, such as the largemouth bass, can be safely picked up by its lower jaw. By placing your thumb inside and index finger on the outside, you can hold the jaw agape. This grasp temporarily paralyzes your fish, but doesn’t hurt them. Careful! Place a hand on its belly if it begins to wiggle. (Hint: these are perfect picture moments.)

Netting

If you aren’t quite ready to get so up close and personal with your catch or you’re practicing catch and release, a net is also a great way to land (specifically if your swimming friend has sharp teeth). By steering the fish with your rod, be certain to keep its head up when pulled the net beneath it. Make sure your hands are wet and gentle if you plan to handle it.

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