Nebraskaland

24 NEBRASKAland • MARCH 2015 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 2 NE NE NE NE NE NEBR BR BR BR BRAS AS AS AS A KA KA KA KA KA KA KA KA KAla la la land nd nd nd nd • MARCH 2015 Story and photos by Jenny Nguyen Learning how to fish isn't as complicated as it seems. With a few pieces of equipment and some basic knowledge, anyone can be successful on the water. FIRST BITE a beginner's fishing guide A nyone can learn to fish, but it would seem otherwise when you did not grow up around it. Rod length, line test, spinning reel, baitcaster, spincast, soft bait, crank bait, stink bait, jigs, spinners, spoons – just wading through the vast availability of fishing gear and terminology can make a person's head spin. But fear not, neophyte, because fishing isn't as complicated as it seems. I, too, did not start fishing until recently, and once I realized that it only took a few basic pieces of equipment and knowledge to learn how to fish, the world of fishing did not seem so confusing anymore. In addition to learning about equipment, you also need to know which species to target. To begin fishing, don't go out looking for muskie or walleye on your first try. It can get complicated quick. Learn the basics by catching panfish first, which include bluegill and other sunfish like redear and green sunfish, crappie, white bass, small trout and channel catfish – species that are tasty, widely available throughout Nebraska waters, and relatively simple to catch from the shore. Equipment Rod and Reel Although serious anglers will have specialized rod and reel combos for each species, even panfish, it is often impractical for a beginner to go out and buy several rods on his or her first visit to the sporting goods store. At these retailers, you will have the option of buying a combo rod and reel package that manufacturers have put together, or, if you know what you're looking for, you can buy the rod and reel separately to build your own outfit. To start out, choose a 6- to 7- foot light action spinning rod and reel combo, or a 6- to 7- foot light action spincast (closed faced) rod and reel combo. These two rod and reel combos are ideal for all-around panfishing, including easy casting. To catch catfish in a lake or pond, choose a 6- to 7- foot medium to medium-heavy action baitcasting rod and reel combo. Though a baitcasting outfit is more ideal for catching bigger fish, a quality medium to medium-heavy spinning rod and reel combo can also work for catching smaller, eating- size cats. Line Fishing line is measured by how much weight it can hold. The bigger the fish, the heavier the line you will need, and vice versa. Because panfish are relatively similar in size, you can usually get away with using the same line for most species. I've caught bluegill, trout, crappie, white bass and even small largemouth bass on 4-pound and 6-pound test line on a light action spinning rod and reel combo. However, when targeting bigger bass and catfish, use at least 8-pound line test or heavier on your medium to medium heavy rod and reel. As far as the type of line to use, stick with monofilament line for now, which is a general, all-purpose line that can be used in a variety of situations. It works beautifully with panfish. As you become more advanced and begin to seek bigger fish, then more expensive and technical lines such fluorocarbon and braided can be explored. Once you have chosen your fishing rod, reel and line, ask a store representative in the fishing department to spool your reel, or ask them to show you how to spool your own reel at home by using the arbor knot. See more information identifying Nebraska's fi sh species. S N The improved clinch knot is one of the most widely used fi shing knots. It provides a good method of securing a fi shing line to a hook, lure or swivel. ILLUSTRATION BY TIM REIGERT

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