Fishing
Insider Info
Although there are many reasons why people fish -- for relaxation, camaraderie,
solitude, food, or to be outdoors -- Jeff Kinzli says the ultimate pleasure
for a fisherman is the thrill of the catch.
"I was about 11 years old, and we were fishing the San Lorenzo River in
Santa Cruz, California. It was about 7 a.m., cold, and a ton of fishermen
[were] around. The first fish caught that day was by me, and on a fly [as
opposed to catching it with bait]!
"I was the envy of everyone, and I was so proud. It wasn't a huge fish,
but it was a steelhead, and it was caught on a fly. I was hooked at that point,
and even days afterwards I couldn't believe that I had actually caught a steelhead
on a fly. It was quite a feat."
While fishing is dominated by men, Sherri Osborn of Minnesota is one of
a growing number of women who find relaxation in fishing. She recalls a fishing
trip that illustrates some of the sport's frustrations and challenges:
"We had heard the hot spot to fish was across the lake from the resort
we were staying at, so we headed out. We were about halfway across the lake
when the wind kicked up. The wind helped create enormous waves, which were
coming straight at us and washing over the front of the boat.
"After much water bailing and what seemed like forever, we finally made
it across. By the time we made it there, the fish had decided to move. Quite
the experience!"
Conservation is a very big issue in fishing today. The effects of pollution,
development, commercial fishing, and the sheer number of recreational fishers
out there means that the future of the sport itself depends on attention to
the issue.
"Catch and release" is the buzz phrase and is required in some bodies of
water. More and more fishermen who fish for reasons other than food are deciding
to return their catch to the water alive. Some fishers are even taking their
photographs underwater to increase the chances that the fish will survive.
Catch and release is more complex than it sounds. Recent studies have shown
that unless catch and release is handled properly and humanely, many fish
die later anyway.
You can get information on proper catch and release techniques from the
many Web sites devoted to fishing, or through your local fishing club.
Carren Jones, vice-president of an angler's club for women, says her club
teaches kids about catch and release.
"Our annual tournament that we have each year for women is purely catch
and release. That way, there are still fish in the water for the next person
to enjoy the thrill of the catch. We try and teach kids about keeping lakes
and rivers clean."
About 35 million adult anglers (hook fishers) participate in the sport
in the U.S. alone. Together they spend $37 billion a year on such things as
fishing equipment, licences, boats, books, magazines, bait, food and lodging.
They have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, contributing over $3
billion a year in income taxes, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
Fishing can be a complicated sport with a lot of choices to make. Freshwater
versus saltwater, bait versus lure. What species would you like to catch?
Different fish respond to different types of lures.
Do you like a challenge or an easy catch? Will you eat the fish? Where
will you fish? Will you fish by boat or from land? Weather doesn't have to
be a barrier -- you can even fish through the ice in winter.
Getting Started
The first thing you must do is a get a fishing license. Some types of fishing
require separate licences. Licences are generally not expensive, running from
$5 to $20 on average. Some areas waive the license fees for children or seniors.
Make yourself aware of the fishing regulations for the area you plan to
fish in. Fishing can be prohibited in some areas and at certain times of the
year. The types, size, and quantity of fish you catch may be limited.
Information is available from your local fish and game or environmental
protection department. Some Web sites devoted to fishing post fishing license
fees and regulations.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions," says Osborn. "Other people usually
enjoy helping, especially if you will listen to a few of their fish stories!"
"First, I would suggest that you check your local clubs to see if there
are any fishing clubs and if they have women in them," adds Jones, explaining
that some women find it easier to fish with other women.
"Some clubs have both men and women. Then I would suggest that you go to
your local sports shop to get advice on a rod or reel and tackle that you
would need. We have helped some of our women with their fishing gear by going
with them to a sports store and helping them buy what they need."
Fishing equipment sales is a multibillion-dollar industry. There are many
types of rods, reels, poles, lines, leaders, lures, bait, hooks, sinkers,
tackle boxes, and depth finders to choose from. Keep it simple in the beginning.
Starting out, you can equip yourself well enough for less than $100. Later,
you might find yourself spending several hundred on the rod alone. Saltwater
equipment is more expensive because it must withstand harsher conditions.
What's good to use for bait? It depends on the fish. It can be anything
from night crawlers to live minnows to popcorn, cheese or even mini-marshmallows.
You need to learn a lot about your chosen fish to decide.
Brightly colored lures are hot right now. Trends change in fishing, and
apparently fish can be quick to catch on.
Certain types of fish react to certain types and colors of lures while
others don't. But after a while, fish learn to stay away from the bright ones.
Some fishers recommend mixing an assortment of natural-looking lures along
with the bright colors.
Fly-tying is an art in itself. Many Web sites, such as Field and Stream,
offer how-to articles. You can even buy a software package that shows you
how to make 1,800 different ones.
Many fishers like variety as well. "Many fisherman switch from bass, crappie
or walleye to muskies because they get tired of their old species," says Ian
Smith, muskie fisherman (the muskie is short for muskellunge, a large, spirited
North American fish).
"Also, some consider muskies more challenging to catch, as they are a rare
fish even in lakes where they are quite common -- a good day for muskies might
be to catch one fish, while for crappies or walleye catching a dozen or three
or four is normal.
"Many like to fish for them because they get very big, and I like them
because every time I catch one my knees shake a little bit each time -- it's
very exciting, as they can be quite ferocious."
There is a range of job opportunities in the fishing industry. Kinzli has
dabbled in it all his life.
"From the time I was nine years old, I have worked in my father's fly-fishing
business. Now that I'm 30, married and working in the computer business, I
still choose to work with him on Saturdays, go to trade shows with him, and
go on fishing trips with him."
Other career choices include working at one of the many retailers selling
equipment, vehicles, or bait, serving as a guide or instructor, or providing
lodging and refreshment to fishers.
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and never think you can't do
it!" says Osborn.
"I was amazed the first time I saw one of the women launch their own boat!
As far as I knew, that was a 'man thing.' Sit back, relax, and enjoy it. There
are few things quite as satisfying as the thrill of the big one on the other
end of the end, even if it gets away!"
Education
Wulff School of Fly-Fishing
P.O. Box 948
Livingston Manor
,
NY
12758
USA
Internet
:
http://www.royalwulff.com/schools.html
Associations
American Sportfishing Association
420-225 Reinekers Lane.
Alexandria
,
VA
22314
USA
E-mail
:
info@asafishing.org
Internet
:
http://www.asafishing.org
North American Fishing Club
Internet
:
http://www.fishingclub.com/
Publications
Field and Stream and Outdoor Life Online
Internet
:
http://www.fieldandstream.com
Fishing and Hunting News Online
Internet
:
http://www.fhnews.com
Online Fly-Fishing Magazines
Internet
:
http://members.aol.com/flycatalog/index12.html
Links
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Learn more about fisheries and habitat conservation programs
Sport Fishing
This magazine features news, product reviews and events from
the world of salt water fishing
Take Me Fishing
Plan a fishing trip
Fly Fisherman Online
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