How to Teach a Beginner to Fish

Fishing can be a very useful skill for anyone who is ever stranded on the water or for someone who catches fish professionally. Fishing requires some patience and knowledge of the type of fish that you intend to catch since catching a marlin is not the same as bringing in a perch.

• Choose an appropriate reel for the person to use. Fiberglass rods should be used for saltwater fishing and aluminum rods are good for catching freshwater fish.


• Add a reel to the rod that is appropriate for the type of fish you’re trying to catch. It is best to choose a small combination rod with a closed reel for children. A kid may not be large enough to land a 30 pound fish, and combination rods with closed reels work perfect for catching smaller fish.


• Teach the person how to rig up the fishing pole. If the reel is not already attached, show them how to connect it. There are several different types of reels that require different methods to connect to a rod. To catch most fish a hook, a couple sinkers and bait is required. Several catfish baits call for treble hooks while most fish can be caught using a snelled hook. The amount and size of sinkers used depends on the depth a person is fishing at and how thick their line is.


• Show the person how to cast in an open area of the water away from tree limbs or other debris. This may save the time of having to set up the pole over and over and lose gear.


• Start by catching smaller fish until the person gets the idea. A bobber can be placed on the line until they understand what a fish strike feels like.