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Family Fishing Fun
By John Casebeer
If you like spending time outside, being with
your family, and seeing wild animals up close, fishing is the perfect
sport to try this weekend. Catching fish is something you can do
with your Mom or Dad, or even your grandparents.
After you decide who you're going with, the next
thing to do is call your local Conservation department. They make
the rules about fishing in your area. When you call, they will tell
you if you need a fishing license, and they can probably help you
figure out where to go fishing. Most states have "youth exemptions,"
so you may not need a license, but the people you go fishing with
probably will.
When you are on the phone with the Conservation
department, ask about Free Fishing Days. Many states have one or
two days a year when people can learn about fishing without buying
a license. Some states will even let you use their equipment at
special events.
Once you find out about fishing licenses, the
next step is to go shopping. When you get to the store, you can
buy your fishing license, a cheap rod and reel, as well as 10 to
15 dollars worth of tackle. Most beginners use "jigs"
or "spinner-baits," but if the person you're going with
has fished before, you might use "live bait," like minnows
or worms. You will also need a pair of needle nose pliers, or you
can buy a "hook extractor." This is so you can get the
hook out of the fish's mouth. Find out what you need before you
go shopping. If you don't know what to get, someone at the sporting
goods store will be glad to help.
The most important thing about fishing is having
fun, but remember to be kind to the fish you catch. When you are
handling a fish, either gently hold the middle of its body (watch
out for sharp fins), or hold it by its mouth. To hold it by the
mouth, put your thumb inside its mouth and put your pointer finger
under the fish's bottom jaw. Most fish don't have teeth, so don't
worry about getting bitten. Once you catch a fish, if you can't
see the hook, cut the fishing line. You will lose your lure, but
the fish won't get hurt that way.
If you are going to take the fish you catch home,
it's okay to look at them and take pictures before you put them
on your stringer, but if you're going to let them go there are some
rules to follow:
- Look but don't touch. Most fish are very pretty, but you should
never touch their eyes or gills. Don't handle them any more than
necessary.
- Remember, fish breathe water. Holding a fish in the air is
just like someone holding you under water. Once you get the hook
out, gently put the fish back in the water as soon as possible.
Fishing is a lot of fun, and a great way to spend
time with your family and friends. There are different techniques
for each type of fishing, whether you are brook fishing, lake fishing,
fly fishing, or fishing from a boat. Find a fisherman, or fisherwoman,
so you can learn how to cast, bait, weight, and care for the rod
and reel suited to your type of fishing. Be careful, and always
fish with a friend. If you already know how to fish, then teach
a friend. If you don't know how, have fun learning.
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