A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing

Nothing beats a crisp morning out on your local lake or river to bag the biggest bass, salmon, or other fish that takes the bait. It’s the kind of pastime that many love to do, but if you don’t have someone to show you the ropes, it can be a little daunting and discouraging to figure it out on your own. Here at L&M Marine LLC, we think everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy this classic recreational activity, so for all the new fishing enthusiasts out there, check out some of the tips we’ve provided to help get you started. You can also stop by our location in Stapleton, Alabama, serving Mobile and our neighbors in Pensacola, Florida, to ask our staff and your fellow fishing enthusiasts for additional help.

Packing Your Boat

The first thing you’ll want to do is pack properly. Even before you hit the water, you’ll want to make sure you’re well-prepared for the day so you don’t find yourself debating whether you should head to shore just to get some gear you definitely need and don’t have. Some of the essentials are going to include:

• Tacklebox
• Fishing poles
• Needle nose pliers
• Net
• Plenty of water
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• First aid kit

Start adding to what we’ve provided to give you the perfect packing list for your boating adventures.

The Right Bait and Lures

This one’s going to take a little research and a little time. Of course, lures and bait are essential pieces of equipment you’ll need, but not every type of bait or lure is right for every type of fishing enthusiast. Different fish eat different things so the trick is to figure out what it is you’re fishing for and what’s going to draw them in. For example, if you’re fishing for bass, an American staple, you might want to look at spinnerbait, lipless crankbait, and the classic bass jig, depending on the breed.

Attire

The clothes you wear are going to play a big role in how comfortable you are. Even on a nice day, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s going to be much cooler out on the water than it is on land. Dress to stay warm (or cool) and make sure you’re wearing waterproof clothing. If you need to stay warm, remember to wear layers as opposed to one big coat, as this will provide better insulation and allow you to cool off more easily if you start to get too hot.

Also remember that when it’s sunny out, the glare off the water can do real damage to your eyesight, so wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from harmful UV rays. And, of course, always wear your life jacket, no matter how good you are at swimming.

Check the Weather

The only way you’re going to know what to wear is if you check the weather first. Do this in the days leading up to the trip and the morning of to confirm conditions are still going to be good for fishing. Checking the weather can also warn you of days too severe to go out on the water. Lots of rain, wind, and generally stormy weather can not only be dangerous, it can just make for a miserable trip, and that’s not what fishing is about.

Hopefully this gets you started, but even with all the advice in the world, the only way you’re going to figure out the ins and outs of fishing is to hit the water. One element you can use to access as much of the fishing pool as possible is to get yourself a boat, so if you’re in the market for a brand new vessel, then stop by L&M Marine LLC in Stapleton, Alabama and we’ll give you a complete tour of available options. We welcome all those from Mobile, as well as our neighbors in Pensacola, Florida, so come on by!