While it can feel like fishing is all about luck as you sit there and wait for a bite, there’s a lot you can do to improve your chances of success. As long as you take your time and learn everything you can about fishing, you can greatly influence your success. Here’s what you should practice so that you can get better at fishing.
Your Patience
The first and possibly most important thing you can practice is patience. Fishing isn’t a high-octane adrenaline sport; there’s a lot of downtime as you wait for the opportune moment. Building up your patience so that you can wait while remaining focused on your task is very important for the success of a trip. Additionally, many people find that practicing patience is a great way to immerse themselves in the moment and get out of their heads.
Casting Styles
Other important skills to master are the various casting styles that best suit the type of fish you hope to catch. For example, there are many different casting styles in fly fishing. Practicing the ones that will fit your situations will help you hit your target locations. Practice by finding a big empty space, like a parking lot, and casting repeatedly until you get the hang of the technique.
Observation Skills
The last thing you should practice to get better at fishing is your observational skills. Seeing the best spots where fish are feeding or recognizing when something might bite your line is important and will give you a leg up while fishing. You should learn how to gauge the time of day and surroundings that will impact your fishing chances for the better, such as active bugs and local weather.
These skills will all help you become the best fisher you can be without needing the best gear or great luck. While those things can help, having a good foundation of skills will do far more to improve your chances of catching fish.