How To Help New Anglers

[Preytorien]

I have been fishing quite some time. A lot of my friends/family like to come fishing with me, but the problem is that they never have any fun.

 

I'm not taking them to spots that require techniques or presentation specifics, most the time we go to neighborhood ponds teeming with fish, and throw a line in the water.

 

While I catch a few fish, they never hook up. My dad's getting pretty burnt out after trying fishing this year, since he sees how much fun I have doing it, and a best friend of mine is also trying it. But both have a very hard time catching much of anything. I've even taken both to my "money spot" where I can almost always count on catching SOMETHING.

 

With the exception of live bait, which they won't do (since I don't and they "want to outfish me on my terms"), I have tried many rigs and presentations, with no luck.

 

Any advice?

 

I'd like to get these guys interested, and they've got decent gear.

 

How can I get them onto fish?

[Catch and Grease]

Fishing just might not be their thing... Fishing is the type of hobby that you just have to come to terms with the fact your not gonna hook up everyday.

Let them use whatever they want, In fact just let them pick out the lures they use, I think that would make them enjoy it more.

I remember when I first started fishing I didn't care for it much because I couldn't consistently catch bass but one day I caught 15 or so bass in one outing on a rapala lure and have been hooked ever since.... When they have that one really good day where they load the boat you'll know whether or not they love fishing.

[Felix77]

If they are not interested in live bait then the only other course of action is to take them out and you act as a paid guide.  Pay extra attention to what they are doing and how they are doing it.  They will get discouraged if you are catching and they are not.  This of course takes fishing away from you for that trip to some degree but if it gets them hooked (pun) then you will have a fishing buddy for a lifetime.

 

I am dealing with a similar situation with my kids.  I failed the last few times trying to take my little one out and fishing alongside her.  Anytime I would catch it would bother her.  I needed to forego catching to help her catch.  The last two trips were successful for her.  Now she is asking me to go fish.  

 

At some point she will be independent of me catching fish alongside me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The key is definitely to put your own catching aside, especially in the beginning. Keep trips short and in prime locations at prime times. Fish for some panfish so they at least get a tug on the line and transition into bigger bites as the novelty wears off. Teach new anglers how and where to cast and why. Pounding the water with random casts can get old even for seasoned anglers. 

[Crestliner2008]

I'm assuming these folks you are taking out are "first time" anglers? If so, the objective must be to have them experience "the fight" right off and often throughout the time you are sharing the water. They need some fun, in order to keep them interested and wanting more. Species you are targeting is paramount. Try taking them crappie or bluegill fishing. That should peek their interest and pleasure. Which, in turn, will have them wanting more. 

 

If it's bass you are taking them after (and they are inexperienced), then you might be doing them a miss-service. Bass tend to take some studying, preparation and fore thought. You need to be a bit more experienced to target bass right away. Panfishing on the other hand are less finicky and much more co-operative. Just a thought.

[MichBassMan]

Panfish

[FrogFreak]

I just got my wife into fishing. I wasn't going to forego fishing though. Instead, I gave her some trick worms and showed her how to T-Rig them. She likes purple so she started fishing them and has had some great success. She also had a ton of panfish bite on the worm so she got the feel of what that felt like

 

When I took my kids fishing, it was panfish all the way. Worm and float is the way to go with little ones. However, in your situation I would T-rig a Senko or another type of worm at first. Better yet, give them a couple choices of colors and types.

 

One other thought, I would make sure their set ups are sensitive enough to feel the bites. Nothing can frustrate like inferior equipment.

[Preytorien]

All great suggestions.

 

Both guys have good setups, a tackle box full of good quality and proven lures.

 

I think I'm just going to have to focus more on their fishing while I'm "fishing" alongside them.

 

Either way, we still usually at least make it a good time - despite getting burnt out they're both persistent and keep asking me when we're going out next.

 

As a couple of you have mentioned, I'm sure that the one perfect outing with a good haul of fish will be all it takes to push them over the edge and into the freefall of our addiction

[FirstnameLastname]

Suck up your pride and use live bait so they will. They will catch a boat load of panfish, maybe a bass or two on worms. Then when they get the fever have them use proven simple lures. Inline spinners being a good example. Small ones with light gear will catch any fish, and the lure is as simple as reeling it in, no real technique. Good luck.