Getting out there for the first time with your rod, bait and fishing cap (safety first!) has a certain thrill to it that just can’t be beat.  But, knowing what you’re doing also has a certain perk to it that, also, can’t be beat.  When you’re looking at heading out into the Galveston Bay or surrounding bodies of water, you’ll find that your experience only gets better if you’ve got some helpful tips for the beginner angler.  Luckily, you’re in the right spot to find just that.

Starter Angler Tips

Your guide to getting out on the water (the right way) isn’t as complex as you’d think – after all, beginners move at different paces – but there are some core tips and tricks to keep in mind so that you are always enjoying your time out on or near the water.

Use a bobber to help you watch for nibbles

While there are some experts who say that using a bobber is not helpful to fishing, remember where you’re coming from.  As a beginner, you’ll want all of the help that you can get to make sure that you are getting the best out of your fishing experience.  A bobber will let you know when a fish is paying attention to your line so that you can snap to attention and grab a catch.  So, use them!  We’ve created another blog about what to put in your tackle box, so be sure you check that out too.

Learning all about casting

Casting is definitely a tricky activity to get right.  The first thing is to make sure that you practice this at home and get help from anyone who is able to offer it to you, if that is an option.  Generally, you cast by turning the body to the side and putting your weight on the same side.  You should then bend your elbow and raise your rod-holding arm to make sure that the tip of the rod is level to your eye.  Use your wrist to draw the rod forward, and you’ll see your bobber fly out into the water.  Sounds easy, but it does take some practice to get right!  Oh, and don’t forget about where that hook is and be careful not to hook yourself or someone else!

Reeling in a fish

When you get a nibble, the first thing that you need to do is make sure the fish is solidly attached by jerking the rod up and tugging on it.  Your fish will then be speared successfully.  Then, using the reel, reel the fish in.  You’ll want to keep your knees bent slightly and keep a consistent pace (of winding the reel) if possible.  If a fish wiggles free, just keep trying but know, it’s happened to the best of us.  It takes practice, and sometimes fish just simply slip away.  If you do get your catch, carefully remove the hook with a steady hand.  If the fish is out of control, try using a net to keep it as still as possible.  Or, ask your fishing buddy to help you.

Make sure you’ve got a license

Fishing without a license (assuming you’ve over the age of 17) will get you fined anywhere from $50+.  The more times you’re caught, the more that you are going to have to pay.  The moral here is, of course, to always fish with a current license, and have it with you at all times.

Fishing is fun and it is a wonderful way to learn about the world beneath the water, but there are some ways to make the most out of your time.  These tips will help out the beginning angler on the hunt.

If you are looking to get out ON the water versus sitting on a jetty, dock or beach side, contact Galveston Fishing Charters at (713) 724-9939 and we can get you out on the Bay or offshore, depending upon the type of fish you are looking to reel in.