6 Freshwater Fishing Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to fishing, you’re bound to get conflicting advice. Seasoned anglers feel strongly about their favorite fishing spots and techniques. Bait debates can get pretty heated. Superstitions abound. You’ll eventually figure out what works best for you. Meantime, get your feet wet with these freshwater fishing tips for beginners.

1. Bone up on your fish.

Some folks just want to keep it simple and fish for the relaxation. We get that. There’s no shame in casting willy-nilly off a pier and seeing what you get. But if you have something more specific in mind — like crispy fried catfish — you’d better do some homework.

Here’s a sampling of common freshwater catches in Louisiana:

Alligator gar
Black crappie
Blue catfish
Bluegill
Channel catfish
Largemouth bass
Spotted bass
Sunfish

All fish have the same agenda: to eat, procreate, and avoid getting caught. However, no two species look identical. Species behave in wildly different ways. That’s why it pays to become a fish profiler. Learn to recognize fish by appearance and size. Observe their habits. Where do they congregate? What do they eat? When are they most active?

For example, catfish have a deep fork in the tail fin and an obvious “overbite.” Alligator gar are excellent stalkers. Black crappies like big communal breakfasts, and they’re some of the easiest fish to hook.

The more you know about fish and their quirks, the more fish you’ll catch.

2. Find your sweet spot.

Louisiana waterways are teeming with fish. Many spots, like Toledo Bend Reservoir, consistently rank among the nation’s best. Choose a stream, river, bayou, swamp, inlet, reservoir or lake according to what kind of fish you want to catch.

Of all the freshwater fishing tips for beginners, this is one of the best: Start with shore fishing or pier fishing. That will give you a feel for casting and reeling in fish before you try to get your sea legs on a rocking boat.

Learn to use fishing and tidal maps. Join fishing forums online. Strike up conversations with local anglers and charter captains. They’ll steer you toward hotspots and best-kept secrets. Most of all, patiently watch the water. You’ll start to notice little things that might be important.

For instance, a swarm of mayflies on the surface is likely to attract bluegills. Dark spots in the water might indicate depressions with cooler temperatures; on sunny days, catfish are crazy about them. Look for natural and manmade structures in the water. Fish hang out around submerged pilings, rocks, and even floating logs or debris. Structures offer shade and protection from larger predators. And always remember to check water and weather conditions in locations you’re considering.

3. Get the right gear and bait.

There are endless options in fishing gear, but beginners’ equipment doesn’t have to break the bank. It doesn’t need to be difficult to use. You’re not Ernest Hemingway — yet.

Most experts recommend a spinning rod and reel combo for learning the basics. It’s user-friendly and highly versatile for catching all types of fish. (Don’t confuse the spinning combo with the spincaster, an inferior product that’s notorious for tangling the fishing line.) Baitcasting rods and reels are also popular, but they’re strictly tailored to bass fishing.

There’s a fine line between affordable and cheap. A snapped rod is a huge bummer when a good-looking sunfish has taken the bait. Also, look for equipment that is specially designed for freshwater fishing. Make sure the rod’s length, weight, power and action are right for you.

Terminal tackle is any gadget, such as a hook, bobber, sinker or floater, that attaches to the end of the fishing line. Its job is to help you catch your target fish, so be selective. Terminal tackle that works for red drum doesn’t necessarily work for white crappie and so on.

As for bait, everybody has an opinion. Anglers have tried everything from corn flakes to marshmallows to bar soap in pursuit of elusive prize fish.

First, find out what your target species likes to eat. That might be shrimp, worms, minnows, crickets or leeches. If you don’t like using live bait, buy lures that look an awful lot like it and imitate the creature’s motion in the water.

4. Dress appropriately.

How you dress could make or break your experience. These freshwater fishing tips about clothing put comfort and safety first:

Temperatures and conditions can change many times over the course of a fishing trip. Think about lightweight, breathable layers that you can easily shed or add throughout the day. Look for garments with built-in sun protection. In cold months, flannel, fleece, knit caps and long underwear are your best friends.
Choose waterproof or quick-drying fabrics.
Wear a hat or visor to protect your face, eyes and bald spot from the sun. Polarized sunglasses in various colors reduce glare on the water’s surface.
Get nonskid shoes or boots made for water recreation.
In general, great fishing is messy. Don’t wear anything you don’t want ruined.
Imagine yourself getting hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, cranky, dejected or injured.

When people list freshwater fishing tips for beginners, this is the one they usually forget. That’s a mistake. First of all, do you have a Louisiana fishing license? Get one, and read up on local rules and catch limits.

Sunscreen, bottled water, dry socks and bug spray make all the difference. Resealable, waterproof bags come in handy. Throw some sandwiches, snacks and drinks into a cooler. Pack wet wipes for easy cleanup. A first-aid kit can’t hurt, and everyone on a boat must have a life jacket.

5. Imagine yourself getting hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, cranky, dejected or injured.

6. Learn from the experts.

No list of freshwater fishing tips would be complete without this one: Make the most of your adventure by booking a charter boat and captain in your area. Louisiana Charter Boat Association charter captains have the experience, know-how and gear to make fishing anywhere in Louisiana enjoyable for beginners and pros alike.

Plus, they’re a heck of a lot of fun.

Book your next adventure online today, and get the real Louisiana fishing experience.

Book With a Charter Captain

Some prime fishing spots are best-kept secrets that don’t even have names. First-rate charter captains know exactly where to steer the boat for the best fish to catch. An experienced captain can also help you master the latest equipment and best fishing techniques.

Our captains are also experts on local history. They tell the best and tallest fishing tales.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, let us do the hard part. Louisiana Charter Boat Association has more than 300 licensed captains who are eager to show you a great time.