Surrounding yourself with the words and equipment of an act, won't change who you are as a person. Reading a cookbook won't make you a chef, sitting in a garage won't make you a car, and taking a break by the lake with a Wal-Mart reel and some worms you dug up won't make you a fisherman. It takes some know-how and experience to give yourself that title. So as you're buying that rod and getting ready to dig those worms, make sure you know everything you need to know in order to have the best experience possible.
Licenses and Limits
Every state has different laws in regard to fishing. If the lake or pond you are fishing in is also part of a national park, they may also have laws or rules. Make sure you know what the laws are about licensing, and size requirements for each area you plan to fish. Fishing without a license is a sure way of getting a fine much larger than the fee you'll pay for the right to fish in those waters. Every state also has limits to catches and rules about the size, and types of fish that can be caught. Finally, know what lures and types of angling are allowed. Any bait and tackle shop can provide information and most local sporting goods who sell licenses will also have printed information for free about the things you need to understand before your line hits the water.
Water Ways
It's also important to understand the property your are fishing on. Make sure before you set up camp that you are not on private property. Some lakes bend around from national campgrounds to property own by individuals who may not want you fishing on it. Have an up-to-date map with you if you boat on an extensive water way. Its also important to know if the fish in the place you are fishing are edible. Sadly, due to pollution and chemical additives, many areas have mercury or other toxins that have gotten into the fish. Fishing may be allowed on a catch and release basis. Be sure you understand the eco-system you are fishing in, and the safety requirements set up for the area.
Friendly About Fish
A good angler can tell you no two ponds are the same and even the same type of fish may react differently. Fish in a stocked lake where worms have been used may not respond to minnows the way fish in the ocean would. Know what kind of fish and other sea life is in the water you are fishing in. Find out what bait is widely used in the area and what types of fishing are best ecologically and practically. If using lures, ask the pros at the nearest bait and tackle shop what colors and kinds of ties work best. If in a foreign country, definitely make sure you understand what kinds of creatures are present and if any are toxin, poisonous or simply tasteless.
Like everything else, in fishing a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Take the time to talk to local experts and rangers and get all the information you need to make the wise choices. Then you'll be a well rounded fisherman with the catch to prove it.
