7 Fishing Blunders to Avoid

Fishing is a classic outdoor activity, and for many enthusiasts, a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned saltwater pro trolling for photo-worthy game fish, or a casual caster just looking for an excuse to hang out by the water, preparing for the adventure beforehand is crucial. After all, even a minor overlooked detail can put a major damper on the trip. Here are seven common fishing blunders to keep in mind before heading out.

1. Not Bringing Backup Equipment

Even the highest quality, tournament-grade saltwater fishing gear can get broken or lost, especially if you’re going for large, aggressive fish. Fishing relies heavily on equipment, so make sure you always have at least one backup version of your essentials. In addition to packing spare equipment, always bring more bait than you think you’ll need. Bait goes fast, and you never want to have to call it a day (or night) when the fish are especially hungry!

2. Fishing Without a License

Always check your local laws and regulations before you start casting. If you get caught without your fishing license, you could receive a whopper fine and possibly other steep penalties. While nobody wants to shell out their hard-earned cash for a license, you can feel good about 100% of the fees going to the restoration and protection of your local fishing spot and the fish that populate it. Don’t worry about getting a license if you’re going out with a fishing guide, as their license should cover their customers too.

3. Overdoing It

While the sport is often viewed as a leisurely, relaxing activity, fishing can be physically and mentally exhausting. Of course, if you’re just hanging a line and kicking back on the shore, there’s not much to worry about. However, if you’re doing some serious angling, make sure you’re prepared! You want to feel fresh throughout the day, so get a good night’s rest the night before, eat a hearty breakfast, stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, and go easy on the beer cooler!

4. Fishing the Well-Known Hot Spots

There’s nothing wrong with fishing at a popular location, but don’t be surprised if you don’t get many bites, especially if you show up late in the day. Instead, consider doing some exploration. Even if you stay in the general location, moving away from the heavily-fished areas is a great way to increase your odds, and you’ll also get to know the lay of the land (and water) better than the typical tourist. You might even discover your new go-to fishing hole — just don’t give away the secret!

5. Using the Wrong Bait or Lures

Different fish have different feeding habits. That deep-sea lure that catches tuna would scare away your local trout! There are quite a few factors to consider when selecting your bait, such as the local species, their typical depth, the season, and the weather. That’s why so many anglers have large tackle boxes packed to the gills with lures of all shapes and sizes. Even if you’re using live bait, it never hurts to have some lures on hand so you can do some experimenting to find what works. That brings us to the next common blunder on the list!

6. Getting Stuck in a Routine

If the fish aren’t biting, instead of packing it in and heading home, move to a new spot, try a new lure, or adjust your technique. Learn from your experiences, but don’t assume that today’s methods will work tomorrow. The best anglers are constantly evaluating their immediate situation, making calls in real-time to improve their odds. Even something simple like reeling slower or leaving your line out longer can make a difference. 

Consider keeping a fishing journal. Taking notes is a great way to figure out what works and what doesn’t from one day to the next, and eventually, you might start noticing patterns that allow you to make informed decisions on the fly. There’s a lot more to fishing than just casting a line and hoping for the best. Make the effort to grow your knowledge base so you can adapt your strategies as you go.

7. Poor Sanitation Practices

If you plan on eating your catch, treat it like what it is: food! Make sure you have at least one pound of ice for every pound of fish you hope to catch and keep your cooler clean. If you plan to do any prep work while you’re out, it’s usually best to avoid public filet stations unless you sterilize them first. Instead, bring your own cutting boards or mats, as well as high-quality cutlery. 

In general, do your best to keep your boat or area as clean and hygienic as possible, not just for safety reasons, but because a clean environment simply makes your overall experience much more enjoyable.

Learn From Your Blunders

Mistakes are bound to happen — that’s life! When things don’t turn out how you planned, take the lesson to heart so you don’t repeat those mistakes again. Wisdom is gained through experience. If your fishing trip doesn’t go as well as you hoped, at least you gained new knowledge. Be vigilant as you plan and pack for your adventure, but don’t get too stressed if you overlook something. Learn from it, and move on. After all, there is plenty of fish in the sea!