Spending time with someone who already fishes is the easiest way to learn to fish. In fact, most anglers learned to fish from a friend or family member. If that's an option do take advantage of it. Most anglers enjoy passing on their passion and wisdom.
For those who don't have that option, there are plenty of how-to videos, articles and books that will have you fishing in no time.
You can get started on the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation website. It's an excellent source of general fishing information that contains helpful videos and practical advice on everything from selecting bait to cleaning your catch.
Below we've compiled a list of topics that should have you fishing in no time. Just click on a topic to get started.
- Buy a license
- To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota from ages of 16 to 89 must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless they have a military service, nursing home resident or other exemption.
You don't have to visit a license agent to get your fishing license. If you have a valid credit or debit card and appropriate identification you can:
Call 888-665-4236 (888-MNLICENSE).
View the complete listing of fishing licenses types to help you decide which license you need.
There are places to fish in Minnesota where you don't need a license. Find out more with this guide.
- Select a rod and reel
- Selecting fishing equipment can be intimidating. That's because modern sports stores offer so many varieties at so many different price levels. Yet you can easily resolve this dilemma by simply explaining to a sales person your skill level and the species you most want to catch. Based on this information you will likely be offered one of five options:
You don't have to buy a rod and reel. You can make your own pop can casting rig.
- Outfit a tackle box
- A tackle box is a handy way to tote your fishing lures, hooks and other gear. Tackle boxes come in a variety of sizes, shapes and costs. For advice on what to put in your tackle box, Read this article.
- Tie your hook to line
- Set the drag
- Bait your hook
Through both lips from bottom to top.
Through the top of the back so it hangs naturally in the water.
By the tail so that it draws attention to itself as it tries to swim away.
- Set the hook
- Fish with artificial lures
Though fishing with live bait beneath a bobber is an incredibly effective way to catch sunfish, crappies and even walleye, artificial lures that are constantly cast and retrieved have many advantages over bait-and-bobber rigs. That’s because they cover much more water, make noises that lure fish and can be fished at multiple depths. There are six basic types of artificial lures. They are the jig, plastic worm, spinner, spoon, plug and fly. To learn more about each, download our guide.
- How to land a fish
- Landing your catch can be quick and easy or long and hard depending on the size of the fish. Small fish can be reeled-in with ease. Larger fish that take out line and put a big bow in your rod require more time and patience. The best advice for reeling in big fish is that “when it pulls you don’t,” meaning when the fish is swimming away from the boat let your reel’s drag put pressure on the fish. A fish will usually roll into its side when it is done fighting and ready to be landed. Watch this video to see how it's done.
A landing net is a good thing to have if you want to catch larger fish or fish with sharp teeth. A net allows you to lift the fish out of the water without putting stress on your line, which can easily break if the fish makes quick jerky moves. A net also allows you to get the fish safely in a boat or on a dock so that the hook can be removed.
Typically, it is best to place the fishing net in the water and lead the fish into the net head first. If the fish sees the net and reverses course wait until the fish tires and try again. You don’t want to stab the net at the fish; instead, use a little stealth when sliding the net into the water in front of the fish.
- Decide if a fish is safe to eat
- Most fish are a healthy source of low-fat protein. In fact, Minnesota anglers eat millions of fish each year. Still, any fish (even store-bought fish) can contain contaminants such as mercury and PCBs that can harm human health – especially children and fetuses. Check online to be sure that your catch is safe to eat or get fish consumption information for a specific lake.
- Fillet a fish