Do you love fishing? Do you want to take a break from your daily routine and enjoy nature? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should mark your calendar for June 18, the National Go Fishing Day.
National Go Fishing Day is a day to celebrate the recreational pastime of fishing and its many benefits. Fishing is not only a fun and relaxing activity, but also a great way to connect with your family and friends, learn new skills, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of aquatic life.
In this article, you will learn more about the history and importance of National Go Fishing Day, how to prepare for a fishing trip, and some tips and tricks to make your fishing experience more enjoyable and successful. You will also find some frequently asked questions related to fishing at the end of the article.
So, grab your rod and reel, some bait, and let’s go fishing!
The History and Importance of National Go Fishing Day
Fishing is one of the oldest human activities, dating back to prehistoric times. It was originally a food source for people, but later became a commercial activity and a recreational hobby.
The earliest evidence of fishing comes from fish fossils that suggest that Homo habilis and Homo erectus were the first fishermen, usually catching fish by hand. Later, around 3,500 B.C., the Egyptians started using spears, nets, lines, and rods to catch fish from the Nile. The Romans were also major fish consumers and traders in the Mediterranean Basin.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, fishing was regulated by feudal lords who owned rivers and lakes. However, with the development of fish ponds in the 11th century, fish farming began. In the 15th century, ship designs were modified to allow deep-sea fishing and fish trade. In the 17th century, the first fish trawlers appeared in Great Britain, and in the 19th century, steam power replaced ship sails.
Fishing became more popular as a recreational activity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The invention of rods and reels made fishing easier and more accessible. Fishing also became a leisurely way to get food on the table during hard times. Fishing clubs and magazines emerged to promote fishing as a sport and hobby.
Today, fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 49 million Americans participated in recreational fishing in 2020. Fishing contributes to the economy by generating billions of dollars in revenue from equipment sales, licenses, fees, taxes, and tourism.
Fishing also has many benefits for individuals and society. Fishing can improve physical and mental health by reducing stress, increasing fitness, enhancing mood, and boosting self-esteem. Fishing can also foster social bonds by bringing people together for a common purpose and creating shared memories. Fishing can also promote environmental awareness and conservation by exposing people to different ecosystems and species.
National Go Fishing Day is a day to recognize and appreciate these benefits of fishing. It is also a day to encourage more people to try fishing or to improve their fishing skills. National Go Fishing Day was first observed in 2012 by National Today, a website that celebrates various holidays and events throughout the year.
How to Prepare for a Fishing Trip
If you want to celebrate National Go Fishing Day by going on a fishing trip, you need to do some preparation beforehand. Here are some steps you should follow:
- Choose a location: Depending on your preference and availability, you can choose from different types of water bodies such as streams, ponds, lakes
- rivers or oceans. You can also choose from different types of fishing such as freshwater or saltwater; fly-fishing or spinning; shore or boat; etc.
- Check the weather: You should check the weather forecast before you go fishing to make sure it is safe and suitable for your chosen location and method. You should also check the wind speed and direction; water temperature; tide; moon phase; sunrise and sunset times; etc.
- Get a license: You should check the local regulations before you go fishing to make sure you have the required license or permit for your chosen location and species. You should also follow the rules regarding catch limits; size limits; seasons; gear restrictions; etc.
- Pack your gear: You should pack your gear according to your chosen location and method. You should include the following items: rod and reel; line and leader; hooks and lures; bait and knife; pliers and scissors; net and gaff; scale and measuring tape; cooler and ice; etc.
- Dress appropriately: You should dress appropriately for your chosen location and weather. You should include the following items: hat and sunglasses; sunscreen and lip balm; jacket and rain gear; boots and gloves; etc.
- Bring some essentials: You should bring some essentials for your safety and comfort. You should include the following items: water and snacks; first aid kit and medication; phone and charger; flashlight and batteries; map and compass; etc.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Fishing Experience More Enjoyable and Successful
If you want to make your fishing experience more enjoyable and successful, you should follow some tips and tricks from experienced anglers. Here are some of them:
- Get up early: The best time to go fishing is usually early in the morning, when the fish are more active and hungry. You should also try to arrive at your fishing spot before sunrise, to avoid the crowds and catch the first light.
- Assess the water: You should observe the water carefully before you start fishing, to find the best spots where the fish are likely to be. You should look for signs such as ripples, splashes, bubbles, birds, weeds, rocks, etc.
- Pick the right bait or lure: You should choose the right bait or lure according to your chosen location, species, and method. You should also match the size, shape, color, and action of your bait or lure to the natural food of the fish. You can also experiment with different baits or lures to see what works best.
- Use fishmeal: Fishmeal is a powdered or granulated product made from fish or fish parts. It is a great attractant for fish, as it releases a strong smell and taste in the water. You can use fishmeal as a groundbait, a hookbait, or a coating for your lures.
- Keep aware of the ocean: If you are fishing in the ocean, you should be aware of the dangers and challenges that it poses. You should watch out for waves, currents, tides, rocks, reefs, sharks, etc. You should also wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and never go fishing alone.
- Look nearby: Sometimes, the best fishing spots are not far away from you. You should look for fish near the shore, under bridges, around docks, along piers, etc. You might be surprised by what you can catch close to home.
- Fish lighter: Sometimes, less is more when it comes to fishing. You should try to fish with lighter tackle, such as lighter rods, reels, lines, leaders, hooks, etc. This will give you more sensitivity, accuracy, finesse, and fun.
- Be patient: Fishing is not a fast-paced activity. It requires patience, persistence, and perseverance. You should not give up easily if you don’t catch anything right away. You should try different spots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing
Here are some common questions and answers about fishing that you might find helpful.
- Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, you need a fishing license to fish legally in most states and waters. You can check the local regulations before you go fishing to make sure you have the required license or permit for your chosen location and species. You can also buy a fishing license online or at a local retailer.
- What kind of fishing rod should I buy?
The kind of fishing rod you should buy depends on your preference, budget, and target species. Generally, you should look for a rod that is comfortable, durable, and suitable for your chosen method and location. You should also consider the length, weight, power, action, and material of the rod.
- What kind of bait or lure should I use?
The kind of bait or lure you should use depends on your chosen location, species, and method. You should try to match the size, shape, color, and action of your bait or lure to the natural food of the fish. You can also experiment with different baits or lures to see what works best.
- How do I tie a fishing knot?
There are many types of fishing knots that you can use to connect your line, leader, hook, and lure. Some of the most common ones are the improved clinch knot, the Palomar knot, the uni knot, and the loop knot. You can learn how to tie these knots by watching online videos or reading online guides.
- How do I cast a fishing rod?
There are different ways to cast a fishing rod depending on your chosen method and location. Some of the most common ones are the overhead cast, the sidearm cast, the roll cast, and the pitch cast. You can learn how to cast these ways by practicing on land or water with a light weight or lure.
- How do I hook and land a fish?
To hook a fish, you need to set the hook by pulling your rod tip up sharply when you feel a bite or see a strike. To land a fish, you need to reel it in steadily while keeping tension on the line and avoiding slack. You also need to adjust your drag and rod angle according to the size and strength of the fish.
- How do I unhook and release a fish?
To unhook a fish, you need to use pliers or scissors to remove the hook gently from its mouth or body. You should not squeeze the fish or put fingers in its gills. To release a fish, you need to hold it in the water with a wet hand until it recovers and swims away. You should not throw or drop the fish.