Congratulations! You've decided to give fishing a try. If you are a lover of the great outdoors, there is simply no better way to enjoy Mother Nature than by fishing. There are certainly plenty of different types of fishing, which we will delve into in more detail in a few pages, but regardless of whether you're into freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing; there is always the great outdoors to enjoy.

Once you really get into fishing you will find that this wonderful sport incorporates itself well into many activities. Take the family out camping near a lake while you get in some fishing time. Charter a boat and head out to the open seas to cast your line for some of the larger game fish. Plan an entire vacation around your fishing plans. Whatever you choose to do, one of the great things about fishing is that it allows you to enjoy one of the most wonderful sports in the world as well as spend time with friends and family.

The benefits offered by fishing are innumerable. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, which is something that most people just do not get enough of considering our hectic modern lives, but it is also a great stress reliever. Fishing is the ideal way to unwind. Whether you are a busy executive who spends too much time cooped up in an office or you just have stress from some other source in your life, there is no better way to relax than heading out to the water to do some fishing.

If you've never fished before, don't worry! There are plenty of people around the world who would like to partake of the many benefits offered by fishing, but simply do not know how. While fishing may seem as though it would be confusing, with all the many different types of species of fish, the countless lures and knots and locales, it really does not have to be complicated at all.

Fishing can actually be a fairly simple pastime. This is a sport that can be both fun as well as productive, regardless of whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced fisherman/fisherwoman.

In the next several chapters we are going to look at the sport as a whole as well as various types of fishing and even different types of species that you can set your hook for when you get started.

So, let's get started and get you ready to learn how to fish!

Fishing Equipment and Gear

As previously mentioned, you really do not need a lot of fishing gear in order to get started fishing. If you want to enjoy this sport at its most basic then it need not be expensive. If; however, you are interested in some of the more advanced forms of fishing, then you should know that there are what seems to be an endless supply of different fishing poles, fishing lures, fishing rods and fishing tackle that you can use. There are even different types of fishing shirts and fishing apparel as well.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a more advanced form of fishing that definitely takes skills and experience. It is even considered to be an art form by many.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing can be an exhilarating experience for even the most experienced anglers. There is just something about heading out to the surf at sunrise and watching the sun as it comes up over the water while staking your spot and waiting for the big catch to come in.

If you want to give surf fishing a try, there are a few things that you will need to know. First, let's get started by looking at the gear and tackle that you will need for surf fishing.