We seasoned anglers have always had to play guide at some point. Sometimes we have to entertain an out-of-towner. Sometimes we might want to try to impress a potential significant other. Sometimes you’re taking your kid fishing for the first time.
I am no exception to this. Every once in a while I have to take someone fishing who is completely new to the sport. Sometimes those are the best trips of the year as you get to see someone showing excitement in the sport you love. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to reliving the time you caught your first fish.
So I decided I would talk about my experiences and some tips. I may not be the best guide but I’ve had guests walk away with happy memories. Perhaps you may learn a thing or two about taking someone fishing for the first time.
Just Relax
You’re not guiding ultra rich Americans at a fly-in lodge. You’re taking someone who has never caught a fish in their life and would most likely be happy to catch anything. Go into the trip with a positive attitude and take things easy. You’re not fishing with your hardcore buddies where every process has to optimized to death. Accept that it will take some time to get setup and fishing.
You may want to consider waking up a bit later than you normally would since your guest may not be accustomed to waking up early. Take plenty of snacks and water. Pack a good meal instead of the cheap rations that you would normally eat (I basically only eat oatmeal when fishing). Fish in good weather if possible, most likely your guests will not have the appropriate outerwear unless you’re able to provide it. If ice fishing, take the shack and heater even if the weather is warm. It’s important to start associating fishing with comfort, not the typical miserable conditions we diehard anglers are accustomed to.
As we all know, fishing is an activity where many things can go wrong. Whether it’s mechanical failure or the fish are not cooperating, keep your cool. Crack jokes at the situation if you need to. If fishing is slow, find things to talk about. I like talking about the equipment and fish stories. You need to make people see your passion in the sport, regardless of the results.
On the Water
Unless your guest is a really small child, let them partake in the setup processes. Make them feel like they are contributing. As long as they have two functioning arms, they’re a valuable asset. You will need to become the captain and delegate tasks.
I do find that newcomers are very intrigued with the setup process. Use this to your advantage and let them try your setup tasks. People can amazed at how a pop-up shelter works or how an auger eats through the ice. I personally like to explain throughout the process why things are done a certain way. By having your guest deeply involved in the setup, it really enhances their experience as they will feel like they contributed to the success of the trip.
People tend to have different opinions how to give a newcomer a chance to catch a fish. Personally if you’re fishing set lines, let your guest take the first fish if possible. Though if I know the fishing is very guaranteed, sometimes I take the first fish. The reason is that fighting a fish is a skill that can sometimes be tricky to teach. By fighting the fish myself first, I can demonstrate concepts like setting the hook, the drag and keeping the tip high.
When using active lures, it will be on each angler to hook a fish. Some people might pass the rod after hooking the fish but personally I like making my guest earn their fish by themselves if possible. It makes the catch more rewarding in my opinion. Of course, make sure to constantly coach your guest and try to give them the best chance at catching a fish. I do want to emphasize that catching a fish involves skill and proper technique. If they lose a fish, stay relaxed and explain how they could have handled the situation better. It’s ok to make a mistake and use it as a learning experience.
When they actually catch a fish, I try to encourage them to hold it for the picture. If they really don’t want to, you can hold it for them in the picture as long as you have another person to take the picture. If things are going really well, consider a fish fry. Many people rarely have the opportunity to eat a fish straight out of the water.
Picking the Fishing
Picking the destination and species is an important factor in giving your guest a good experience.
Generally non-technical fishing is a good start. Bobber fishing is fun as it’s really easy to visualize a strike. Set line fishing is pretty visual as well. Vertical jigging is easy to understand. In fact, I would say that ice fishing is one of the best ways to introduce someone to fishing since you only need to move up and down. Casting is fun too but snags and the requirement for precision may make that an unideal option at times.
Picking the species is pretty important as well. When it comes to beginners, quantity is generally more important than size. You want gullible fish that are numerous. Casting for northern pike in the shallows is very simple as they tend to be vicious and the lures are simple to work. Walleyes in certain areas can be very plentiful, especially when vertical jigging. Use your knowledge of your area to determine what the easiest fishing would be.
Aside from the actual fishing, sometimes the location is important as well. Perhaps the scenery is really pretty and there are places to explore. Perhaps there are other non-fishing tourist destinations in the area. Being able to associate fishing with other things aside from fish can really help with the experience.
Get Out There!
Fishing is a complex sport, we all suffered lots trying to learn it. Use the skills you gained to give someone a great experience in the sport you love. Be a great ambassador for the sport and be a positive role model. Maybe you’ll make someone a lifelong angler. At the very least, it will feel good putting someone on their very first fish.
