How to Pole Fish

Pole fishing is a popular way to catch fish, from small fish that fit in your hand to fish that outweigh your body. Using a pole and some bait is a basic method for fishing, whether in fresh or sea water. While it might seem to non-anglers as just dropping a line in the water, pole fishing requires some practice and knowledge to get results.

Instructions

1. Place a hook at the end of your fishing line. The thin string used on a pole needs to be run and knotted through the eye of the hook. Attach a bobber about six inches to a foot from the hook. The bobber serves two purposes. It regulates the distance the bait will hang in the water and it signals when you have a bite by going underwater.

2. Load the hook carefully with bait. While more experienced fishermen will tell you there are certain types of bait to use for catching certain fish, a beginner can rely on simply using a worm. Run the hook through the center of the worm until it comes out the other end of the body. Double the body over the hook if you lose your bait.

3. Cast the hook into the water. The only way to catch a fish is to hang the bait in the water. You can do this by holding the pole over your head and angling it backward. Quickly snap your wrist so the top of the pole begins moving toward the water. Press the release button on the rod and hold it down.

4. Reel in the bait from time to time if you are not getting a bite. Do this by turning the small crank on the side of the rod.

5. Remove the fish from the hook once you have caught one. Hold the fish firmly in one hand and gently pull the hook out.

Resources

• Read about fishing basics
• Learn fishing basics from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife