How to Go Fishing and Catch Fish

Buy a fishing license. This can be purchased from most general stores that sell bait, as well as big box stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Dick's Sporting Goods. Call ahead to make sure the store carries licenses.

States have different licensing regulations and costs. Generally, the cost for a non-resident to get a fishing license is more than a resident. States like Minnesota and Florida do have a cheaper 24-hour license available for people visiting from outside of the state.

Buy fishing gear. This includes a fishing pole, some hooks, bait, and optionally, a tacklebox. The fishing pole does not have to be anything fancy. They can usually be bought at department stores or sporting goods stores for as little as $25. Some fishing poles will come with line, while others do not. If no line is supplied, purchase ten-pound test line.

Hooks are fairly inexpensive. Buy small eagle claw hooks to start or a spindle with a variety, says Fishingforbeginners.net. Dobbers (also called floats), small red and white balls that sink when a fish has grabbed the hook, should be on the shopping list, too.

Get the bait. Bait stores will have a large selection to choose from. Even though it may be tempting to pick out something exotic, the best bait for the beginning fisher is an earthworm that can be dug up from the backyard, says Fishingforbeginners.net. It will appeal to a lot of fish, bettering the chances of bringing something out of the water. And--earthworms are free.

Pick a fishing location. First, this means choosing a lake or pond. Second, if on a lake, choose the shore or a boat. For those who do not own a boat or have access to one, the shore is the only option. But for boat fishers, there is a choice, and both have advantages. When fishing from the shore it is less likely the fish will get scared away. Since there is no large object around them that has the potential to make noise, they will stay closer. People who fish from the shore also have time on their side. There is almost nothing to set up, leaving more time for fishing.

Boat fishers do enjoy the luxury of being able to move freely around the lake. If the fish are not biting in a certain spot, it is easy to move the boat to another spot. Casting the fishing rod in different directions is also easier. From the shore, the cast can only go about 180 degrees. In a boat, a fisherman can cast 360 degrees around.

Prepare the fishing rod. Attach the spool of line to the rod if it is not already attached. Thread through the loops on top of the rod until the string reaches the end. Then, add a hook and dobber.

Attach the bait. If a worm is being used, there are several different methods for connecting it to the hook. The most common way is to push the hook lengthwise through the worm's body or one time through the middle of the body.

Additionally, it can also be looped onto the hook. This is done by hooking the worm once, wrapping it around and hooking it again in another spot. Repeat this process until the worm is snugly attached to the hook.

Cast the fishing rod. Do this by grabbing the rod with the right hand (if right handed) and pinch the line with the index finger. Use the left hand to grab the base of the fishing rod. Raise the pole above the right shoulder and pointing toward the air. Release it forward using both hands and let go of the fishing line while doing so. Fishing line should release forward along with the hook, bait and dobber.

Watch the dobber. If it begins moving and goes underwater, this likely means a fish has grabbed hold of the bait. Begin to reel in quick by spinning the handle. Do this gently so the fish does not fall off the hook. When the fish reaches the boat or shore, release it from the hook and put it in a bucket or storage container of water or ice.