How to Fish

Fishing is an enjoyable outdoor activity for anyone who wants to conquer the fish swimming beneath the water's surface, as well as cherish amazing moments with family and friends, or cook up delicious meals using their hard-earned catch. With the right tools and a few tricks, you'll soon be part of the "elite anglers" in no time!

Go to places with fish. Choose a spot where fish are abundant, and where you can relax for hours with your fishing rod outdoors. Public lakes, rivers, and ponds are usually ideal locations. Check with local fishermen or sporting goods shops for more details on the best fishing spots.

• Fish are often stocked in public parks or ponds for easy access to anglers. For beginners, these spots are ideal as catching fish is easier and quicker, although the areas can be crowded and dirty. Never crowd around or take another fisherman's spot.
• Secluded areas near lakes, ponds, or riverbanks outside of town are great hidden gems. If you're venturing into the woods for a more private fishing experience, make sure you are not trespassing on private property or fishing in restricted areas.
• If you're near the coast, saltwater fishing can be a rewarding experience. Be sure to obtain a special permit for ocean fishing, along with the appropriate gear for saltwater species. Fishing techniques are largely the same, regardless of the type of water.

Learn about the common fish species found in your area. Information on local fishing spots and the types of fish that are likely to bite, along with suitable bait, are often featured in local fishing news articles. You can also check with tackle shops, marinas, and camping supply stores in your area for additional details.

• Catfish are commonly found in rivers and lakes throughout Vietnam. Fish like tra, tre, and bong lau are caught for consumption. Look for deeper waters near river mouths and larger rivers, paying attention to embankments or newly-formed water channels. Catfish often prefer these spots but will move to deeper waters as the weather warms up.

Search for the intersection of deep water and shallow water zones. Most catchable fish spend the majority of their time in deeper waters, coming to shallow areas mainly to feed. However, they don't linger long in shallow waters, so you need to locate their feeding zones quickly before they move away.

• Look for areas with dense reeds and submerged wood near newly-formed spots in the lake. Bugs tend to gather along embankments or small water channels, which become popular feeding areas for fish. The bottom layers of clam beds are frequent spots for catfish.

Best times to fish. Most freshwater fish typically feed at dawn and dusk, meaning they are active during the early morning and late evening. Therefore, sunrise and sunset are the most ideal times for fishing.

• If you're an early riser, get up before dawn to enjoy a delightful morning of fishing. If waking up at 4:30 AM seems too much, plan to fish in the late afternoon instead.

Make sure you're fishing in clean water if you plan to eat the fish. Check the local Department of Natural Resources website, or ask park staff for information on water quality and the safety of consuming fish from your fishing location. If you're not interested in eating the fish, simply release them back into the water.

• You should also check local regulations regarding catch-and-release policies, as there are specific fish species you may be allowed to keep. For example, in some rivers, you might not be required to release spawning salmon.

Obtain a fishing license. Visit the website of the local Wildlife and Fisheries Department or the Department of Natural Resources where you intend to fish to find information about fishing licenses. Usually, there is a fee involved. A fishing license is typically required for each locality, and you can often apply online; however, in some areas, you must visit the office in person.

• Short-term fishing licenses are usually available if you prefer not to spend money on a long-term license. However, if you're a local resident, a long-term license can save you money.
• In many areas, children under 16 are not required to obtain a fishing license. It’s advisable to check local regulations for clarification.
• Most areas will designate certain free fishing days when anyone, licensed or not, can fish. However, in most cases, you still need approval from the local authorities.

Prepare the right fishing line and hooks. Smaller hooks and fishing lines increase the chances of a bite. Your line and rod should complement each other – if you have a stiff rod, you will need a stronger line. If you have a more flexible rod, use the thinnest line available. The smaller the fishing line, the more fish you will catch.

• Choose hooks that are appropriate for the type of fish you're targeting. Hook size #1 works quite well, but sizes between #8 and #5/0 are better suited for specific species. Ask local tackle shops for advice on hook sizing (e.g., 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0) and the best gear for fishing.
• Tying hooks to small hooks and lines can be tricky and requires skill. Ask the shopkeeper or fellow anglers for guidance.

Choose the right bait. Artificial baits like Power Bait mimic the smell and shape of live bait, and expertly crafted, colorful plastic lures are available in specialized stores. However, fish typically eat insects and aquatic creatures, so using live bait can give you a more authentic experience.

• You can either make or buy live bait from local tackle shops. Many anglers collect worms from the grass after a rain or late at night using flashlights. Crickets can be found along stream banks, or you can use nets, breadcrumbs, or fish traps to catch minnows. Place the fish in a bucket of water and keep them alive for as long as possible.
• Every angler has their favorite bait, but traditional options are hard to beat. Some of these include:
• Earthworms
• Salmon eggs
• Crickets
• Shrimp
• Liver
• Smoked bacon
• Cheese

Prepare fish storage gear. If you plan to keep the fish, you'll need a fish trap to hold them underwater or a bucket to continue fishing. You can use a net to keep the fish alive before removing them from the hook.

• If fishing from a boat, bring along the necessary equipment for fishing on the water. You'll need a life jacket, and if your boat has an engine greater than 15 horsepower, a boating license is required.
• If fishing from shore, bring a portable chair and a pair of boots to keep your feet dry.

Attach weights and a bobber. If you're fishing in fast-moving water, like in rivers or streams, it's best to attach a weight (split shot) about 30 cm above the bait. This will keep your bait just above the water's surface, in the ideal feeding zone for fish.

• For beginners, a larger bobber that can be seen from the shore will make it easier to detect bites. Anglers can tell when fish are biting by watching the bobber bounce and disappear beneath the surface. However, you should adjust the amount of line weight (split shot) to balance with the bobber size, making it easier to spot bites.

Hook the bait onto the hook. Depending on the type of bait you're using, the more securely you hook it, the better. Grip the hook firmly and insert the bait by pushing one-third of it from the tail end onto the hook, then curve the bait back toward the hook and thread it through another half of the bait. Ideally, you should hook it at least two or three times.

• While threading a worm through the hook three times may feel unpleasant, it’s essential to ensure that the bait stays firmly attached and doesn’t slip off when you cast.

Cast the line. Most beginner anglers cast the line horizontally, using a motion similar to tossing a stone across the water. Pull the rod to one side, aim in the direction you want the line to go, and then release it to cast.

• The ease of casting depends somewhat on the type of rod you are using, but it becomes simpler if you have a rod with a button control. When you press the button, the line will unwind; when you release it, the line will stop. When casting, press the button, and when aiming, release the button.

Wait patiently. Some anglers begin reeling in slowly, giving the bait a gentle tug to simulate the movement of live prey. Depending on your experience and the type of bait, you may choose to do this, or simply sit back and wait. Experiment with different methods until you feel a bite, but don’t reel in immediately after casting.

• Fish can be startled by loud noises or splashing, so keep the radio low and avoid making excessive noise. Annoying nearby anglers could ruin your chances of catching fish.
• You can detect bites by feeling the rod, watching the line or bobber, or by attaching a bell to the end of your rod. Be sure the line doesn’t slacken as you slowly reel in to avoid losing a catch.
• If you’ve waited for 10-15 minutes and haven’t had any bites, try casting in a different spot and keep waiting.

Fishing. When you feel a strong tug on the line or notice it beginning to pull downward, it's time to "set" the hook. To do this, quickly and firmly jerk the rod (and the line) backward and upward. If a fish is hooked, it will immediately react, causing the line to move in sync with the fish's movements.

• At times, it can be difficult to distinguish whether a fish is biting or just nibbling on the bait, or if it's simply the flow of the water you're feeling. Practice will help you identify the difference.

Reel the fish in by pumping the rod and jerking it vertically while turning the reel. You shouldn't use the reel to pull in the fish, except for very small ones. Keep the fishing line taut and use your arm strength to pull the line toward you, then reel in the slack.

• A loose line will cause the fish to escape much more easily. A slack line gives the fish a chance to "slip off the hook." Keep the line tight and hold the rod tip high to ensure the fish remains hooked.
• All modern fishing reels have an adjustable drag system, but manual reels require you to adjust the tension by hand. If the line becomes tight, it indicates that the drag system is starting to engage. Large fish will tire out from struggling under continuous pressure. Try to use the rod to guide the fish toward you.

Use a net to land the fish. Once the fish is completely exhausted and close to shore, remove it from the water and have a fishing buddy help take it out of the net, or carefully handle it yourself. Be cautious of the fish's sharp spines and the hook that may still protrude from its mouth.

Measure the fish. If you plan to keep the fish to eat, make sure it is large enough to be kept and not a protected species. Hold the fish by moving your hand from its head toward its tail without poking into the fins. Moving your hand in the opposite direction can result in being pricked by the fish's fins.

• Consider bringing a guide to help identify fish species if you plan to keep any, and check the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific size limits regarding each species.

Decide whether to release or keep the fish. If the fish is too small or you're fishing just for fun, quickly snap a photo to capture the moment and gently return the fish to the water. If you plan to cook fish dishes, consider cleaning the fish right away or keep them alive in a fish cage underwater and clean them later.

• If you don't clean the fish immediately and lack a fish cage, use a knife to remove one side of the gills. Then, tie the fish to a braided line and place it in the water. This will drain the blood and keep the meat fresher.

• Place a finger on the fishing line: You will easily feel if the fish is "tugging" or "nibbling" at the bait without having to watch the bobber. This signals that the fish is biting, though it could also just be the current's motion, so remember the bobber will move with the fish's movement. If the bobber drifts upstream, it's the fish pulling at the bait.
• Do not touch or get the bait on the line unless the sunscreen you just applied is scent-free, as fragrances can deter fish from biting.
• Ensure the bait doesn't completely cover the hook. The sharp tip of the hook should remain exposed, or you may have to remove the hook from the fish's mouth. When using worms as bait, it's best to hook just a small piece of skin, leaving the hook exposed as much as possible. You should use a larger hook for bigger worms. Hook a little bit of skin on the hook and repeat a few times to secure the worm. You can also try using bread and certain cheeses.
• If you want more fish to bite, try using artificial lures like bottom-dragging crankbaits or spoon-baits. By casting bait, you will cover more areas of water, and the fish's hunting instincts will be triggered as they perceive the bait as moving through the water.
• Ensure proper use of monofilament line. Many fishing areas provide designated trash bins for fishing lines. Disposing of nylon line improperly can harm waterfowl.
• Always keep the allowed amount of fish as per local regulations. Even if you catch 100 fish using the best bait, you are only allowed to keep a certain number or size. Some areas only allow catch and release, so be sure to know the local fishing rules.
• Fishing regulations vary by region. Research the limits for using live bait. In many waters, especially natural fish habitats, you're only allowed to use barbless hooks with artificial lures. So, ensure you're not using worms where only flies are permitted as bait. You may face steep fines, far exceeding the cost of salted fish roe!
• If you dislike using live bait, breadcrumbs work better in this case. Simply sprinkle the crumbs on the water's surface.

• If you're fishing near others, make sure to keep a respectful distance and avoid casting too close to their area. Tangling lines can be frustrating and lead to unpleasant situations. If this happens, apologize immediately and try to avoid it in the future.
• Be cautious with the hooks. Not only can hooks cause pain, but they can also be extremely difficult to remove, especially if they have barbs. Exercise great care when casting and removing the hook from the fish.

• Fishing license (unless you're fishing in certain places, such as ponds on your own land, depending on local laws)
• Fishing gear (rod and reel, fishing line, hooks, and bait)
• Float
• Sinkers, leader line (made of lead)