Fishing takes a lot of patience and determination. To become a professional fisherman, you will have to dedicate a lot of time to learning the trade. Below we are going to tell you exactly how long it takes to become a skilled angler.
The Basics Of Angling
As the name suggests, angling is the act of angling for fish. However, the sport takes its roots from a much older practice of fishing. Angling can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxons in the 6th century. These early practitioners of angling went about their trade using simple methods and tackle. They would use long spears and sharpened claws to catch fish. They would also use nets to round up their catch. Despite its roots, modern angling mostly involves the use of lures and live bait. The method of fishing too has changed substantially over the years. Back in the day, fishermen would fish on foot or from a boat. They would use bent rods with hooks on them as their primary mode of fishing. These days, people tend to fish from a boat or a kayak. The sport too has evolved a lot. Anglers these days are more experienced than ever before and have lots of fish catching techniques at their disposal. Below we are going to tell you more about the basics of fishing. It is essential that you learn these things if you want to become a professional angler.
The History Of Fishing
Fishing is a practice which has been around for a very long time. It has been traced back to the Anglo-Saxons in the 6th century. Although it was a common practice to fish for food at that time, it was mostly seen as a sport. The sport really took off during the 17th century. The building of canals and lakes across Europe and North America in that era helped popularize fishing. The rise of leisure sports in the 18th century further elevated the sport. Between 1750 and 1850, fishing shops that sold fishing equipment and supplies opened up across Europe and North America. This was especially the case in Britain, where angling was and still is a very popular sport.
Fishing Equipment
The earliest fishermen were only equipped with what they could carry. They used their hands or natural weapons to catch fish. As time passed, anglers started using various equipment to facilitate their fishing activities. These days, any sport fisher knows exactly what equipment he needs to bring. Today, anglers are equipped with wetsuits, life vests, underwater listening devices, and of course, the necessary fishing rods and reels. The equipment in use by skilled anglers has changed a lot over the years. The use of long-lines and seines for catching fish increased in the 20th century. These days, the most common form of fishing gear tends to be either rods or reels. Rods are long and slender poles which are used to catch fish at a great distance from the boat. Reels are similar to rods, but they tend to be slightly smaller. The length of the line connected to the rod determines how far the fish can be caught from the boat. Fly fishing, another popular form of angling, uses different tackle and requires specific skillsets.
Where Can I Fish?
Fishing happens all around the world, but certain places support the sport more than others. The places with the best fishing are generally found along the shores of large fresh water lakes and oceans. The fishing is usually good close to shore, but the boats must venture out into the middle of the body of water to be able to cast their lines. The sport tends to be especially good in the Northern Hemisphere. Anglers can enjoy fishing during the spring and summer months. The best time to fish is when the water is at its freshest. Fresh water in general tends to be better for fishing than saltwater. The pH levels of fresh water are usually closer to neutral, which makes it more suitable for fish species reproduction.
How Long Does It Take To Fish?
It takes a great deal of time to become a skilled angler. The time varies from one person to another, but it is usually somewhere around 10-15 years. To put this into perspective, it takes a while for humans to mature both physically and mentally. Therefore, the sooner you start practicing, the better. When you do start practicing, you will not be able to do so in a comfortable or familiar manner. You will have to dedicate a lot of time to learning the trade. The better you do, the faster you will progress. You will learn to love your job, especially since there is nothing more satisfying than landing a large fish.