Taking a buddy fishing

Looking over my lure selection in my creel I normally have an idea what bait IM using based off water conditions, season, time of day or what type of fish IM about to pin point. This  is something I do without even thinking. The sport of fishing comes natural to us and something we just do as experienced anglers. When taking someone fishing that may not have the knowledge can be challenging yet thrilling adventure.

IM planning a trip to Erie for Steelhead with a friend that has never experienced the fight of a steelhead on the cold streams in Erie. I can’t explain how excited I am to get them on the streams and hook up on a monster and see them enjoy the thrill of the steel. When you take someone fishing remember its not about how many fish you are catching but make sure you can pass along the energy to your buddy. Put them on fish and give them all the tricks and trade to land the fish.

I was thinking about my younger days fishing with my Grandfather & Uncle John and how excited they would get to put me on a monster bass.

My first steelhead trip to Erie back in 1998 I was a freshmen in high school.  John and I left for Erie after my school day on a Friday night. We grabbed a Don’s pizza and headed north up 79 to get a hotel and fish all day Saturday. I had no idea what I was about to get myself into let alone the monster he was about to create for the love of miserable cold weather steelhead fishing. We stopped at PoorRichads in Erie before it closed and stocked up on bait and hand warmers. We got up way earlier than I was used to at that young age and headed to the streams to fish above the railroad tubes. I borrowed my grandfathers waders and winter fishing jacket that stunk of skein. I had no idea what I was about to walk into as we made our way down through that freezing valley into the cold water. John already had idea of a good spot that would be holding fish and he was right. I remember it being dark and not able to see fish (I thought this is fn crazy!) and he flashed his light on the water in front of me to show me all the steelhead stacked up. I never saw so many monster fish in such a little stream. That excitement I felt still sticks with me to this day. The sun was working it way up and and John had my rig all setup. I watched him try to tie that little hook to the leader and sink that small hook into a sing egg. It was still pretty dark out so I couldn’t see what I was casting to other than I knew there was big fish in front of me. The only thing I could see really good was my bright orange float. If memory servers me right my first cast was into the tree on the opposite side of the bank (Wah Waaaah Waaaaaaaah). Trying not to spook the fish John took control of my rod and tried to free my bait from the tree which he did not have much luck. He gave me rod and told me to give that a try while he had to setup a new rig for me. Next cast was golden… first drift as the sun was coming up and FISH ON.  I think I fought him for a little and he later broke me off after a few minutes but without disappointment. I FEL THE STEEL!!! Next I had to to learn how to land these monsters without them breaking the light tackle. I was given instruction from John on how to fight these fish and not horse them in. I had to learn to use light tackle and tire them out before I could land one. The story goes on to me landing multiple fish and a very successful outing for a beginner steelhead fishermen. A trip that I would never forget….

The morale to the story:  We all love to catch fish and have a good time but its not always about you. Fishing is a experience each outing that comes with good and bad. Taking someone fishing that has never done it before or gone after a type of will take a certain amount of patience. Below are some tips and thoughts before you take a buddy fishing on your next trip.

Plan ahead

What type of fish will you be targeting and what baits will you need. Make sure you have the right tackle and gear along with you to make it a great experience. Always plan for weather conditions and what gear they will be using.

Tackle

This part can be tough be giving them your best fishing rod and reel can make things go smoother. Having them cast out and they get a loop in the line because you gave them a gear setup that didn’t have fresh line can being a nightmare for you and your buddy. Take a net with you for the sake of landing a fish safely and so they don’t loose out on a great fight.

Knowledge is Power

There can be endless amounts of information you give but throw it out there. How did you know that a single egg would work better over a minnow? Why do you change baits so frequently? Why did you chose pink over yellow sucker spawn? Why did you cast on upstream and drift down rather than cast right in front of the fishes face? Why did you use a suspending husky jerk while targeting bass instead of top water? Share why and what you are doing.

Camera

Capturing the moment is something I love to do. Its fun to have a picture of that person holding their catch so they can share it with others. I was not able to find the pictures from the trip John and I took above but I do have them on physical media packed away in the basement.

It’s Not About You

Been there… done that. Let someone else enjoy it. Put them on some fish and get them involved in the fun. Once they catch a few.. then its your turn!

Obey the laws

In PA you are required to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp when fishing trout stocked waters. If you are heading to Erie make sure they have an Erie stamp. If you are fishing from a boat make sure you have all the safety regulations and proper equipment when bringing extra people on a boat with you (life jackets).

Have fun

You may not be catching all the fish yourself but you are on the water. “It’s all about getting your line wet.”

Keep it Reel!

– Ryan