Are you looking for a fun date idea with someone you care about? If you’re an angler, taking someone fishing could help you bond over your passion. In this article, we cover the five essential tips you should know before bringing someone on a fishing date.
You’ll have more time for conversations, an essential part of dating. Teach what you know about fishing, but don’t forget to be a sport and listen. If your date is a success, you might start to love fishing.
Remember to relax and have fun even if some plans go wrong. When going on a fishing date, there are some things you can control to make it a success.
1. Know the Dates of Free Fishing Day in your State
You’d usually need a fishing license when catching fish anywhere in the area. It’s a requirement for adults in most states, but it doesn’t mean everyone will have one.
After all, you’ll still have to pay for it. Most people won’t bother to have a fishing license if they’re not a regular angler and will only do it for fun.
It’s better to check out the date of the free fishing day, especially if fishing is not the main interest of the other person.
You wouldn’t want to end up going alone if you’re planning this as a surprise date. However, you should know that schedules for free fishing days vary per state.
On the other hand, you may want to watch out for the National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), which took place on June 5–13 in 2021. Some states won’t require any fishing licenses on the weekend and even provide activities.
2. Do Some Weather Forecasting
The weather is something you’ll have to watch out for when going on a fishing date. A bad one may put both of you in a dangerous situation, especially if there’s a storm. On the other hand, it’s also a factor you should consider if you plan to catch some trout and catfish.
But more importantly, spending time with your friend or someone you’re interested in would be better if it’s not too cold or too hot.
A harsh sun may lead either of you to seek shade and abruptly end the day. If you choose to do it in the winter, you might only freeze to death instead of having fun.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
It’ll be no fun to search for fish at extreme temperatures because they become picky with their food in these areas. There’s a high chance that baits and lures won’t be sufficient to attract the fish’s attention. Moreover, their movement would be minimal due to oxygen decreased in the waters.
If you and your date aim to obtain a lot of fish, you should use fish finders and water gauges. It’ll help give you an idea of when the fish are biting.
Note the Time of the Day
Time is of the essence when going fishing or dating, considering all the preparations. It’s not the best idea to go early in the morning if neither of you is fond of waking up at that time of the day. You may end up getting late, or plans could even get canceled if one of you fails to wake up on time.
It would be best if you didn’t also search for fish during midday or lunchtime. Aside from the harmful sunlight, you’re also less likely to catch any trout at a higher temperature.
Although early mornings offer you fresh air and ideal fishing activity, the evening would be the better choice, especially if you’re thinking of making a good first impression.
You would be more presentable than when you set this in the morning, and there’ll be more fish near the surface without the sun’s bright rays.
Use a Fishing Calendar
When you’re still planning for that fishing date, there are a lot of environmental conditions that can change that. Winds and any upcoming storms can push fish further away from the shore. The best time to go would be cloudy days because there’d be a calmer temperature.
You can also go when there are light rains since insects could accumulate in the water in this weather (and yes, fish bite in the rain). To better analyze fishing activity, opt to install any fishing calendar apps to find the best location.
It’s a tool that will give you feedback on weather patterns, tide activity, and fish-feeding behavior.
3. Set the Trip to a Familiar Location
The lake, river, and stream could be dangerous if you don’t know the area. It would help to choose places you’ve already visited for a fishing date to know if it’s suitable for dating. That way, you can prepare any necessities and spend time freely.
Aside from that, you’ll be more familiar with the people who frequent there. You’d also know if there’d be many anglers in the area. In that case, you can remove that location from your option. The atmosphere will easily get ruined if there are too many distractions.
You’d want the place to be peaceful where both of you can enjoy your date and have lovely conversations.
If you’re familiar with the fishing spot, it’s a good idea to integrate other activities into your plans. You can continue to hang out even if either of you gets tired of fishing.
4. Prepare the Necessary Equipment
Going on dates shouldn’t require any pressure to catch a fish. It’s fine to prepare only the necessary fishing gear that’ll allow you to have fun instead of those for professional angler use.
Fishing Rod and Reel
A fishing rod is a slender pole that you’ll use to have a farther reach into the river. You can bring one with medium strength because it’s flexible enough to catch various fish while allowing you to respond as fast as possible.
Attached is a fishing reel to help you roll the fishing line and capture the fish. You’ll find that these tools are efficient whether you throw them from the shore, pier, or boat.
Fishing Line
You’ll want to have an extra of this during your fishing date because fishing lines can break at times. A caught fish may be too heavy and break this or get entangled in some obstacles depending on your fishing location. Fishing lines should always be more than a hundred yards.
When choosing what type to bring, you should consider the environmental area. Heavier fishing lines are ideal for rough surroundings, while thinner lines are best for clear and calm waters. For new anglers, there are monofilament lines that are easier to use.
Hooks, Bait, and Lures
Different species will require various types and sizes of hooks. However, you should bring a single hook if you’re looking into a beginner-friendly tool, regardless of interest.
If you and your date are comfortable enough, you can rely on live bait such as worms and small freshwater to attract fish or bring some corn or marshmallows. Since there’s still a chance that wouldn’t work, look into lures that work as an alternative.
You can bring different colors depending on the weather and fishing spot. Light colors serve as good bait if it’s sunny, while dark-colored lures are better for cloudy days or later in the evening.
5. Have a Contingency Plan
After a long day of catching fish, be considerate enough to notice the sign if your partner needs rest. You can offer to sit and spend time by having a bite at your picnic setup or hanging out at a nearby pond.
Riding a boat is also a good option to have fun at the sea, beach, or lake, but be careful not to fall.
Your partner will surely have the time to relax and appreciate the good surrounding area. If this is the first date, you’d like to know what interests the other person. Maybe this could be the chance to ask for a lunch or dinner date.
Happy Fishing..and Dating
When going on a fishing date, it’s best to consider the weather, date, and time for a better experience. You’d only need to prepare basic fishing equipment that you can teach how to use.
Aside from that, having another activity in mind during the date will help you better spend your time with the other person. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and teach.
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