There’s a reason it’s called fishing and not catching fish.

I recommend starting with Ocarina of Time of Time. Before you know it, you’ll be hauling 'em in everywhere, from Red Dead Redemption 2 to Animal Crossing.

Fishing varies wildly depending on the species you are targeting. The best advice is probably to look on YouTube for fishing videos in your area.

For pan fish baiting a hook and waiting for a bite (possibly using a bobber) generally works well. It’s easy to target them during the breeding season when they make “beds,” at other times you may need to find an area with a drop off or weeds. You generally want your bait to be off the bottom by a reasonable amount.

For something like bass you tend to use crank/jerk baits that you need to keep moving to entice a hit. You can generally find them in similar areas to pan fish as they eat those species. The idea is generally to pass lures through areas that allow a bass to hide and strike anything that swims by.

At certain times of the year you can target spawning fish in various rivers. Generally at these times what you use isn’t too important, it’s more about being there when the fish are passing through.

Much like everything else in life watch a couple YouTube videos, head down to the local fishing spot and chat with people asking for pointers.

It definitely can be that easy, yes. My most successful day was just a hook (no bait) off the side of the boat while we just let the line hang.

That being said, you can learn the local varieties of fish, their preferences for different kinds of bait, and you can explore your local area for good fishing spots.

If you have the option, there’s probably a 90 year old Korea vet who will tell you the arcane arts of catching swordfish in the rockies somewhere.

My added 2 cents for fishing is also to not get too upset with the frustrations; snagging a line, hooking a finger, knot tying. Enjoy the hobby and “keep yer bobber wet.”

Find some one who is into fishing and have them bring you with. You probably already have a friend. Fishing is mostly a quiet activity, but there is some socal aspects. Someone to show you how is often much better than books or youtube for learning and there is always someone near any fishing hole that will help. Don’t ask for their “secret spot”, but there are plenty of not secret spots that work just fine. (and secret spots are overrated in general unless the real secret is how you got permission to fish there)

Lots of good advice, I’d add.

Know your fish, their habitat and feeding habits. Some fish live deeper than others thus a fly wont work and a lure or bait and sinker would.

If they eat flies, time of day is pretty important. If you spend enough time on lakes you’ll notice they are pretty active at dusk and dawn. You’ll see them jumping. That means they are hungry and can see well enough to get their prey. Cloudy days are good because they can see out the water all day long or at least when the sun isn’t shining.

In rivers I look for eddies. Places that a fish wouldn’t have to work so hard to stay in one spot. Their there to rest, but if a nibble comes along they’ll bite.

With flies and lures try to mimic an injured animal. If using worms or bait, patience.

Location is very important. If you don’t get any nibbles or see anything jump, try moving to a different spot.

Time of day and patience are key. Sometimes you’ll get bite after bite, and then the next time at the same spot, nothing.

Also try switching up your bait if it’s not working, but you think there are fish there, as they can be picky eaters. Using shiny lures seems to work well.

Never underestimate the effectiveness of giving the line a little jiggle as you reel it in to simulate live prey.

I like to bring gloves to protect my hands from sharp fins (some can cut the shit out of you easily), as well as pliers to remove the hook as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Well first you need to find a willing partner. Doing this can be scary, but there are a lot of folks who are into it and we should never kink shame.

Next. Be gentle! Getting one’s anus able to be stretched so large is a huge under taking (get it? UNDER taking?). Always start with a finger and SLOWLY work your way up based on your partner’s direction.

Hygiene. Gloves are your friend. In most cases you can buy gloves that go up to the elbow at your local farming supply store. Also your partner should be encouraged to do a full bowel irrigation. Unless that’s what you’re into. Again no kink shaming here!

Finally LOTS of lube. There’s no such thing as too much lube in this case. Be generous and use often.

With these tips you should be able to master at fis-…. Shit. Well this is embarrassing. Yet I’ve come too far.

It’s a matter of experimenting of what works and what doesn’t. Location, conditions, weather. Find some locals and talk to them. Watch videos. My favorite was Bill Dance.

Where are you located? Fishing tends to vary a bit depending on the continent.

I spent a good chunk of my youth fishing because it was a great way to get out of the house and go be independent.

Maybe I didnt grow up with fishing as a normal thing, but Ive always seen it as an excuse for guys to get away from thier wives and drink.

I did it once, and 10 minutes in I was bored. Just standing there with a line, waiting…