Fishing for Beginners
First Things First - In order to fish in one of Utah’s many lakes, rivers or streams you need a fishing license. Find out more information or purchase a license at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources webpage. You should also pick up a copy of the Utah Fishing Guidebook and Proclamation and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations and other essential information to make your fishing trip a success.
Equipment - Once you have purchased your fishing license you are ready to begin. The type of equipment you need depends on the type of fish you would like to catch and the method you are going to use to try to catch them. Any local sporting goods store would be a great resource to help you get started. You might also ask a friend for suggestions.
For starters you will need a basic rod, reel, line and bait or lures. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to begin fishing. Start with the basics. You will gather additional equipment over time.
Here are some recommended basics for beginners.
Rods - Four things you need to consider when purchasing a fishing rod:
1. Action - This refers to how much the rod flexes. We recommend a medium action rod for those new to fishing.
2. Length - This refers to the ideal length for your rod will depend on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. For fishing from a boat you can use a longer rod. Use a shorter rod if you plan to stick to shore or stream fishing. If you only purchase one rod, we recommend a 6’ rod.
3. Line weight - This refers to the weight of line recommended for the pole. We recommend a rod with a "line wt." rating from 4 -12 lbs. This rating will usually be stamped on the rod.
4. Lure Weight - This refers to the weight of the lure recommended for the pole. We recommend between 1/8 oz. - 1/2 oz. This will also be stamped on the rod.
Reels - The two most common types are spinning reels, which are attached below the rod, and bait casting reels, which are on top of the rod. A bait casting reel often requires you to adjust the tension on the line in order to avoid tangling. Because of this we recommend starting out with a spinning reel.
Line - There are many brands and types of line to choose from. We recommend using an 8 lb. monofilament line for everyday fishing.
Lures and Bait - The type of lure or bait you choose depends on the type of fish you want to catch and how you plan to catch them. For example, you would not use pop gear while river fishing. Again, a local sporting goods store is a great place for help and suggestions
Please see our list of the top 10 items every tackle box should have.
Now that you have some basic knowledge and gear it's time to go fishing!
Where to Go - You can use the resources on this website to find the perfect fishing spot. You can check the fishing map for locations of lakes and rivers around the state and use the weekly fishing report page to find the best places to fish as well as the best bait and lures to use.
Equipment - Once you have purchased your fishing license you are ready to begin. The type of equipment you need depends on the type of fish you would like to catch and the method you are going to use to try to catch them. Any local sporting goods store would be a great resource to help you get started. You might also ask a friend for suggestions.
For starters you will need a basic rod, reel, line and bait or lures. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to begin fishing. Start with the basics. You will gather additional equipment over time.
Here are some recommended basics for beginners.
Rods - Four things you need to consider when purchasing a fishing rod:
1. Action - This refers to how much the rod flexes. We recommend a medium action rod for those new to fishing.
2. Length - This refers to the ideal length for your rod will depend on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. For fishing from a boat you can use a longer rod. Use a shorter rod if you plan to stick to shore or stream fishing. If you only purchase one rod, we recommend a 6’ rod.
3. Line weight - This refers to the weight of line recommended for the pole. We recommend a rod with a "line wt." rating from 4 -12 lbs. This rating will usually be stamped on the rod.
4. Lure Weight - This refers to the weight of the lure recommended for the pole. We recommend between 1/8 oz. - 1/2 oz. This will also be stamped on the rod.
Reels - The two most common types are spinning reels, which are attached below the rod, and bait casting reels, which are on top of the rod. A bait casting reel often requires you to adjust the tension on the line in order to avoid tangling. Because of this we recommend starting out with a spinning reel.
Line - There are many brands and types of line to choose from. We recommend using an 8 lb. monofilament line for everyday fishing.
Lures and Bait - The type of lure or bait you choose depends on the type of fish you want to catch and how you plan to catch them. For example, you would not use pop gear while river fishing. Again, a local sporting goods store is a great place for help and suggestions
Please see our list of the top 10 items every tackle box should have.
Now that you have some basic knowledge and gear it's time to go fishing!
Where to Go - You can use the resources on this website to find the perfect fishing spot. You can check the fishing map for locations of lakes and rivers around the state and use the weekly fishing report page to find the best places to fish as well as the best bait and lures to use.