Angling for Beginners - How to Get the Perfect Start

"Patience is not only a virtue when fishing, but essential for success." This motto accompanies many anglers from their first casts to great catch successes. But especially for beginners, fishing can seem like a science. With countless techniques, baits, and equipment. Yet getting started is easier than you might think.

Which fishing rod is suitable for beginners? Which line is the best choice for the first catch? And at which waters do you have the best chances? In our article, you will learn everything you need to know for your first successful fishing experiences.

Where is the best place to catch fish?

The right fishing spot can make the difference between a successful day and a frustrating experience. Depending on the type of water, there are different conditions that influence your chances of success.

• Lakes usually offer calm conditions and are ideal for beginners. Perch like to stay near structures such as sunken trees, piers, or weed beds.

• Rivers are more dynamic because the current affects the behavior of the fish. Here it is worth fishing in current-calmed zones such as groynes, bridge piers, or inlets.

• The sea requires more experience because factors like tides, wind, and currents must be considered. Coastal harbors or piers are still good starting points for beginners.

If you are just starting out with fishing, easily accessible waters are the best choice, as they also offer a high probability of catching fish. City and park lakes are usually well stocked and easy to reach, so you can calmly learn the basics. Small rivers and canals generally have a high fish density and are perfect for testing various beginner fishing techniques. Fishing parks or commercial waters are also suitable for gaining first experiences. Now it’s just about finding the right spots for your first catches.

Tips for choosing a fishing location

Fish do not stay everywhere in the water but prefer certain areas where they find food and shelter. Besides the right fishing equipment, with the right strategy you can fish much more targeted and increase your chances of catching fish.

Observe water surface and vegetation

A careful look at the water can provide valuable clues. Pay attention to:

• Current edges as transitions between fast and slow currents are often hotspots for predatory fish.

• Water lily fields and overhanging branches offer fish shelter and attract them especially in hot summer months.

• If you see small fish fleeing at the surface, predators are not far away.

Use Google Maps

Especially at the beginning, Google Maps is a great tool to discover promising fishing spots in advance. With the satellite view, you can identify shallow water zones, islands, or underwater structures that attract fish. This is particularly useful for:

• Unknown waters: You can plan a strategy in advance and target hotspots specifically.

• Large lakes and rivers: With the map view, you can identify bays, bridges, or inlets that are often good fishing spots.

Important tools & accessories

Besides the right fishing rod and baits, there are some indispensable tools you should always have with you. Our JAEGER checklist helps you keep track and never forget any equipment:

✔ Pliers – For safely and gently removing the hook

✔ Landing net – Makes landing easier and protects the fish

✔ Fish stunner – For humane stunning before removal

✔ Measuring tape – To comply with minimum sizes and check catches

The right fishing rod & reel

Beforehand, you should think about which target fish you want to catch in order to choose the appropriate rod. Spinning rods offer more stability and precision but are less compact. Telescopic rods are ideal if you are often on the move and have little space. The length of the rod varies depending on the water. For smaller waters, 1.8 to 2.4 meters are sufficient; for larger waters or long casts, 2.7 meters or more are better.

At JAEGER, we have made it our mission to design the best fishing rods for your desired target fish. Fishing for perch,-, pike, and trout

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"Do like thousands of our customers and start fishing with nothing less than top quality!"

Best line and bait for fishing

For beginners, a monofilament line is generally ideal. It has some stretch and is easy to handle. Braided line is stronger but has less stretch and is suitable for experienced anglers who want to detect bites precisely. Nevertheless, both lines can also be used by beginners.Basically, natural baits like worms or baitfish are simple and effective. For targeted fishing, you can also use artificial baits like soft plastics or crankbaits, which are especially popular with predatory fish like pike and perch. If you are specifically interested in the best perch baits, our Advent calendar for 2025 might be interesting. It contains

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Practical accessories for the fishing dayFor more comfort while fishing, a small bag like our popular Hip Bag

is recommended, which with 3L capacity offers enough space for baits, tools, and snacks but does not get in the way. This way you have everything at hand and can focus on fishing without much ballast.

Spare equipment for the fishing tripBetter to have it with you than forget it at home: the good old spare equipment. A rod holder helps you safely set down your rod while you take care of other things. A fishing umbrella protects you from sun or rain and provides more comfort. Spare line

is also a must. It takes up little space and if the line breaks while fishing, you will be grateful to have packed it.

Checklist for spare fishing equipment✔ Rod holder for safely setting down
the rod when you need your hands for other things✔ Fishing umbrella as protection
from sun and rain for more comfort while fishing✔ Spare line, which takes up little space

is a must in case the line breaks

The most important fishing techniques for beginnersIf you are just starting out with fishing, it is important to start with simple and effective techniques. Two popular methods are bottom fishing and float fishing. Both techniques are easy to learn and give you the opportunity to catch various fish species

from the start.

Bottom fishing for beginners

Bottom fishing is one of the simplest and most effective fishing techniques for beginners. In this method, the bait is lowered directly to the bottom of the water, where many fish species search for food. You only need a fishing rod, a suitable line, and a weight adapter to bring the bait to the bottom.

Bottom fishing is ideal for beginners because you don’t need special experience to master the technique. You can apply the technique in many waters and will quickly see your first successes while learning to fish.

Float fishing for beginners

In this technique, the bait is held in the water with the help of a float. The float serves as an indicator. When a fish bites, the float moves, and you can set the hook. Float fishing is especially suitable for waters where fish swim in middle or upper water layers.

FAQ about the best bait for perch

Which fishing method is best for beginners?Bottom fishing and float fishing are ideal for beginners. Both techniques are simple and effective as well as easy to

learn at the start.

How do you fish as a beginner?

Start with simple methods like bottom fishing or float fishing. Pay attention to the right equipment and learn about fish species and waters. If necessary, buy special books and follow JAEGER Fishing for weekly tips and useful information.

How do you fish best on the bottom?

Use a bottom weight or bait cage to lower the bait to the bottom of the water. Choose a sturdy hook and pay attention to the right line strength.

How can I learn to fish?Inform yourself about techniques, equipment, and waters. Observe experienced anglers, read fishing books, or attend fishing courses. Don’t forget to follow JAEGER on Instagram