Setting out for your first few fishing missions is exciting — but it can also be a bit overwhelming. From choosing the right gear to understanding the water in front of you, even small missteps can derail an otherwise great day outside.
To help you get the most out of your time on the water, here are five common mistakes new fishers make — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
5 Common Mistakes New Fishers Make - And How to Avoid Them
1. Using the Wrong Gear for the Job
The mistake: Grabbing whatever rod or lure looks right, without considering the species you’re targeting or where you’ll be fishing.
How to avoid it:
Match your gear to your environment and your fish. Light spin setups are great for small rivers and lakes; heavier combos are better for surfcasting or targeting bigger species. If you’re unsure, ask your local tackle team — they’ll point you in the right direction quickly.
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2. Skipping the Basics of Knot Tying
The mistake: Poorly tied knots that slip, weaken your line, or cause you to lose that fish you were bragging about before you even hooked it.
How to avoid it:
Master two or three reliable knots — like the clinch knot, uni knot, and loop knot. Practise them at home before you’re on the water in wind, cold, or low light.
Clinch Knot
Uni Knot
Loop Knot
3. Ignoring Weather and Water Conditions
The mistake: Heading out without checking the wind, tide, clarity, or river flows — and ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How to avoid it:
Before every trip, check your local tide charts, weather forecasts, and water conditions. Understanding how fish behave in different conditions is a game-changer for success (and safety).
4. Being Too Loud or Too Visible
The mistake: Splashing, talking loudly, or casting shadows over the water. Fish can be far more skittish than people realise, especially in clear rivers and lakes.
How to avoid it:
Move slowly, keep noise to a minimum, and stay low when approaching the water. Think stealth mode — especially for trout and other wary species.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
The mistake: Expecting instant success and assuming “there are no fish here” after a few casts.
How to avoid it:
Fishing takes patience. If the bite is quiet, try changing your lure, adjusting your retrieve, or moving to a different part of the water. The more time you spend experimenting, the faster you’ll learn what works.
Final Thoughts
Every experienced fisher started exactly where you are — with a handful of mistakes and a whole lot of enthusiasm. With the right mindset and a bit of practice, you’ll sharpen your skills quickly and spend more days landing fish rather than wondering what went wrong.
If you ever need personalised gear advice or help choosing the right setup, our team is always happy to help.