Learn to fish – Want to relax by the water outside your campsite and maybe even catch a tasty meal?
Whether fishing on vacation on the Cote d’Azur or at your local Brombachsee, fishing is popular with campers in many places.
Here you will find tips for fishing novices on where, when and how to fish.
You will find explanations about fishing licenses, the other requirements for being allowed to fish, popular destinations for fishing and some tips on accessories.
It’s worth camping with a roof tent so that it fits in the car.
Camping Ratgeber:
Tips for beginners: fishing license, accessories & co.
In Germany, you need a fishing license to go fishing.
You can take a preparatory course for this at a fishing club.
The topics and the possibility of a practical exam depend on the respective federal state.
Once you have passed the exam, you can collect your fishing license from the local authority.
The fishing exam usually tests your knowledge of animal welfare, the state fishing laws, the body structure of fish, the differentiation of fish species and where they live.
The biology of different bodies of water and the correct handling of the fishing rod are also included.
- Fishing license: attend a course at a fishing club
- Topics & practical exam depend on the federal state
- After passing the test: fishing license from the municipality
You learn with the fishing license:
- Knowledge about animal welfare
- State fishing laws
- Physique of fish
- Differentiation of fish species
- Places where they are located
- Biology of water bodies
- Handling the fishing rod
From hook to catch: accessories & fishing spot
Before you start with your fishing license, it can help if you familiarize yourself with the basics.
You can find some initial tips in this video.
It shows you how to organize your fishing spot and prepare for your first catch.
You will also see the complete process from catching the fish to landing it.
All accessories and their functions are also explained.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j12jvxgMH4
First fishing attempt: What you should keep in mind!
If you then want to get started, you will need a fishing permit for the water you want to fish in.
You can often find out where to get one at a local fishing club, fishing store or from other anglers.
You can fish from the shore or from a motorboat.
Or on the water, like ice fishing.
This is particularly worthwhile for winter camping.
There are set closed seasons for the various bodies of water.
Fishing is not permitted during these periods so that the fish population can recover in the meantime and certain fish species do not become extinct.
Accordingly, a certain number of fish species must be present in most waters before they can be fished.
Fish that are too small may not be caught.
- A fishing permit is required in certain waters
- Fishing from the shore or motorboat (or ice fishing in winter)
- Observe closed seasons (fish species may not be fished for reproduction)
- Note size: You must not fish & kill fish that are too small
Equipment: rod holder, line & fishing reel
First of all, the fishing rod consists of the rod, the long pole and the line, which is often guided along the rod via rings.
This is often brought together on a fishing reel near the handle.
For beginners, a so-called stationary reel with a brake via a crank is recommended.
This gives you more control.
- Fishing rod components: rod, line & reel
- For beginners: Stationary reel with brake
Bait: spoons, live & artificial bait
Bait at the other end of the line is used to attract fish and ensure that they bite so that they can be retrieved from the water.
A distinction is made between live and artificial bait.
Live bait refers to maggots and worms on a hook.
It is forbidden in Germany to use other fish as bait.
For this reason, so-called “spoons” are recommended for artificial bait.
These rubber imitations of a fish imitate the movements of other fish and are very useful when fishing for predatory fish.
It is best to seek advice on the subject of bait for the right fish in a fishing store.
The types of bait at a glance:
- Distinction between: live / artificial bait
- Live = maggots & worms (other fish are prohibited)
- Artificial = “flasher”: imitates the movements of fish
- Seek advice from a specialist store for the right bait
Fishing with spinners: handling, air pressure & tackle box
This video explains how to use a classic artificial lure, the spinner.
Among other things, precision when casting the fishing rod is important.
You will also receive helpful tips on how to walk the bank and which weather and air pressure conditions will help you when fishing.
You will also learn more about the accessories in the tackle box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9cO0mGiPg
Further tips for equipment: floats & landing nets
Another piece of equipment worth having is a float.
This is often a red and white float that is attached to the bait and indicates its position in the water.
In addition, a landing net helps to get the fish out of the water more easily, a striking stick to stun a fish after fishing and a sharp knife to kill and gut it so that it is edible.
It can then be measured with a tape measure.
So that you don’t have to hold the rod the whole time, you can invest in a rod holder.
This is a frame that holds the rod in one position.
Other possible equipment:
- Pose (indicates the position of the lure in the water)
- Landing net
- Timber
- Knife
- Measuring tape
Top 5 travel destinations: Germany & other countries
In addition to destinations in Germany, such as the beaches of the North Sea, Brandenburg or the Mecklenburg Lake District, you will also find tips for other countries that are known for their great fishing spots.
More activities & experiences for your vacation
Here you can find more activities on wheels and other activities for your vacation.
Water sports on vacation: canoeing, surfing, water skiing & co.
Fishing is close to the water and there are many other vacation activities where you can experience the water up close.
Vacation activities: Water sports, winter sports & Co.
Are you planning a vacation but still looking for activities for you, your family, your partner or just for yourself outside the campsite?
Here you’ll find lots of great ideas for experiences that will enrich your vacation.
With lots of tips for beginners!
So you can start from the very beginning and find out what to do first.