Practice casting at home. No need to waste precious fishing time out on the boat. Drag that rod and reel out and cast over your deck!

You know that fishing hole that tends to eat your fishing gear? Well guess what? It can also be a treasure cove. Search the shallow water for big logs. Tie a rope around them and reel them in. You'll be amaze at what you'll find.

Be a respectable fisherman. Don't litter. Don't fish in non-permitted areas. Abide by local license laws and those pertaining to your boat. These things are ultimately for the benefit of us all.

Keep a glove and a pair of needle nose pliers in your tackle box. For super-slippery fish, this will help you hold onto it and will keep the fins from digging into your skin. The needle nose pliers wil help you get that hook out of the fish's mouth.

The clinch knot is the best knot to learn for tying the line to the fishing hook.

It never fails. Most fisherman will eventually get lost. Be sure you have a map, a compass and a cell phone with you at all times. Also, let someone know where you are going in case something happens.

Some of the best fishing bait can be found in your own backyard. Search for earthworms, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.

Fish in the shade of a big tree. The fish tend to feel safe there. Also, fish near a log that's protruding out of the water. Just be careful not to get hung.

Want to catch the best fish? Use the best fishing bait!

Use the following checklist to help you remember everything:

Fishing Rods and Reels
Fishing caddy
Tackle box.
Fishing License
Extra fishing lures, hooks, sinkers, line.
Plenty of live bait.
Fresh drinking water and snack food.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Fishing line clippers.
Flashlight
Flares
Life Jackets or Vests
Maps
Hand Sanitizer
Fish Stringer.
Weight scale.
Compass.
Sunglasses / Hat
Camera
Fillet knife
Tape Measure
First aid kit
Radio
Rope
Boat anchor

When fishing for catfish use chicken hearts instead of chicken liver . They will stay on the hook much better .

Keep an old hand towel or pair of gloves in your tackle box. These will help you to hold on to the fish while you are trying to get the hook out of it before tossing it back in the water or tossing it in a bucket to bring home.

If you are fishing and plan on eating the fish have an old cooler filled with ice to pack the fish in for the trip from the water to the kitchen.