Whether you’ve been fishing for years or you’re picking up a rod for the first time, a great day on the water starts with a bit of prep. From checking your gear to watching the weather, being ready before the sun comes up can be the difference between going home empty-handed or hitting your limit.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get set for a successful day on the lake.
1. Know your spot
Select your location ahead of time. Whether it’s a public lake, a riverbank or a pier, make sure you understand local regulations, fish species in season, and any special rules—like catch-and-release or artificial lures only.
2. Gear up the right way
Before you hit the water, take a few minutes to go over your gear. Make sure your rods and reels are in good shape, your tackle box is stocked, and you’ve got the right bait or lures for the day. Check your fishing lines for any nicks or fraying, and double-check that your knots are tied properly—nothing ruins a big catch faster than a bad knot. Don’t forget essentials such as pliers, extra hooks and a towel, plus sunscreen, bug spray and polarized sunglasses to help cut the glare.
3. Bait and license? Don’t wait
Purchase your fishing license online, at big box stores or at a bait shop well in advance. And if you’re using live bait, make sure you’ve got enough.
4. Safety first
Pack a first aid kit, life jacket (especially if boating), and a flashlight or headlamp if you’re heading out early or staying late. Take a small dry bag for your phone, wallet and keys.
5. Bring snacks—and know where the bathrooms are!
If you are on the water for a while, it doesn’t take long for hunger—or thirst—to sneak up on you. Pack a lunch, a few drinks and a few easy snacks like trail mix or granola bars to keep your energy up. It’s a good idea to keep your sandwich and drinks on ice so they stay fresh, especially on hot days.
Also, it’s smart to know where the nearest bathroom is before you get too settled. It might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re thinking about fishing, but you’ll be glad you planned for it if the time comes.
6. Check the weather and water conditions
A quick check of the forecast can help you dress appropriately and prepare for changes in wind or rain. If you’re fishing by boat, be sure to keep an eye on the weather.
7. Be an early bird
Some of the best fishing happens in the early morning, at first light and before the sun is high in the sky. Many fish have eyes that are sensitive to light. During low sunlight, they’re more active and feed more aggressively. As the sun climbs and the light grows stronger, they often retreat to deeper, cooler water and to shaded areas where they’re harder to reach.
Getting out early not only boosts your chances of landing a catch—it also means you’ll have first pick of the best spots.
About Hooked
“Hooked” is a comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.
Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.
About The Fishing Foundation
“Hooked” is produced by longtime Cleveland anglers Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, founders of The Fishing Foundation (TFF), a non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio that takes teens fishing. Through events, mentorship programs, and hands-on training, TFF provides unique opportunities for individuals from underserved communities to connect with nature and each other.
Beyond instruction, the foundation provides participants with rods, reels, bait, tackle and even a souvenir T-shirt. At each event, attendees enjoy lunch and refreshments while building skills and confidence. And as a lasting memento, each child gets to keep their rod and reel. TFF’s flagship project, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” is a guidebook that equips beginner anglers with the knowledge they need to succeed at fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, The Fishing Foundation, and the adventures of “Hooked,” can help. Spend time in Cleveland’s beautiful parks, lakes and rivers and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.
The great outdoors is waiting for you—make 2025 the year you get “hooked” on fishing!
The Fishing Foundation
