Lake County Gazette

Needle-nose pliers, nail clippers and patience should be a part of every first-time angler's tackle box.

Getting into fishing requires more than just a rod and reel, Christine Kustra, Huebner program coordinator at Round Lake Area Park District, said in an email interview with the Lake County Gazette.

Fishing's popularity is on the upswing, Kustra said, with the activity being among the top three outdoor recreational activities the public is involved in. She cited a statistic from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, and Outdoor Foundation that there were 2.4 million newcomers to fishing in 2014.

“The upswing in the youngsters’ interest have been seen during the Family Fishing Events held during the last several spring seasons, and the anecdotal testaments of parents have been positive,” Kustra said.

One of the first things a beginning angler should acquire is a buddy for safety purposes – as well as fun – along with an adult as well, Kustra said. The basics of equipment include a fishing pole with hooks, sinkers and bobbers, along with bait such as corn or worms.

And then, there's the needle nose pliers and nail clippers that will come in handy for an angler when the fish is hauled to shore or on board the boat.

“The pliers are used to de-barb hooks to help you and the fish,” Kustra said. “Nail clippers are used to cut line if a fish has swallowed a hook.”

Kustra also recommended a bucket of water to wet your hands in order to handle a fish while de-hooking and to dip a fish in if a hook is hard to get out of the fish's mouth.

She also said that bringing a hat or sun protection is a good idea, as is wearing a life preserver.

As for mental preparation, patience with fishing is a key. Bumps in the road like getting the line tangled can be daunting for a first-time angler, and discourage him or her from going back out. That's where getting to know your fishing pole and tackle will make fishing a better experience, Kustra said.

Also, an angler must be ready if the fish don't cooperate.

“The fish may not always bite, so do be prepared not to catch all the time you go out,” she said.

Kustra recommended checking out the Round Lake Area Park District fall brochure or online registration to learn more about what programs are available through the Huebner Fishery Management Foundation. She said the programs are free, and all necessary equipment is provided.

For more information, call 847-546-8558 or go to www.rlapd.org.