Entry 42-1

Mark Davis

Teaching Novice Fishermen

Editor's Note: Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, is a three-time BASS Angler-of-the-Year winner and a Bass Master's Classic champion.

Question: What would be the first step you would take if you were teaching a novice woman or a child to fish?

Davis: Well the first thing to do is get them comfortable with their equipment. I always tell people to start out with good equipment because most of the cheaper fishing equipment doesn't work well, and they may grow frustrated with it. Then I get them accustomed to how the equipment works. I try to make it fun for them to cast because casting is the basis of fishing. Once they reach the point where they enjoy casting, then they can start catching some fish. They don't have to catch a bass for their first fish. Top-water or surface lures work best for beginners.

Question: Can you name a specific kind of lure that you recommend?

Davis: Strike King makes a good one that is called a Spit-N-King. It is easy to work. You twitch it or pop it with the rod tip and retrieve it along. It is real easy to fish with because the action is almost built in. You need to let the beginner do the fishing. Help him or her out, but don't take over.

Question: Do you think it is important to teach them the other aspects of fishing (tying a knot, baiting a hook, etc.) right away, or should that come later?

Davis: With teenagers and adults, you can show them how to tie a knot. But don't try to teach that to kids too soon. If you put too much pressure on a kid, it takes the fun away. Show them when they are ready.

Question: You said you use top-water baits to teach. Is there another bait beginners should consider using?

Davis: Live bait is a good option, especially on public waters. They can catch panfish, bluegill or crappie -- whatever is biting -- on live bait. They don't have to catch bass.

Question: Whom should these novice fishermen get to help them learn these skills?

Davis: They can hire a guide. I used to take a lot of kids fishing who lived in single-parent homes. Too, many states have free fishing days, fishing derbies and fishing clinics, as well as Kid Days, where volunteers take these kids out to a pond or a stocked lake and provide them with rods and reels so they can fish. That is another good way to introduce them to fishing.

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