FAQ
Indiana Department of Natural Resources is a wealth of information
for all things fishing.
WHERE CAN I GO FISHING?
Where to fish depends mostly on whether you’re going to fish from a boat or fish from the shore. It’s always good to ask an experienced angler. Word of mouth is very good and if they’re willing, maybe, just maybe, they’ll be willing to share their “honey hole.”
Your local bait shop is a fairly reliable place to find out not only what the fish are biting, but where the fish are biting. You can also check with your city’s Parks and Recreation department for places to fish in your area. Private ponds also provide great fishing opportunities but make sure you get permission from the property owner. Another great resource is the state DNR Fish and Wildlife Regulations. This guide provides a list of most lakes, rivers, steams, and reservoirs accessible to angler. You can access the Indiana DNR Fish and Wildlife Regulations by clicking on the image provided or you can pick one up at most bait shops or sporting goods stores.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BUY?
What pole, rod and reel combination, tackle box, hooks, lures, fish baskets, jigs, bobbers, etc., can be quite confusing. Talking to an experienced angler, bait and tackle shop owner, or sporting goods store personnel should prove helpful. They can give you adequate information about equipment. In the meantime, here is a list of bare essentials: Rod and reel combinations — make sure it’s age appropriate and pre-spooled with six to ten pound test line. For children 6 and older, 4 to 5 1/2 feet in length is in order with push button spin-casting reels. Six to seven feet should work well for most adults.
Buy a tackle box and fill it with various size hooks suitable for small fish like blue gill, perch, and crappie, and larger hooks for catfish and bass. You’ll also need to pick up sinkers, bobbers, needle nose pliers, scissors, a stringer to put the fish on and drape it in the water or a fish basket, bucket or container to take the fish home in. Another important tool is a landing net. Be sure to pick up a variety pack of pan fish jigs and/or lures. You can pick up this equipment at a bait shop, sporting goods store, or the sporting goods department in a big box department store.
DO I NEED A LICENSE?
Whether or not you need a license, when and where, can vary from state to state. In Indiana, residents over the age of 18 are required to have a fishing license to fish in most public waters. Public waters include lakes, rivers, parks, and reservoirs. You can buy them at most bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, big box stores that have a sporting good department, or online. For exemptions and special licenses, see the link to the Indiana DNR guide provided above.
WHAT BAIT SHOULD I BUY AND WHERE CAN I GET IT?
That bait you choose to buy depends upon what you are fishing for. Most beginners fish for pan fish, which are small fish like blue gill, crappie, and perch. These fish tend to bite on worms, crickets, wax worms (bee moths) and minnows. If you’re trying for bigger fish like catfish or bass, you’ll want to pick up some night crawlers. These fish will also bit on the same bait used for the smaller fish. Talk to your local bait and tackle shop owner and ask where fish are biting and what they’re biting on. These shop owners can be great resources.
HOW MANY FISH AM I ALLOWED TO KEEP?
How many fish you can keep varies with State rules and regulations and the species of the fish. Refer to your state DNR Fish and Wildlife Regulations. They will provide you with information about limits and as well as fish identification charts.
WHAT KIND OF FISH AM I ALLOWED TO KEEP?
This is a hard question because it varies from state to state and sometimes, year to year. Some fish are protected. It’s best to check with your state’s DNR rules and regulations but your local bait is an excellent resource. These guys keep the rules and regs close by and provide copies for their customers.