Free Introductory Course

Catching fish is only one of the skill sets an angler needs to be successful. It is just as important to learn how fish function and how to handle them safely and responsibly.

Fish 101: Fins and Gills will explore basic fish biology to help you understand how different species use the various parts of their design, like fins, body shape and swim bladders, to feed and thrive in their surroundings. This section will also cover the key handling principles for reducing stress and injury to fish and is based on the understanding that all anglers have a responsibility to preserve the future of the sport.

Like humans, fish use their senses (hearing, smell, sight, touch, taste, and lateral line) to understand the world around them. This section examines how fish are affected by each sensory experience and takes a common sense approach to appeal to each of the senses. You'll also learn what motivates a fish to bite - beyond their need to feed - and how to use these different reasons to trigger more bites.

In North America, there are many types of bodies of water that are home to freshwater fish. This section examines the unique characteristics of lakes, rivers and reservoirs and how different types of fish relate to these environments.

A day on the water is much easier when you can understand the lingo, share in some friendly 'dock talk' and know how to relate to your fellow anglers. Fishing 101: On the Water looks at common fishing principles and techniques and walks you through the essential fishing terminology and rules of etiquette. This section will build a solid foundation for both your own fishing adventures and the more advanced Faculty of Fishing lessons and modules.

The first step in knowing where to look for fish requires you to understand how fish move throughout the day and during the different seasons and why they are drawn to certain areas. This lesson will equip you with the information you need to zero in on the best fishing spots every time you hit the water.

A knot literally has the ability to make or break your day on the water. Therefore, it's critical to tie good, strong knots that will hold firmly with your line and stand up to the underwater conditions.

In this section, you'll walk through step-by-step instructions, animation and video for tying a variety of knots, including those used to attach line to lures and line to leader line. You'll also learn about the characteristics, strengths and applications for each knot and be able to access detailed printable guides through the Faculty of Fishing downloads section.

From the previous lessons you should appreciate how influential structure can be on the location and movements of fish. In Structure: The Hard Truth, you'll cover the main functions of this important element of fish habitat, including how fish use it to determine their routes, to facilitate feeding, and to access both shallow and deep water areas. By having a in-depth understanding of how fish use structure and hold near it, you'll be able to find the points, turns, and bottom components that may be holding your next big catch.

A fish's ability to take cover can allow it to survive and thrive within its highly competitive ecosystem by providing security, shade, and ambush points. Some species of fish use cover much of the time, while others only relate to it occasionally; however, nearly all fish will use it at one time or another. That's why this lesson takes a close look at the different types of cover available in freshwater systems, and helps you understand how to use them to find fish and deliver effective presentations.

Over the last few decades, technology has changed the world of fishing. Electronics like sonar, trolling motors, and global positioning systems make it possible for anglers to find fish quickly, stay on top of prime locations, and even be safer on the water. This lesson takes a close look at the capabilities and benefits of the different types of electronics, and acts as an introduction to future in-depth lessons such as Interpreting Sonar.

The best fishing strategies can start well before you even get near the water. This is because hydrographic charts can give you a thorough view of an entire water system, including the structures that lie beneath the surface. This lesson will show you how you can apply your knowledge of seasonal movements, structure, and cover to pick the areas on a lake chart with the most potential.

Many effective presentations involve working a bait at a steady pace, over large areas of water. In these situations, the better you are able to set up and control your troll, the more likely you will be to pull that bait right in front of the fish.

Casting is a very effective way to target many species. Do it well, and it will put your bait where no other presentation can. That might be the right place to get the bites.

When fish move into deeper water, vertical presentations can be a great way to get your bait right down to them. Vertical techniques require you to position yourself right on top of the fish, in order to keep your bait in a fish's strike zone and trigger bites from even the most neutral or negative fish.

In this lesson, you will learn a variety of techniques that you can use with different presentations. Putting it all together will help you adapt to the day and the conditions, thus allowing you to catch more and bigger fish!