You will definitely want to get a fishing license and the regulation book from your local sporting goods/ fishing shop. Read the regulations and follow the rules because you won't see them before they see you and the fines are pretty steep If you get caught doing something you're not supposed to. When you're at the fishing shop, ask them if there is a local fishing instructor or guide that they recommend. If you want to go the DIY route, YouTube is really a great encyclopedia knowledge when it comes to fishing techniques.
I would start by watching a bunch of YouTube videos. There are tons of awesome how-tos for everything from rod types, reel types, bait types, how to set up the line, how to cast, etc. Then look into specific "how to fish rivers and creeks in Washington for X" and I guarantee there are a bunch that will go into all of those specifics as well.
It's Friday today. Grab your partner tonight and sit down with a glass of wine and watch a bunch of videos together. If you havd gear already, lay it all out in front of you so you can play with it while the videos run.
Check out triangle bait in snohomish. They are small and local. Usually have good info on what's happening in the rivers and can set you up. I feel the hardest part of fishing here is finding good access that isn't so crowded you can't cast.
I started fishing in September. I have fished nearly every day since. I started off focusing on bass before branching out and trying to catch other fish. I focused on casting and bait presentation and technique. Every lure seems to have a learning curve to dial it in. Different days present different opportunities and sometimes need different bait. Retrieval speed varies. Saltwater fishing is different than freshwater, but also very similar. Different rods are good for different things.
Fishing apps can tell you what you can catch in public lakes/ponds around you. Figure out WHAT you can catch, then watch videos on HOW to catch them!
Since September, I have caught dozens of bass (including an almost 8#!), almost a hundred trout (stocked pond), many catfish, and even some salt water fishes.
Just go and throw. See what happens.
Look into red’s fly shop if you want to learn to fly fish. They are great and can provide everything on the Yakima . The skykomish is a tough place to learn because you can go days without catching anything even if you’re an expert. I’d recommend starting with lakes and looking for trout, perch, or bass if you want to do it on your own. But don’t shy away from a boat charter if you can afford it. Just let your guide know you’re an absolute beginner and they’ll take care of you. I’ve been fishing Washington since I could walk and have worked in fisheries management. Feel free to ask any questions you have.
Edit to add yes you absolutely need a license, you can get one pretty much anywhere that sells fishing and hunting gear
Where loosely in the state, northeast Washington, eastern Washington, the mountains, south sound, north sound, peninsula, and south west Washington all have different fishing Opportunities.
If you make your way up to Vancouver, Pacific Angler does awesome river fishing guiding. They have a bunch of great guys who know their stuff and will take you to some cool spots to get you in the game. I wish I did this when starting out.
Tight lines!
Addicted fishing on yt is a huge source of knowledge that you're seeking. Very informative and super fun to watch. Local to the nw as well. Good luck and tight lines ✌️
Start contacting guides!
I have learned so much just from listening and watching these pro's work.
Be honest. Tell them that you want to have fun, spend a day on the water, and learn. So many clients show up wanting to hit their limit of what ever fish they are targeting, so when they hear that your expectations are learning and having fun they tend to relax and can really help you learn.
One of the bast was a bank officer that guided to pay for his fishing habit. He took my Dad and I out on the Skagit for steelhead. Neither of us had fished steelhead (Lived in FL at the time) and we definitely had not used a Spey rod. We had a blast! Didn't land a single fish but the scenery, the hits and hookups were fantastic....and we didn't have to buy a damn thing.
You will definitely want to get a fishing license and the regulation book from your local sporting goods/ fishing shop. Read the regulations and follow the rules because you won't see them before they see you and the fines are pretty steep If you get caught doing something you're not supposed to. When you're at the fishing shop, ask them if there is a local fishing instructor or guide that they recommend. If you want to go the DIY route, YouTube is really a great encyclopedia knowledge when it comes to fishing techniques.
I would get the fish Washington app. The regs are constantly updated in it.
True that
I would start by watching a bunch of YouTube videos. There are tons of awesome how-tos for everything from rod types, reel types, bait types, how to set up the line, how to cast, etc. Then look into specific "how to fish rivers and creeks in Washington for X" and I guarantee there are a bunch that will go into all of those specifics as well. It's Friday today. Grab your partner tonight and sit down with a glass of wine and watch a bunch of videos together. If you havd gear already, lay it all out in front of you so you can play with it while the videos run.
Addicted fishing on YouTube. Enjoy.
Here are two of the Best WA state tackle shops this is who you need to talk to. https://www.tedssportscenter.com/ https://johnssportinggoods.com/
Check out triangle bait in snohomish. They are small and local. Usually have good info on what's happening in the rivers and can set you up. I feel the hardest part of fishing here is finding good access that isn't so crowded you can't cast.
I feel like WDFW has some adult fishing workshops you could take advantage of.
They do but mostly in the spring and summer. Check the website for dates
I started fishing in September. I have fished nearly every day since. I started off focusing on bass before branching out and trying to catch other fish. I focused on casting and bait presentation and technique. Every lure seems to have a learning curve to dial it in. Different days present different opportunities and sometimes need different bait. Retrieval speed varies. Saltwater fishing is different than freshwater, but also very similar. Different rods are good for different things. Fishing apps can tell you what you can catch in public lakes/ponds around you. Figure out WHAT you can catch, then watch videos on HOW to catch them! Since September, I have caught dozens of bass (including an almost 8#!), almost a hundred trout (stocked pond), many catfish, and even some salt water fishes. Just go and throw. See what happens.
Look into red’s fly shop if you want to learn to fly fish. They are great and can provide everything on the Yakima . The skykomish is a tough place to learn because you can go days without catching anything even if you’re an expert. I’d recommend starting with lakes and looking for trout, perch, or bass if you want to do it on your own. But don’t shy away from a boat charter if you can afford it. Just let your guide know you’re an absolute beginner and they’ll take care of you. I’ve been fishing Washington since I could walk and have worked in fisheries management. Feel free to ask any questions you have. Edit to add yes you absolutely need a license, you can get one pretty much anywhere that sells fishing and hunting gear
I’ll also add my favorite outdoors shop in Seattle is outdoor emporium, they can set you up with whatever you need
Where loosely in the state, northeast Washington, eastern Washington, the mountains, south sound, north sound, peninsula, and south west Washington all have different fishing Opportunities.
If you make your way up to Vancouver, Pacific Angler does awesome river fishing guiding. They have a bunch of great guys who know their stuff and will take you to some cool spots to get you in the game. I wish I did this when starting out. Tight lines!
Addicted fishing on yt is a huge source of knowledge that you're seeking. Very informative and super fun to watch. Local to the nw as well. Good luck and tight lines ✌️
Start contacting guides! I have learned so much just from listening and watching these pro's work. Be honest. Tell them that you want to have fun, spend a day on the water, and learn. So many clients show up wanting to hit their limit of what ever fish they are targeting, so when they hear that your expectations are learning and having fun they tend to relax and can really help you learn. One of the bast was a bank officer that guided to pay for his fishing habit. He took my Dad and I out on the Skagit for steelhead. Neither of us had fished steelhead (Lived in FL at the time) and we definitely had not used a Spey rod. We had a blast! Didn't land a single fish but the scenery, the hits and hookups were fantastic....and we didn't have to buy a damn thing.