General Fishing Information

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Whether you are an experienced fisherman, or are just starting to get your feet wet, this guide will serve you. Inform yourself on essentials like obtaining your fishing or boating license, predicting weather patterns, identifying fish, and efficiently acquiring the necessary tools and equipment.

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General Fishing Information

This guide can help you find Web sites for specific angling forms-like fly and ice fishing-and some valuable Web sites that cover most topics in fishing culture, such as current news and upcoming weather patterns. The following Web sites are quintessential points of reference for fishermen of all levels.

Dulcinea's Insight

Before you begin fishing-especially if you are planning a trip-visit the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Web site of your destination state. States have varied conservation regulations so be sure to learn about local laws and licensing requirements. Different licenses are provided for distinct forms of fishing and boating, and vary from state to state.

One way to find a state DNR Web site for information on how to obtain a fishing or boating license is through a general search. Type your state name and "DNR" into a search engine-you'll find links to the Department of Natural Resources Web site you seek.

If the Web sites we recommended here don't fulfill your needs, you can find hundreds more by using a fishing-focused Web directory like FishingLinks.org. These directories post seemingly endless lists of links to fishing sites and are often broken into several categories to aid navigation. The best directories, like FishingLinks.org, describe and review the sites they include so that users can determine whether the links will be helpful without having to visit every site on the list.

If you are new to fishing or encounter a fishing term you don't recognize, visit either of the first two sites listed below. Both sites provide a glossary of terms, among other helpful information.

Dulcinea's Picks

For beginners ...

ABC of Fishing is a great asset for those new to fishing. Check out the "Fishing Dictionary" to acquaint yourself with the terms used, or dive right in with the "Getting Started" section to learn how to tie knots, find good fishing locations, and read up on basic rules and regulations. There are links to fishing equipment, the background of fishing, fishing safety guidelines, news, and events.

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FishingBee.com has some great features like a simple glossary of terms and an easy-to-use tool for identifying fish, complete with images. There are some worthwhile articles but beware: some of the other sections on this site, like "Guides" and "Tournaments," link to Google ads.

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For general fishing sites ...

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and responsible fishing habits. Regular members enjoy lots of benefits, such as access to world fishing records, a newsletter, and discounts on IGFA merchandise, for a $40 annual fee. The IGFA posts records of salt and freshwater fish and keeps fishermen informed about current fishing practices and fish availability. They also offer courses and updates on upcoming tournaments.

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FishingWorld.com offers current fishing advice and notifications on upcoming events. The Web site features articles, industry news, and helpful information for setting up your fishing toolbox or planning a fishing trip. Some links include "Lake Maps," "Manufacturers," and "Retailers."

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Fishing Info.com is updated daily with lots of helpful resources and current fishing articles. The "Features" section is full of advice-visit the "Ask A Pro" link for a Q&A with the pros. The "Calendar of Events" includes fishing tournaments and chapter meetings for members of the organization; sign up is free. "Fishing Clubs" has a list of other groups to join. This site also helps you get outfitted and read up on fishing reports.

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