Introducing someone to the sport of saltwater fishing can be a very delicate process. Pushing too hard, fishing in difficult conditions, or creating stress can result in new anglers losing interest very quickly.
I met with Peyton Fisher PT DPT and discussed her path to the world of saltwater fishing and wade fishing. When Peyton met her husband, Jonathan Fisher, in 2020, she had little experience with any type of fishing. Her husband, on the other hand, was a highly active saltwater angler that also loved to wade fish for big trout.
“I wanted to get her started slow so that she would enjoy the experience.” Jonathan Fisher said. “New anglers should not just jump straight into cold-weather wade fishing with no experience at all.”
Jonathan Fisher started the process by taking his wife on summertime trips and teaching her the basics of saltwater fishing. This included things like learning the right gear to use, how to tie knots, which baits are best in certain conditions, fish identification, retrieves, landing fish, netting fish, and basic fishing and boating safety. These are all things that are critical to making a good angler and all skills that are needed before venturing out of the boat and into the world of wade fishing.
Peyton Fisher made her first fishing trip with her husband and Capt. Bruce Baugh in the summer of 2021.
“Peyton picked up the basics very fast,” Jonathan Fisher said.
By late summer, Peyton Fisher would fish from the boat and follow along behind Baugh and her husband. She described one particular day that Baugh told her she could crank up the big motor and move the boat to another fishing spot. She described the incredible joy and excitement she felt when she was trusted with the boat to run solo to a spot of her own.
The right gear
In the fall of 2021, Peyton made her first wade fishing adventure.
“The key things to learn when you start wade fishing is choose areas with a sand bottom, slide your feet to avoid stepping on stringrays, know the area you are wading and ensure you avoid any significant currents or drop offs,” Jonathan Fisher said.
Peyton Fisher took to wade fishing very quickly, but as the weather and water got colder she was met with an issue. When wade fishing in wintry weather, having the right gear is important. The two things that are most important are waders and boots. As a lady angler who is an athlete and petite, Peyton Fisher ran into issues with finding waders and boots that fit correctly. She ended up choosing wading boots that are made by Barts Bay Armor and have a protective design to prevent being hit by stingrays.
“Wade fishing needs special gear like a gear belt, pliers, Boga Grip and a small bait box,” she said.
Peyton Fisher’s biggest trout to date is 4.8 pounds, and she is always excited for the next fishing adventure. She suggested that anyone interested in fishing should find a good mentor and begin by practicing with gear such as open face reels, learning how to cast and tying knots.
“Everyone I have interacted with has been supportive and welcomed me to the sport,” she said.
The post “Teaching someone the basics of wade fishing” first appeared on LouisianaSportsman.com.
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