Bass Pro Tour angler Mike Iaconelli will conduct a five-part online clinic next week to help people interested in learning to fish get started as a way to be both active and socially responsible during the COVID-19 pandemic
Planned in partnership with Berkley Fishing, Ike’s Fishing 101 is a free entry-level fishing clinic, designed to give families and young anglers the information they need to be successful when fishing. Though fishing is ideally an activity to bring people together, during the COVID-19 pandemic fishing also serves as an ideal social-distancing activity that gets participants outdoors where they can reap the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Sales data from the last month shows that sales of entry-level rod-and-reel combos are soaring, indicating that more people are embracing fishing during this time. This clinic is meant to help them be more successful – and have more fun – on the water.
Live episodes will be broadcast at 2 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday (April 20-24) via Facebook Live on Iaconelli's Facebook and Instagram pages. Following is a rundown of the curriculum:
Episode 1 — Let’s Try Fishing – Fishing provides a great connection to nature and the outdoors. Fishing teaches lots of basic skills as well as important life lessons. Fishing can also be the ultimate form of social distancing. Fishing is easy to learn and a lot of fun.
Episode 2 — Basic Fishing Gear – The great thing about fishing is you don't need a ton of specialized gear or a lot of money to get started. Just a rod and reel, some fishing line and a little bit of tackle. This episode will explain fishing gear and where to get it.
Episode 3 — Preparing Your Fishing Gear – Before heading out for your first fishing trip, prepare gear for a great day on the water by setting up a rod and reel, learning to attach bobbers and weights with basic knots and how to hold a rod and reel correctly. Practicing at home is fun, too!
Episode 4 — Finding a Fishing Spot – Finding a fishing spot near your home can be easy. It doesn't matter if you live in the country, in the suburbs or in a city. The great thing about both freshwater and saltwater fish species is that they are highly adaptable and can live in a wide variety of places. And don't worry if you don't have a boat as there are plenty of places where you can fish from the bank.
Episode 5 — Let’s Go Fishing – In the final episode, Iaconelli takes his family to the water to put into use all the information learned throughout the course. Topics will include what to do once you get to your fishing location, picking a spot, making the cast, detecting bites, setting the hook and reeling in the fish.
