Fishing enthusiast shares tips for the beginner

By Molly Milroy

Fishing is an easy recreation to take up in the Twin Ports, with convenient access to a multitude of nearby lakes and rivers. Destiny Hering, a high school senior, may be young, but she knows a thing or two about fishing. Her father, a captain at Lake Superior Fishing, first got her started.

“I’ve been fishing since I could stand up and hold a reel,” Hering said.

Here she offers tips and advice for beginners.

What to bring

The first thing you will need is your fishing license, which can be purchased on the state’s DNR website or at a local bait shop. A separate license is needed for each state. Along with that, and depending on what species you are fishing for, you may also need to purchase stamps.

“I buy my license and figure out what stamps I need to buy if it’s not included in the license already. For example, trout need a stamp to fish them in Wisconsin,” Hering explained. “If you want to keep your sturgeon and eat it, you have to have a harvesting stamp for sturgeon.”

When you purchase your license, ask the agent which stamps are available.

You will also need to know the state fishing regulations, which may include the legal catch limits. These can be found on the state’s DNR web page as well. Keep a printed copy with you or access it online via your phone.

Fishing gear doesn’t have to be sophisticated.

“Start off with a rod and a worm; you don’t need the high-tech stuff to catch a fish,” Hering said. “My No. 1 suggestion for bait and tackle is Marine General (located on London Road in Duluth). They are super friendly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or experienced in it, they will answer your questions in a heartbeat. They have everything you need from smelt, to wax worms, to night