Pennsylvania Fishing Tips

Cucumber Falls image by Mark Kamyk from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Pennsylvania is home to a variety of fish species. The state boasts over 85,000 miles of streams and rivers, 4,000 inland lakes and ponds spread out over 160,000 acres, plus the 470,000 acres of Lake Erie. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, anglers will find a diverse selection of fishing opportunities throughout Pennsylvania.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing license
Child-friendly hooks, lightweight sinkers and slip bobbers
GPS device, fishing map or county guide

Step 1

Apply for a Pennsylvania fishing license online, in-person or by mail before visiting Pennsylvania waters; charges apply. Valid licensing is necessary for adults as well as children who will be fishing without the assistance of an adult. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission defines "assistance" as baiting hooks, cutting fish from the line and rigging a fishing rod for use.

Step 2

Determine which fish you are after. Common Pennsylvania fish include herrings, catfish, trout, pikes, smelt, salmon, killifish and bass. Rig your line based on the species you want to target.

Step 3

Remove dirt, sand and other debris from hooks, sinkers and slip bobbers as well as fishing reels rigged with an appropriate pound test. This will improve the efficacy of your tackle when fishing Pennsylvania waters.

Step 4

Map your fishing spot with a GPS device, fishing map or county guide. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission provides a county guide for all fishing sites throughout the state. Search state fish hatcheries, approved trout fishing locations and waters where boat access is available.

Step 5

Visit a Pennsylvania water source that caters to your needs. Pennsylvania is home to lakes and rivers specifically available to families and children with disabilities. See Resources for a county list of waters.

Tips & Warnings

Fishing tackle is available at local bait shops throughout Pennsylvania.

It is illegal for anglers to fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...