Long before I had the chance to become a “Fishing Father,” and even before fishing pictures in online dating apps was a thing, I was just an awkward boy trying to impress the prettiest girl on the planet. Then and now, my wife was totally out of my league. Taking her on a fishing date was the only way I could level the playing field a bit. Read on for some tips on how you can take your crush on a fishing date, and perhaps land the catch of your life.
Why Fishing Makes a Great Date
Assuming that your love interest enjoys the outdoors, fishing makes a great date that is sure to stand out. This is not your typical “dinner and a movie” that she’s been asked out to his/her whole life, after all. You may well be the first person who has ever asked him/her to go fishing. This makes it new, exciting, and just a little bit nerve-wracking. This is a good thing. What fun is a date if you don’t have at least a few butterflies?
Some of the reasons fishing makes a great date include:
- There will be gorgeous scenery as a backdrop for the perfect photo op.
- It’s something not everyone can do successfully, so if you pull it off, you’ll look like a hero.
- There’s an opportunity for your date to either show how well they can hold a fish, or look cute by acting like it’s the grossest thing in the world.
- It’s a quiet date where you can chat and really get to know a person. There’s no music blasting in your ears and you’re probably sober and just being yourself.
- It’s certainly a date that’s about having a fun adventure, versus anything else. All the pressure is off and you’re just hanging out, having a good time.
- You get to go fishing. I mean, really, this should be enough, no?
Is Fishing a Good FIRST Date?
All the reasons that make fishing a great date in general apply to first dates. I’d argue they apply even stronger, because fishing is exactly the sort of unique first date that will make a great story some day. There are just a few issues with it that you’ll need to get past:
The Need for Licenses
It can be a little bit challenging to make it seem spontaneous, because you’re both going to need a fishing license. While some states have select days where anyone can try fishing for free, you probably don’t want to wait to ask her until one of these rolls around. Nowadays, most states allow one to buy their fishing license online, so at least you won’t have to kill the mood by meeting somewhere to fill out paperwork ahead of your date.
Safety Considerations
This world is filled with weirdos. Fishing makes a great first date if you know and trust the person, but just remember that it’s usually a fairly solitary pursuit, often in the middle of nowhere. This isn’t to say you can’t go fishing on a first date with someone you don’t know well, but you should practice some basic safety steps:
- Ask for a “float plan.” Where are you going to be fishing and how? Will it be on a boat, or from shore? Will others be joining you, or are you going alone?
- Do a little research of the area. There are plenty of public parks with fishable ponds. Is he asking you to go to one of these, or someplace more remote?
- Does he seem to actually be a fisherman? Are there photos of his catches on Facebook? It would be very odd if there weren’t.
Do note that many of the better fishing spots are probably going to be a bit off the beaten trail. The mere fact that he proposes to go someplace a bit out there does not automatically make him an axe-wielding murderer. However, you do need to apply common sense and trust your gut. If you aren’t comfortable with exactly what he is proposing, you might suggest a different, more public fishing spot. Perhaps there’s a nice café near it the two of you could visit afterwards? Pitch it to him like that.
How to Go on a Fishing Date If You Don’t Know How to Fish
If you want to go on a fishing date but don’t know how to fish, you have two options:
- Struggle through and learn it together.
- Hire a fishing charter.
While some people might find incompetence adorable, I’d suggest you book a reputable charter in your area. Although expensive, this could make for a much more enjoyable trip for both of you. If you book a fishing charter, then the captain is in charge of putting you on fish (and will probably be pretty good at doing this). If you go it alone, “you’re the captain now.” It will be your responsibility to handle everything on your own.
If you’ve never booked a charter before and are looking for help, I wrote an article that will assist you in picking a good one for a relaxing date. As always, if you’re fishing in the Northeast make sure you consider booking a charter with my friend, Captain Mick Maynard at www.lakechamplainangler.com. Case in point, he took my wife and I out on a fishing date during our honeymoon!
What Does It Mean When a Guy Wants to Take You Fishing?
Point blank: if a guy (or girl) wants to take you fishing on a date, they’re into you. Fishing is not something that you do with just anyone. Believe me, your date has friends and family members they’ve known their whole life that they wouldn’t want to take fishing, so if you get asked, it means something.
Granted, if you’re asked on a date to go anywhere and do anything, it probably means they’re “into” you, sure. But fishing is different because of the level of effort that goes into trying to make a trip successful. A fishing trip is not as simple as buying dinner and a movie or dressing up to go dancing. I guarantee you that if a guy asks you out on a fishing date, he will spend hours scouring the internet for fishing reports, sharpening every hook, inspecting every bit of fishing line, and doing everything he can to make sure you catch something. Even though you’ll never see it, because it goes on behind the scenes, the amount of effort that goes into one of these dates is a far greater commitment than most other dates you’ve been on. That says something.
So, even if the idea of going on a fishing date makes you a little nervous, at least you can approach it knowing that someone thinks highly enough of you to put in all this effort.
Is Fishing Romantic?
I’m sure I’m biased, but to me there are few things more romantic than the pristine beauty of the world around us. Fishing takes you out into that world. Here are a few sights I’ve shared with my wife over the years:
You’ll see breathtaking sunrises that remind you how precious life is…
There will be gorgeous sunsets radiating every hue of pink, orange, and red reflecting off the water…
Even if you go mid-day, the mere nature of water being lower than its surroundings suggests there’s a majestic landscape next to it…
Finally, the view from a boat is a whole new perspective, and one few see.
Just imagine a view like these as the backdrop for your first photos together. Yes, fishing is a romantic date indeed.
What Expectations Should You Set?
In many ways, fishing with a date who is unfamiliar with the sport is a lot like fishing with kids. It’s very important that you set expectations that can be achieved or exceeded, or else you’ll feel as though you fell flat on your face. Whatever you do, don’t over promise things, as fish don’t always cooperate.
There are a few things you should promise:
- Explain that you will handle all the “yucky stuff” – don’t make a big deal out of things if your date doesn’t want to unhook the fish or spear a worm. Volunteer that you’ll handle all of the mess so they can just enjoy themselves and have fun.
- Promise that you will let all the fish go if your date wants to. Remember, not everyone wants to unlock their inner Viking on a first date to field dress a fish. Catch and release is the way to go on your first couple of dates.
- Encourage your date by letting them know that you’ll provide all of the tackle and tie all the knots. All your date needs to do is show up and have fun!
As an aside, you should expect that your date will end up catching the biggest fish. That’s how it almost always works when I go fishing with my wife!
Where Should You Go Fishing on a Date?
I very strongly suggest that you go to a lake or pond that you know well and are confident will be productive. Now is not the time to try a new place. Much like when fishing with kids, your goal is to catch a fish – any fish – as fast as you possibly can so your date is “successful” and gets his/her photo op. Go some place you know, bring lures you’re confident in, and get that sunfish to the boat. Once you catch some quantity, you can start searching for “upgrades.”
As with fishing with kids, I would have a Plan B on hand. Personally, I think a picnic makes for a nice date that isn’t done that often, but if you don’t like ants and bees, you might at least choose a fishing hole that is near some sort of restaurant. It need not be a five-start joint, either. Part of the experience of fishing is going to new places that are a bit out there. That ice cream stand near the boat ramp could be the perfect stop on your way home.
What You Should Bring on a Fishing Date?
If you were the one asking someone to go with you on a fishing date, you should bring absolutely everything they need to be successful. That means all the rods, tackle, pliers, gear, etc. are your responsibility to bring. You should also bring an extra hooded sweatshirt and set of raingear in case your date didn’t realize what they were in for. It’s easy for non-anglers to misjudge just how cold it can get out there on the water. Finally, I would suggest bringing along a rag in case your date needs to clean up, or wants to use it to hold a fish.
If you were the one asked on the date, you need to bring your fishing license. Your date may offer to pay for this and I’ll leave that to you, but you should show up “legal” so there aren’t any issues, and this isn’t normally something your date can get on their own for you. I’d also suggest that it would be a nice touch to offer to bring some lunch. Preparing for a fishing trip takes a lot of time and energy – your date is likely scrambling like a madman trying to ensure you have a good time. Anything you can offer to do that will help would be appreciated.
What Type of Lures Should You Use?
I would strongly encourage you to fish in a manner that will not bore, or frustrate your date to tears. I would go with techniques that are easy to learn and use. Some great choices include a drop shot, wacky-rigged worm, or spinnerbaits. All of these are fairly active and productive ways to catch a fish.
- Drop shots are great if your date isn’t good at casting as you can cast for him/her and then hand them the rod.
- Wacky-rigged worms are very productive if you want to make a game of seeing who can cast into certain holes in the weedline. Usually, the person who wins this competition has a decent chance of snagging a bass in the process.
- Spinnerbaits are fun because they’re so active – you aren’t sitting there waiting for something to happen. You’re actively going out there and making things happen.
Just make sure you give your date a primer on casting and walk them through it a few times. Just make sure you stay out of their way if it’s their first time casting!
What Should You Wear on a Fishing Date?
Dress in something practical for this date. This is not the time to “look cute” but to be ready for an outdoor adventure. Showing up in heels will only backfire and make your date think you lack common sense. Make sure you check the weather the night before, and apply a healthy dose of skepticism to anything those lying meteorologists tell you! Remember, they aren’t allowed to get their title until they’ve killed at least three fishermen.
Bring Layers
You will never regret having too many clothes on a fishing trip, especially if you’re headed out on a boat. Even in summer, mornings can be very chilly on the lake. By midday, the sun can become scorching hot. Wear several layers that you can discard as necessary throughout the day. My wife used to very much enjoy the tanning elements of fishing and I doubt your date will object, but don’t show up at 6:00 a.m. in a bikini or you will freeze.
You Never Know What Might Happen…
You never know – that person you took on a fishing date may just turn out to be “the one.” There’s something to be said for a spouse who enjoys your hobbies. Building a life together with someone is much better with a best friend who shares your interests. Even if they don’t get quite as into fishing as you, if you can get them somewhat receptive to it, the “I think we need a new boat” conversations will go over better…
Who knows, maybe some day that first date will lead to you being a fishing father of your own. That’s how my life played out, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for reading, all. I hope this article helped you have a fun date. I’d love to hear back about how it went so please leave a comment or send me an email. Don’t forget, if it went so spectacularly well that you now have your very own tiny fishing buddy on the way, I do have a book that teaches parents how to take their kids fishing. You can find it here.
Have a great day for fishing,
John Paxton
