Fishing rewards patience, and even on a slow day you get a few quiet hours outside. You don't need a boat or expensive gear to start. Public piers, lake shorelines, stocked ponds and riverbanks all have places to fish from shore, and a basic spinning rod and reel with a few hooks, bobbers and sinkers will catch plenty. Live bait such as worms is the simplest way to begin; artificial lures and fly fishing take more practice and more gear.

Many state wildlife agencies stock lakes and ponds and publish maps of public access points. Local bait and tackle shops are the best source of current advice on what's biting, where and on what. Guided trips and charter boats supply the boat, the gear and the know-how, and they're the easiest way to try deep-sea or fly fishing for the first time.

The Date Activity

Fishing makes a calm, unhurried date. You sit side by side with long, easy stretches for conversation, and when a fish finally bites, it's a shared burst of excitement. Choose a spot with a nice view and a decent chance of action, like a pier or a stocked pond, over a long trek in search of a trophy. If one of you is new, the other gets to teach, which works best when the teacher is patient about tangled lines.

Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it, or go out at first light, when fish are often most active, and finish with a big breakfast. Renting a rowboat or a pair of kayaks on a quiet lake turns it into a small adventure. If you plan to cook your catch, check the size and bag limits first.

On Your Own / With Friends

A cooler, a few rods and a day at the lake is a classic outing with friends, and splitting a charter boat makes an ocean trip far more affordable. Kids love fishing when the fish cooperate, so take them where bites come quickly and keep the outing short. Many states hold free fishing days each year when no license is needed. Fishing alone is about as peaceful as a day gets, and it pairs naturally with a weekend of lakeside camping. Just tell someone where you're going.

Good to Know

Most places require a fishing license for adults, with separate rules for kids, seniors and saltwater, so check your state wildlife agency for licenses, seasons, and size and bag limits before you go. If you release fish, wet your hands first and keep the fish in the water as much as you can. Wear sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses, which also cut the glare so you can see into the water. Everyone on a boat or kayak should wear a life jacket. Pack out your trash and old line, which can tangle birds and other wildlife.