Southern California is truly a paradise for the avid fisherman, no matter what your favorite type of fishing is. You may like to fish for bass or trout or go freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing. In Southern California, all of these are right at your fingertips thanks to the abundance of lakes, reservoirs, and the Pacific Ocean.

Lake fish have long been categorized into three groups. These are the food fish, the game fish, and the bait fish. Game fish are called that because of their sporting quality and include fish such as trout and bass. The food fish include catfish, perch, and carp and are also prized for recreational fishing and as a food source.

Learning how to cast isn't really something that can be done by reading about it. It is best to hang out around fishing spots and observe the technique of others and then just give it a try yourself until you master the act.

You will need to put a snap in your cast similar to the movement of snapping a whip but with less force. A forceful snap will cause you to lose the fly. Don't worry about casting the fly but rather the line itself; then let the fly follow. Also, timing is important whether it is a forward cast or a back cast. This is something you will pick up with experience.

You should know the species you will likely encounter while you are fishing in Southern California. Prepare yourself beforehand if you will possibly encounter big fish. If you are fishing for bass for example, which can weigh 10 pounds or more, you will need a heavy, sturdy rod.

The lakes and reservoirs in Southern California are filled with huge fish because the food supply is very abundant. So to be prepared for them, choose a rod that is 8 1/2 ft long and is around 4 to 5 ounces in weight.

Fish such as bass and sunfish like to hide from the sun in grassy and weedy areas where they have a little protection. So when you are lake fishing, sink your line around logs and plants.

It really doesn't take long at all to get the hang of lake fishing, especially if you are lucky enough to go on a day the fish are biting like crazy so you get lots of practice casting and reeling in. And with the bountiful opportunities for lake fishing in Southern California, you will certainly never run out of places to practice your new skills.

If you are not sure where to go, you can ask for advice at a local bait shop. You might even be able to hook up with a fishing guide there.