With the White River flowing through the center of Muncie, local residents like Ed Stanton feel the lure of fishing.
The benefits of fishing include that it is cheap, entertaining and relaxing, Ed Stanton, of Sayer Bait and Tackle in Muncie, said.
"It's something you can do by yourself and get away from the hustle and bustle," he said. "I won't even let people take their cell phone when they come with me."
Stanton recommends fishing in the White River. "It has a really good small mouth bass population," he said.
The weather plays a role in how the fish act and how likely the fish will bite."When the barometer starts to fall, it's usually good fishing," Stanton said. "It effects barometric pressure and triggers them to move and they start to bite."
Casting the fishing line can be one of the more difficult parts of fishing. "Casting is kind of like throwing a baseball," Stanton said. "You release the line like you release a baseball." He said to make sure "make sure nothing is behind you" to avoid hooking something that is not a fish.
Stanton said many adults believe if they cast the line further, they are better off.
"That is not always the case," he said.
There is not one secret to a good day of fishing, he said. Many things contribute to the success of fishing and it depends on each situation.
"Just try different things and see what works," Stanton said. "Watch some of the older people, they won't tell you everything."
Warren Vander Hill, provost and vice president of academic affairs, is an avid fisherman and has helped teach a fly-fishing class at Ball State for 12 years. The class is offered by the Ball State recreation program every spring. The class meets in Worthen Area and casting and basic knot techniques are taught.
Vander Hill recently returned from a week long fishing trip in Wisconsin and is preparing for trip to Minnesota later this summer.
"I think it [fishing] is a really great way to get out into some interesting environment," Vander Hill said.
Vander Hill said aspiring fishers should take a class to learn the proper fishing techniques.
"You can't fly fish without learning how to fly fish cast," he said. "Learn to do it right."
The best times to fish are from 6 a.m. until about 8 a.m. Vander Hill also said the next opportunity for good fishing is from about 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"What you don't want to do is fish during the day," he said. "There is too much sun on the water."
Another good time to fish is when it is overcast or drizzling. Cloudy days are good for fly fishing, Vander Hill said.
Although fishing is a great way to relax, it also provides challenge. "It is challenging to figure out what the fish are eating and try to imitate it," Vander Hill said.
Required equipment for fishing includes a fishing pole, bait, hooks, bobbers, sinkers and fishing line.
Roger Lewis, Wal-Mart sporting goods sales clerk, recommends the Zebco 33 fishing poles for a beginning fisher.
"It's a good all around pole to start with; can't beat it." Stanton also recommended the Zebco 33 pole.
The Zebco 33 retails for $18.73 at Wal-Mart.
Lewis said the plastic worm bait has become really popular this year, but is not necessarily the best choice. "As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a good old night crawler," Lewis said.
Lewis recommends fishing during the week to avoid crowding. "I don't like to fish elbow to elbow," he said.
"As far as fishing goes, it depends on how much money you want to put into it," Lewis said. Fishing equipment can get expensive, but it is possible to keep it an inexpensive sport.
When deciding which bait and technique to use, "sometimes it is a hit and miss deal," Lewis said. "You just have to keep trying."
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