Why Every Christian Should Learn to Fish (for Fish!)
- Thad DeBuhr
- Jul 19
- 11 min read
Hey there! Ever feel that knot in your stomach when someone talks about sharing your faith? Like it's this huge, overwhelming task and you're not quite sure you have the right words or the perfect approach? I totally get it. But you know what? Something clicked for me on a recent fishing trip with some buddies: Maybe what we're missing is that we don't know how to fish!
Sounds a little funny, right? But stick with me. Imagine trying to teach someone to reel in a giant salmon if they've never even held a fishing rod before. It'd be a mess! They wouldn't know a bobber from a bait bucket.
When Jesus called his first crew in Mark 1:17, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people," he wasn't calling a bunch of desk jockeys. He called seasoned fishermen! These guys knew the water, how to tie a knot, how to handle a boat—they were pros. He wasn't telling them to learn how to fish; they had that down. He was inviting them to learn how to catch a new kind of fish: people.
That got me thinking. If Jesus picked experienced fishermen to teach them about fishing for people, maybe there's something to learning the ropes with actual fish first. Whether you're chasing bass, jigging for walleye, fly-fishing for trout, or trolling for kokanee, I honestly believe every Christian should give fishing a shot. Learn the basics of fishing for fish before you try to go out and fish for people. Even if you're a beginning angler or one of the many new anglers looking for a hobby, this is a great way to pick up new skills.
This study guide unpacks those lessons, but for a deeper dive and to see some of these principles in action, be sure to watch our video, "EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD LEARN TO FISH" It features footage from our recent fishing trip and brings these ideas to life! (And you'll even see us catch a few fish!)
Here are my top 5 reasons why you should learn how to fish, and how those vital skills directly help you "fish for people" and invite them to follow Jesus:
1. Learning to "Read the Water" (Understanding Your Environment)
I remember one hot summer day, my buddy and I hit a new lake. He just cast his line right off the dock, hoping for the best. Me? I spent a good twenty minutes walking the shoreline, looking at where the old fallen trees were, checking out the murky spots versus the clear ones, and watching for any ripples. He got a few bites after an hour. I pulled in a nice stringer of bass because I took the time to understand where they'd be hiding. Any good angler knows this is crucial.
Fishing for Fish: A good fisherman doesn't just toss their fishing line in anywhere. They look for structure, changes in depth, signs of baitfish, and understand how weather and time of day affect fish behavior in that water body. They "read the water" to find where the fish are likely to be. Knowing your natural resources and how fish species behave is key to finding the best fishing spots in any open space.
Fishing for People: This is about understanding the "waters" of people's lives. It means paying attention to their struggles, their good times, their questions, and what makes them tick. It's not about forcing your message on everyone, but observing where people are at, what they truly need, and what might be stirring in their hearts. Just like fish are in different spots at different times, people are in different places on their spiritual journey. This is your best chance to genuinely connect.
Practical Tips:
Listen More Than You Talk: Next time you're chatting with a friend, neighbor, or co-worker, try to ask open-ended questions about their life, their challenges, or what they're excited about. Really listen to their answers without immediately thinking about how to respond with a "Christian" answer.
Observe Your Surroundings: Pay attention to the places you spend time—your workplace, your gym, your local coffee shop. What are the common themes or struggles you notice among the people there? This helps you see the "water" you're in.
2. Choosing the Right "Bait" (Relating Your Message)
One time I heard a guy say, "You can't catch a trout with a hot dog!" He was right. Moments later, I watched him meticulously tie on a tiny, almost invisible fly for some wary trout while doing some trout fishing, while another guy next to us was trying to hurl out a huge bass lure. Guess who went home with dinner? That first fella clearly knew what those types of fish wanted.
Fishing for Fish: You wouldn't use a huge crankbait for tiny panfish, and corn won't cut it for salmon. Different fish go for different baits, lures, or live bait. You have to match your offering to what the fish species are interested in. Your fishing tackle needs to be appropriate for the types of fish you're targeting. The main line on your reel also plays a part, as thicker line can spook certain fish.
Fishing for People: This doesn't mean changing the truth about Jesus, but presenting it in a way that truly connects with the person you're talking to. What are their questions? What do they really need? What matters most to them? Sometimes it's just listening, sometimes it's doing a kind deed, and sometimes it's a straight-up conversation about faith. The "bait" is how we connect the timeless truth of Jesus to their everyday lives. This is a great opportunity to show compassion.
Practical Tips:
Find Common Ground: If a co-worker is stressed about finances, share how your faith gives you peace or wisdom with money, without preaching. If a neighbor is struggling with loneliness, invite them to a community event or offer to help them with a project.
Share Your "Why": Instead of reciting Bible verses, try sharing a short, personal story about how Jesus has made a difference in your life in a way that relates to what they're going through. For example, "Man, I used to worry about that stuff too, but finding faith really helped me find peace."
3. Patience and Persistence (The Waiting Game)
I remember one ice fishing trip. It was freezing, and the fish weren't biting. My buddy packed up after an hour, grumbling about how it was a waste of time. I huddled down, kept jigging, and moved my tip-ups to a slightly different spot every half hour. Just as I was about to call it quits, one of my flags popped up! It was a beautiful pike. If I had given up, I'd have gone home empty-handed.
Fishing for Fish: Some days, the number of fish you're catching might be low, and they're just not biting like crazy. Other days, you can cast for hours without even a nibble. A real angler, whether using spin-casting reels or a fly rod, knows that patience and persistence are key. You keep casting, you try different spots, and you wait for that tug on the line. Consider attending national fishing days or local fishing events to practice these skills.
Fishing for People: Sharing your faith is almost never a "one-and-done" deal. It takes patience to build real relationships, to listen, and to wait for God's perfect timing. There will be times when you share, and it seems like nothing happens. Don't give up! Keep praying, keep showing love, and keep being available. God is working in people's hearts long before we even show up. This takes quality time and genuine effort.
Practical Tips:
Pray Regularly for Specific People: Pick 2-3 people in your life who don't know Jesus and commit to praying for them by name every day. Ask God to open their hearts and give you opportunities to connect.
Be a Consistent Presence: Show up, be reliable, and be genuine in your relationships. It’s often the steady, consistent example of a loving Christian that speaks volumes over time.
4. Learning to "Feel the Bite" (Discerning Openings)
There's nothing quite like that almost imperceptible tap on your fishing rod when a cautious fish just mouths the bait. It's not a strong pull, just a tiny bump on the rod tip. If you're not paying attention, you'll miss it. But if you're tuned in, you feel that slight pressure and know exactly when to snap your wrist and set the hook. This is one of the most important fishing techniques to master. Something I learned firsthand on a recent trip to fish for Sockeye Salmon in the Columbia River in central Washington.
Fishing for Fish: A "bite" can be super subtle—just a slight twitch of the line, a gentle tap. A good fisherman learns to feel those tiny signs and knows exactly when to set the hook. Miss it, and the fish is gone. Even if it's your first time fishing, learning this skill is crucial.
Fishing for People: This is about spiritual discernment. It's learning to recognize when someone is genuinely curious, when they're asking deeper questions, or when they're showing a real spiritual hunger. It's about knowing when to share more, when to ask another question, or when to simply listen. Don't be afraid to gently "set the hook" when you feel an opening, but also know when to back off. This is a perfect opportunity to lean on the Holy Spirit.
Practical Tips:
Ask Follow-Up Questions: If someone mentions a struggle, instead of jumping to a solution, ask, "How does that make you feel?" or "What do you think about that?" This invites deeper conversation.
Look for "God Moments": Sometimes someone will say something like, "I just don't know what to do," or "I wish there was more to life." These are subtle "bites." You might gently respond, "You know, for me, when I felt that way, I found a lot of peace through my faith."
5. Handling the "Catch" (Nurturing Discipleship)
Last May, we went on an epic fishing adventure in the Boundary Waters area in Minnesota. One afternoon, my friend Bruce and I had paddled way back in a lake and fished in front of an incoming stream. In time, I hooked into a large fish, a massive pike. It was a battle! Getting it to the boat was one thing, but then I had to carefully net it, unhook it without getting bit, and decide if I was keeping it or releasing it. The work didn't end once it was on the line; that was just the beginning of handling the catch properly. These basic skills for handling a large fish are vital.
By the way, you should watch our epic Boundary Waters Bucket List Fishing Trip - it was fun and hilarious! (My poor wife! You'll see what I mean when you watch the video!)
Fishing for People: Bringing someone to faith isn't the finish line; it's just the beginning! Once someone decides to follow Jesus, the real work of discipleship starts. This means helping them grow, connecting them with a church family, teaching them God's Word, and walking alongside them. It's about nurturing that new life in Christ so they can thrive. It’s like guiding them on their next adventure with God, no matter their years of age.
Practical Tips:
Invite Them to Your Community: If someone shows interest, invite them to something casual at your church – a BBQ, a sports night, or even just a relaxed Sunday service. Don't just invite them, offer to go with them.
Offer to Grab a Coffee or Meal: Once someone expresses faith or deep interest, offer to meet up regularly to talk more, answer questions, or just share life together. This builds the foundation for ongoing discipleship.
Share Resources: If they're open, suggest a simple Bible reading plan, a relevant podcast, or a book that helped you grow in your faith.
Learn to fish:
So, if you're feeling nervous about "fishing for people," maybe it's time to grab a rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. Learn the craft of fishing for actual fish. You'll be amazed how much those basic skills will prepare you for the greatest adventure of all: helping others discover the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. And hey, you might even catch a few fish along the way!
Want to watch the video that goes along with this study guide
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE
From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇
For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!
As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.
Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.
There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.
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