I’m sorry if this is a very stupid question.

I can easily afford a fishing license in my state. There is a lake that has crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.

What steps would I need to take to catch one of these fish, clean and eat it? I’ve been fishing on like a school field trip or on private land, but just did catch and release.

Is it financially beneficial to catch and eat your own fish? If I thrift a cheap fishing rod, will I be spending less on bait than I would be on food?