Abstract: A viewpoint of learning halieutics by catching fish is proposed to indicate that the points of emphasizing on basic courses and speciality courses are particularly different. The keystone of reforming basic course like material mechanics teaching should not focus on renovating knowledge but on training and enhancing the ability and the quality. In another word, one must learn halieutics by catching fish. A malady of grafting new subject as a bud on material mechanics is pinpointed and analyzed. Because the basic cognitive law can not be disobeyed, the reform on teaching material mechanics should not either overstep cognitive model passing through special to general and sensibility to rationality. This viewpoint is carefully dissertated. It is revealed that the more fundamental the knowledge is, the more innovative bases it can provided. It is emphasized that the reform on teaching material mechanics should follow a principle of exerting oneself to exhibit the process of generating knowledge. The abundant history of grand old scientists discovering scientific results is very valuable materials. They can be used to show the process of generating knowledge and to inspire students to foster their innovate ability and to edify their scientificquality. Finally, it is indicated that as a new thought, the viewpoint of learning halieutics by catching fish is suitable to reforming other basic courses teaching.