So, you want to go fishing? That is the first step. Curiosity turning into action is where we all start when we want to explore something new. One of the toughest parts of any hobby or sport is knowing where to start. What gear do you need, and how can I be most successful on the water? Let me answer those questions and more for you and help you with your first cast.
First Cast – Getting Ready for Your First Fishing Trip
A common misconception is that you need fancy fishing gear or expensive rods and reels to be successful on the water. Remember, the early days of fishing involved a stick with a string and a hand-carved lure or live bait. Luckily, we have had many technological advancements, so we do not need to whittle a fishing rod or forage for string in the wild.
I have a theory that I often share when asked this question. Get your second rod and reel first. What I mean is that if you get the cheapest rod and reel you can find and then get into the sport more, you will have to upgrade, or your first purchase may limit you. You may not be able to cast far enough, use larger lures, or even catch larger fish with a rod and reel that is too cheaply made or too small. If you look ahead and find a rod-and-reel combo that fits your goals, you will not be limited as you progress and will have more fun and more success.
Beginner Gear or Advanced Gear?
Plus, don’t waste money on the first setup when you will likely have to upgrade it sooner or later. A good beginner combo will cost between $50 and $130, depending on how far up the beginner ladder you want to start. A Zebco 33 Platinum combo, which costs around $70-$80, is a great option for a durable, capable spincast or “push-button” combo. If you want to move into an open-face spinning combo, I would recommend looking into the Lew’s American Hero spinning combo, which will retail for around $94.99. These two options will not outgrow quickly and are a great choice for a variety of bait options and species.
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What About the Baits?
Ok, you have your rod and reel picked out. Now what about the baits? Do you need a huge tackle box with every option or can you start out with a tray of tackle?
There are thousands of bait options. My best advice for your first bait purchase is to get baits that are easy to learn and gain confidence with. Let’s assume you are looking into bass fishing. Finesse baits such as a Ned Rig, like the “Ned Ocho,” or a moving bait, like the “Thunder Cricket” from Strike King Baits, are great options to start your collection. The Ned Rig will help you learn patience and hook-setting skills with its small profile and lightweight stature. The Thunder Cricket is a bladed jig, and you can retrieve it at a constant speed. When you get a strike on the bait, you can feel every second of the attack with the vibrating bait stopping suddenly.
This bait will help you learn and master retrieval speeds, casting accuracy, and searching depths for strong locations for strike zones for fish. Do not go out and buy one of everything when you first start. Grab a few key baits and tailor them to your local fishing spot, and then grow from there. Also, don’t forget to get a few worm hooks and bobbers for some fun, too!
Add the Extras!
You have your rod and reel and your baits, and now you are ready to hit the water. There are a few key accessories I would recommend to help you on your fishing trip. A trusty set of fish pliers is key to making sure you can safely and quickly remove the hook from your catch. Get a pair that is long enough to reach into the mouths of larger fish but also skinny enough to fit inside the mouths of smaller panfish, too. I usually suggest staying away from using the line-cutting tools built on pliers due to them not being reliable, and sometimes the blades can make unhooking a fish tougher than it should be.
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But there is a new design for pliers coming from Line Cutterz that is a solid purchase. They have the bladeless line cutter located on the base of the pliers, so it will not interfere with the pliers, and it also can cut all thicknesses of line without getting dull like traditional blades on pliers. Next up, I would invest in a tackle bag or box to hold your growing collection of baits and tools.
Tackle Bags
I personally like soft tackle bags, like backpack-style options, for ease of transporting and convenient storage. You will want something big enough to hold everything you need but also light enough to carry around. Lastly, spend money on a good net. A rubberized net to avoid hooks being stuck, and a manageable handle length for your use. If on a boat or shore, a longer handle may be best, and if in a Canoe or kayak, a shorter handle may be easiest. Personally, I like the floating “Lunker Snatcher” nets from Pro Fish Gear. They float, have rubber nets, and are relatively inexpensive at only $34.95 on their site. These have a short handle, perfect for wading in a river or in a kayak.
First Cast
Now you have all you need to hit the water and have some fun! I will help you get started, but the rest is up to you! Go have fun, work on your skills, and don’t forget to keep casting!
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