Getting Started Fishing
Fishing is a lot of fun. You can have an enjoyable time with a bamboo pole, a piece of string and a worm on a hook. But to do it right, you need some basic supplies.
$50 will get you a pretty good tackle kit so you can try out fishing and see if you like it. Another option is to rent your gear then you won’t be out a lot of money if you do decide fishing is not for you.
In order to fish in public laes, rivers, and streams, in most states you need a fishing license. Children under 16 are not required to purchase one but do check with your local laws. Some sport fishing requires extra tags and children are not exempt.
The fees collected from fishing licenses help to restock fishing areas, and pay for maintenance on recreational areas. Each state is different, but most of them will set aside a day where you can take your kids and go fishing for free. You won’t have to buy a full year’s license. If you take advantage of this you can see whether you want to go to the expense of buying a license.
Make sure you purchase a fishing license and have it with you in site and visible at all times. Any time you’re fishing where a license is required Game Wardens check regularly for fishing licenses and can issue a citation and confiscate all of your fishing gear if they so choose.
The type of fishing gear you need, even though it is pretty basic will depend on what kind of fish you’re trying to catch. Trout fishing is pretty popular so let’s start with that one first.
You need a reel, a rod, line, hooks, weights, bait, and some kind of tackle box. Don’t spend a fortune, but spend enough to buy equipment that will work well and last for at least as long as you’re able to see whether you like it or not.
Going back to the option of renting might be another thought you could entertain. A lot of small bait and tackle shops rent fishing equipment. By renting you can decide if you like the sport, before laying out a lot of cash. Most tackle shops have someone there that has experience and can help you to purchase the best fishing equipment for the type of fish you are going to fish for.
Most small bait shops are owned and operated by a fisherman that can help you decide what is the best fishing tackle to purchase or rent.
Some of the more popular companies that make fishing equipment for beginners as well as expert fishermen are Okuma, Shakespeare, Daiwa, and Shimano. You can check and see if they have packaged a rod and reel combo for your beginers equipment.
