Two Step Process For Fish Equipment Selection
Every year someone always comes up to me and asks "hey I gonna start fishing for "xyz" fish, what kind of stuff do I need?"
So you start running down the list, do you have a rod, what kind? Do you have a reel, what kind? Are you gonna be fishing from a boat or bank? And this list can go on and on and on.
If you currently have a rod/reel combo then by all means use it unless you are fishing for something way bigger like salmon, steelhead, muskie or pike. If you are strictly fishing for pan fish, some bass, perch, a few walleye or trout then stick with it for now.
I can't tell you how many times people I see future anglers walking out of the store with equipment that is way over their head, it's crazy. Salesman in some stores are just after the commission regardless of what the fisherman's experience. I can also tell you that if you walk into three different sporting good stores and tell them you will be fishing for bass from the bank, you will have three different recommendations.
Step 1 in Picking Fishing Equipment
Experienced fisherman have many rods and each rod serves a different purpose. Salmon fisherman will have a rod for rivers, jigging, trolling, downrigger, etc. Each rod serves a different purpose. These fisherman did not go out and purchase all of these rods at the same time. They added to their stock pile as time went on and that is what you should do.
Most people have a budget when they go into a store and they try hard to stick with it. However, the salesman will try to get them into a more pricier rod/reel combo and that is not necessary. During spring season many stores will have sales on rod/reel combo's.
Get one of them and use it until you figure out if you are a lifelong fisherman or a once a year type of angler.
The big box retailers will have something in your price range. Anything around $50 is a decent price (plus or minus $15). My walleye buddy picked up a great walleye rod/reel combo for $50. I about fell off my chair when he told me what he purchased. You can pretty much guess what I did the next day.
Step 2 Fishing Gear
Now that you have your rod/reel combo the next step is to purchase some crank baits, bobbers, lures, hooks, sinkers, etc. This will be greatly dependent on what type of fish you are targeting. Bass is totally different from walleye, but both types of lures will catch either species. Crappie will require a different set up and it is best to use the retail stores to help you decide what to purchase.
Just a small reminder that if you do get hooked on fishing, your tackle box will grow beyond comprehension. I have so much gear after 50 years I can't possibly use all of it up in the next 20.
Fishing line is another consideration but just like above, stick with something that is reasonably priced. To determine how good the line is, take some out and make one overhand knot (like tying your shoes), then pull on it to see how easy it breaks. This will give you a good idea of the line you are using.
Now the only thing you have left to do is go out and start fishing. Usually when a person just starts they hang out with someone who has some experience, if you find yourself in a situation where you will be doing it alone, then I highly recommend watching people who fish beside you, they will show you some of the gear they are using.
We have plenty of pictures that will show you some of the most needed equipment for fishing at http://www.treblehooked.com. If you are targeting walleye this site will be very useful.
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