Fishing has new Fishermen getting into the sport every day. Everyone has their own reason to start fishing. Some like the relaxation, some the solitude and some love to eat fish. However, each year, scores ofpeople go out and beg, borrow or steal their first fishing reel and rod in hopes of landing a meal of fish.

I’ve created an easy to follow Guide about picking your basic fishing tackle. You don’t need expensive or complicated gear to begin. Most people know that fishing tackle companies produce fishing tackle to catch the Fishermen’s eye instead of fish. The Fishing gear I used to catch fish all those years ago still catch fish today. In fact, it may even work better today seeing how the fish haven’t seen this particular offerings over and over again.

Gear to catch Fish shouldn’t be so complicated you need an users manual to figure out how to operate it. Simple set-ups work best for any fish. Back in my younger days, a Buddy and I went Bass fishing at a local lake. The weather was hot that day, even for June. We gave up fishing at noon and went in too load the boat when this Old Man and 2 kids came into the boat launch area.

When they were done loading their boat, I walked over to find they had a limit of Black Bass. The biggest one was 6 and a half pounds and none were under 2 pounds. Being that we were just skunked by an Old Man an two kids, I had to know what they were using for bait. The Old Man smiled and showed me his Minnow bucket and said “Why we were using Bass Minnows and Worms”! I also couldn’t keep from noticing their very simplistic rod and reels. Their basic fishing tackle had outfished a couple local Pro’s with the latest in Rods, reels and fishing tackle!

The tackle you’ll want to be successful at catching fish is a Rod and Reel, line and bait. It’s as simple as that. Finding all this tackle at a reasonable price is also easy, your local sporting goods store or Wal-Mart has all that you’ll need. I’d suggest a Rod and Reel combo like the Zebco 33 and a matching rod. This should set you back about $25 or so.

Don’t make the mistake thinking you need a level wind reel to begin with. They’re hard for beginners to use and they cost way more than a spincast reel. Spinning reels can also be difficult to use. They take a little while to get used to and if not spooled properly, can leave a tangled mess of fishing line on the spool.

Next on your equipment list comes the line. If you bought a rod and reel combo, chances are it came with line already on it. If not, or you want to change the line, then I’d suggest a 10lb line from either Stren or Trilene. You could use a more expensive line, but there’s no use. These two fishing line makers offer excellent line.

Bait selection comes next. Don’t fret, it’s just as simple as selecting your rod and reel. Start with live bait and work your way up to artificials. You’ll catch more fish and bigger ones on live bait. When you’re in the Fishing Dept. of your favorite store, look for Eagle Claw live bait hooks in the 1/0 to 3/0 sizes and get a few packs. Next try and find some weights. You can generally find the ones that come several sizes to a package. Split shot is a great weight for beginners. Next, check out the floats. I like to use the Balsa wood floats. I use the slip floats. These slide up and down the line for easy adjustment. They’re held in place at the top by a knot or bobber stop. You’re now ready to head out to go fishing!

That’s your basic list you’ll need to start fishing. All total, this should cost less than a hundred bucks. The fishing companies have made it seem like catching a Bass is nearly impossible unless you’re using the latest and greatest gear on the Market. Ignore the marketing hype. If you come home empty handed, don’t sweat it. Even the best of us do from time to time!

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Filed under: bass fishing • brook trout • chain pickerel • fishing tips • fly fishing

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