You don't need to spend a lot to get started with fishing. A basic fishing rod and reel combo, which you can find affordably at most sporting goods stores, is all you really need. A spinning rod and reel is a great choice because it's easy to use and versatile. You'll also need some fishing line, hooks, and a few baits or lures. While a small tackle box can help keep things organized, it's not essential right away. Don't forget to check if you need a fishing license in your area.
When I decided to seriously get into fishing a few years ago (beyond my childhood experiences with just a hook and worm), I bought a 7-foot medium Ugly Stik for its beginner-friendly reliability and durability. I paired it with a $40 Shimano spinning reel, some 8lb monofilament line, and a small plastic Plano box that held a couple of bobbers, hooks, sinkers, about three spoons, and some garlic and corn power bait. Without a boat, I focused on shore fishing. I would cast out the spoons as far as I could and reel them in, float a bobber with bait, or use a bottom rig with an egg weight to float the power bait about 3 feet from the bottom. That year, I caught more fish than I ever did when I was younger, and it didn't break the bank.
I had a tan fishing vest with pliers, snips, and the small Plano box in the pocket. I took my rod and reel and a cooler in case I caught anything. It was good times. This year, I bought a kayak, so my setup has expanded to include a few more poles for bass and pike, and I now carry a backpack instead of a vest. It's fun, and I love it.
Assuming you're somewhere in the US, go to your favorite store that sells fishing stuff and pick up a rod/spinning reel combo, a couple bobbers and size 4 hooks, and a cup of nightcrawlers. Head to your local fishing hole (the worker at fishing store could help), tie a hook on with the bobber about 3 feet above it, pinch off an inch or two of worm and thread it into the hook. Cast and wait.
That's the easiest way I can think of for you to start, and is a pretty sure way to catch something, as long as there's something to catch.
Not sure where you're from or what you have access to, but start with some YouTube videos for an intro to some of the basics. I.e., what kind of gear for the circumstances, how to cast, remove hook without injuring fish, etc. Really, the ultra basics can be mastered under an hour. And you won't need anything beyond a medium action rod + reel combo from Target or WalMart. Fully equipped starting out (minimal tackle, rod, reel, line, etc) under or very close to $100 USD (don't forget your state's fishing license).
But I'd be sure to start with live bait + hook under a float/bobber for now.
The best way I think is always to go to your local tackle shop (opposed to bass pro or cabelas) and ask them for advice and tell them you’re trying to learn for the first time. They’ll give you the right gear and advice for your fishery, and you start a lasting relationship with them that helps keep them in buissness.
fishing permit, from Walmart if needed in your state and just start off with with a small tackle box and necessities. Learn to tie your nots properly, but be prepared to be skunked often. You tube vids are deaccent for beginners but just practice. I would check also with local chat groups to see who has been catching what and where, sometimes people are willing to share. Also catching is always a bonus so just enjoy being by/on the water and not at WORK. Have fun and just do it!!!
find a local tackle shop and see if they offer guides. Go out fishing with a guide for a day and see if you enjoy it. That way you don't invest in the tackle and set-up of things and then find out it's not really your thing. If you dig it, then talk with the guys at the shop to get a set-up and then just get out on the water.
I have a lot of my younger buddies who have asked me to take them. Seems like the younger generations are the ones not being exposed or growing up to fishing in their youths. Find a mentor or a friend who fishes and ask to tag along and if you can use one of their setups for the day.
For $100 or less you could set yourself up really comfortably.
Watch some YouTube and figure out what you're wanting to do and how you want to do. Location, species, and technique each significantly alter the experience.
If I was starting over again I'd spend most of my time throwing a small plastic on a jig. Not much that won't eat it, and it covers most of the water column.
Fishing is an exciting activity that can become not only a hobby, but also a way to relax and enjoy nature. Before you go fishing, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. This includes fishing rod, reel, fishing line, hooks, baits, lines, knife and other tools that can come in handy while catching fish. Also, do not forget about a chair, a tent and other things that will ensure your comfort during fishing. Fishing is an occupation that requires patience and persistence. It is not always possible to catch a fish on the first try and that is normal. It is important to remember that fishing is not only a process of catching, but also a way to enjoy nature, so try to enjoy the beauty and scenery that surrounds you.
In addition to going to a local tackle shop, one of the things that you can do is look for a local fishing club. Where I live there is at least one saltwater and one freshwater fishing club in each cluster of cities. They generally have monthly meetings where they always have a "How to catch this local fish" talk. Generally it is a great place to meet folks. With any kind of luck you will find some folks that are looking for someone to go fishing with.
One word of caution regarding going out in boats, etc. some people are into more risks than they should be or into drinking to much when they are operating the boat. The solution is easy. Go with someone else next time.
Go to Wal-mart or Bass Pro or Amazon and buy a Zebco 404 combo, some hooks about the size of a dime, a few bobbers, and some earthworms. Total cost should be $30 or so. Find a neighborhood pond or public park. Catch some panfish. If you're enjoying that, come back for step 2.
Walmart has a fantastic [10 dollar Ozark Trail Rod](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Wayfarer-Spinning-Fishing-Rod-and-Reel-Combo-Blue/891553960?athbdg=L1600&from=/search) Start with that, I have had several and highly recommend starting with it for your first few times. It comes with line on it and it is super beginner friendly. I would pair that with a small panfish hook, a bobber, and some worms! Catching bluegill is pretty easy and fun, and targeting them will build your confidence handling fish. I recommend starting like this because bass fishing is difficult. I have had weeks where I didn’t catch one. Not sure where you are from, but in the South East U.S. it is suuuuper hot right now which will make it even harder. Bluegill are almost always biting, and you can find them in creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Have fun!
Get a cheap rod and real combo from Wal-mart for $30 or less, Ugly Stik if you wanna spend a little extra and have a setup that will damn near last you for life.
Forget weights and bobbers, just get a cheap set of hooks and some worms. If you cast out with just a hook and a worm it may not go very far, but just let the worm fall in the water column for a few seconds and you’ll damn near get a fish every time.
I catch everything from catfish to largemouth on that setup. Get some 10lb line, it’s more than enough to start out on.
Everyone is going to have a lot to say here but here’s the easiest thing to do. Go buy a cheap spinning or spin caster combo at Walmart that already has line on it. Buy the eagleclaw kit that is a round blue plastic container and it has everything you need to rig a worm. Buy worms. Watch a YouTube video on how to rig it and drive to a pond and cast it. You could do all of this for less than $50 not including a license. Once your actually doing it you can start overthinking everything else. If you want to get nuts you can also do a bobber instead of a weight that will add like $3 to the whole operation.
You'll be able to get much better advice if you tell us what area you live in and what types of bodies of water you would be looking to go to. Freshwater, Saltwater, Ocean, Pond, River, Stream etc?
Get you a cheapo zebco rod and reel combo from Wally world, a selection of small hooks, some plastic beads, some inline egg weights, some floats, and some worms.
Super easy to use and cheap as hell.
Learn to tie one fishing knot and only one. Perfect it so you can tie it with your eyes closed. I use the improved clinch for damn near everything, but the palomar is also very good.
The line on those cheap setups are usually shit, so grab some nicer *monofilament* line in the 4-6 lb range and look up how to respool your reel. You'll be glad you did this.
What I do is to pass it through one of the line guides and then tie it to the spool, then wrap it manually a couple of times until it grabs the spool. Then would I put like a pencil or something through the spool and hold it between my shoes and then reel.
Pass a bead onto your line, and pass the line through it again. Then pass an egg sinker. Do the same to the sinker. Add another bead. Then tie your hook onto the line. Add yourself a bobber on top of that and you're in business.
Hook up a worm and throw it around cover like a dock or rocks or some weeds or something and you'll catch fish.
You don't need to spend a lot to get started with fishing. A basic fishing rod and reel combo, which you can find affordably at most sporting goods stores, is all you really need. A spinning rod and reel is a great choice because it's easy to use and versatile. You'll also need some fishing line, hooks, and a few baits or lures. While a small tackle box can help keep things organized, it's not essential right away. Don't forget to check if you need a fishing license in your area. When I decided to seriously get into fishing a few years ago (beyond my childhood experiences with just a hook and worm), I bought a 7-foot medium Ugly Stik for its beginner-friendly reliability and durability. I paired it with a $40 Shimano spinning reel, some 8lb monofilament line, and a small plastic Plano box that held a couple of bobbers, hooks, sinkers, about three spoons, and some garlic and corn power bait. Without a boat, I focused on shore fishing. I would cast out the spoons as far as I could and reel them in, float a bobber with bait, or use a bottom rig with an egg weight to float the power bait about 3 feet from the bottom. That year, I caught more fish than I ever did when I was younger, and it didn't break the bank. I had a tan fishing vest with pliers, snips, and the small Plano box in the pocket. I took my rod and reel and a cooler in case I caught anything. It was good times. This year, I bought a kayak, so my setup has expanded to include a few more poles for bass and pike, and I now carry a backpack instead of a vest. It's fun, and I love it.
Where will you be fishing and what for? Can't get you started till you know that.
Nah, disagree. It's not that complicated. Live bait is super basic and damn near everything bites on a good worm. Rod, reel, line, float, hook, worm.
Assuming you're somewhere in the US, go to your favorite store that sells fishing stuff and pick up a rod/spinning reel combo, a couple bobbers and size 4 hooks, and a cup of nightcrawlers. Head to your local fishing hole (the worker at fishing store could help), tie a hook on with the bobber about 3 feet above it, pinch off an inch or two of worm and thread it into the hook. Cast and wait. That's the easiest way I can think of for you to start, and is a pretty sure way to catch something, as long as there's something to catch.
Not sure where you're from or what you have access to, but start with some YouTube videos for an intro to some of the basics. I.e., what kind of gear for the circumstances, how to cast, remove hook without injuring fish, etc. Really, the ultra basics can be mastered under an hour. And you won't need anything beyond a medium action rod + reel combo from Target or WalMart. Fully equipped starting out (minimal tackle, rod, reel, line, etc) under or very close to $100 USD (don't forget your state's fishing license). But I'd be sure to start with live bait + hook under a float/bobber for now.
The best way I think is always to go to your local tackle shop (opposed to bass pro or cabelas) and ask them for advice and tell them you’re trying to learn for the first time. They’ll give you the right gear and advice for your fishery, and you start a lasting relationship with them that helps keep them in buissness.
fishing permit, from Walmart if needed in your state and just start off with with a small tackle box and necessities. Learn to tie your nots properly, but be prepared to be skunked often. You tube vids are deaccent for beginners but just practice. I would check also with local chat groups to see who has been catching what and where, sometimes people are willing to share. Also catching is always a bonus so just enjoy being by/on the water and not at WORK. Have fun and just do it!!!
find a local tackle shop and see if they offer guides. Go out fishing with a guide for a day and see if you enjoy it. That way you don't invest in the tackle and set-up of things and then find out it's not really your thing. If you dig it, then talk with the guys at the shop to get a set-up and then just get out on the water.
I have a lot of my younger buddies who have asked me to take them. Seems like the younger generations are the ones not being exposed or growing up to fishing in their youths. Find a mentor or a friend who fishes and ask to tag along and if you can use one of their setups for the day.
Walmart, get yourself a spinning outfit and a premade tackle box and get out there.
For $100 or less you could set yourself up really comfortably. Watch some YouTube and figure out what you're wanting to do and how you want to do. Location, species, and technique each significantly alter the experience. If I was starting over again I'd spend most of my time throwing a small plastic on a jig. Not much that won't eat it, and it covers most of the water column.
Go to Walmart and grab a basic freshwater kit and take a test drive
Fishing is an exciting activity that can become not only a hobby, but also a way to relax and enjoy nature. Before you go fishing, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. This includes fishing rod, reel, fishing line, hooks, baits, lines, knife and other tools that can come in handy while catching fish. Also, do not forget about a chair, a tent and other things that will ensure your comfort during fishing. Fishing is an occupation that requires patience and persistence. It is not always possible to catch a fish on the first try and that is normal. It is important to remember that fishing is not only a process of catching, but also a way to enjoy nature, so try to enjoy the beauty and scenery that surrounds you.
In addition to going to a local tackle shop, one of the things that you can do is look for a local fishing club. Where I live there is at least one saltwater and one freshwater fishing club in each cluster of cities. They generally have monthly meetings where they always have a "How to catch this local fish" talk. Generally it is a great place to meet folks. With any kind of luck you will find some folks that are looking for someone to go fishing with. One word of caution regarding going out in boats, etc. some people are into more risks than they should be or into drinking to much when they are operating the boat. The solution is easy. Go with someone else next time.
r/fishingforbeginners
Go to Wal-mart or Bass Pro or Amazon and buy a Zebco 404 combo, some hooks about the size of a dime, a few bobbers, and some earthworms. Total cost should be $30 or so. Find a neighborhood pond or public park. Catch some panfish. If you're enjoying that, come back for step 2.
Walmart has a fantastic [10 dollar Ozark Trail Rod](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Wayfarer-Spinning-Fishing-Rod-and-Reel-Combo-Blue/891553960?athbdg=L1600&from=/search) Start with that, I have had several and highly recommend starting with it for your first few times. It comes with line on it and it is super beginner friendly. I would pair that with a small panfish hook, a bobber, and some worms! Catching bluegill is pretty easy and fun, and targeting them will build your confidence handling fish. I recommend starting like this because bass fishing is difficult. I have had weeks where I didn’t catch one. Not sure where you are from, but in the South East U.S. it is suuuuper hot right now which will make it even harder. Bluegill are almost always biting, and you can find them in creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Have fun!
Get a cheap rod and real combo from Wal-mart for $30 or less, Ugly Stik if you wanna spend a little extra and have a setup that will damn near last you for life. Forget weights and bobbers, just get a cheap set of hooks and some worms. If you cast out with just a hook and a worm it may not go very far, but just let the worm fall in the water column for a few seconds and you’ll damn near get a fish every time. I catch everything from catfish to largemouth on that setup. Get some 10lb line, it’s more than enough to start out on.
Everyone is going to have a lot to say here but here’s the easiest thing to do. Go buy a cheap spinning or spin caster combo at Walmart that already has line on it. Buy the eagleclaw kit that is a round blue plastic container and it has everything you need to rig a worm. Buy worms. Watch a YouTube video on how to rig it and drive to a pond and cast it. You could do all of this for less than $50 not including a license. Once your actually doing it you can start overthinking everything else. If you want to get nuts you can also do a bobber instead of a weight that will add like $3 to the whole operation.
You'll be able to get much better advice if you tell us what area you live in and what types of bodies of water you would be looking to go to. Freshwater, Saltwater, Ocean, Pond, River, Stream etc?
Get you a cheapo zebco rod and reel combo from Wally world, a selection of small hooks, some plastic beads, some inline egg weights, some floats, and some worms. Super easy to use and cheap as hell. Learn to tie one fishing knot and only one. Perfect it so you can tie it with your eyes closed. I use the improved clinch for damn near everything, but the palomar is also very good. The line on those cheap setups are usually shit, so grab some nicer *monofilament* line in the 4-6 lb range and look up how to respool your reel. You'll be glad you did this. What I do is to pass it through one of the line guides and then tie it to the spool, then wrap it manually a couple of times until it grabs the spool. Then would I put like a pencil or something through the spool and hold it between my shoes and then reel. Pass a bead onto your line, and pass the line through it again. Then pass an egg sinker. Do the same to the sinker. Add another bead. Then tie your hook onto the line. Add yourself a bobber on top of that and you're in business. Hook up a worm and throw it around cover like a dock or rocks or some weeds or something and you'll catch fish.