Can someone school me on fishing for beginners?

Planning to get a boat at some point in 2020. Bass boat of some sort

Yeah I understand it’s vague. It’s like that because I’m truly clueless . I’ve already enlisted a fishing buddy of mine to make a trip to Cabela’s with me to help out. I just have no idea where or how to start

quote:

---

I’m talking rod and reel, different tackle, the works. I’ve only ever been with friends and always had to use their equipment so I’m pretty clueless on what all I would need. Ideally I’d like to have setups for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. I understand it can get expensive, but any advice on how to start would be greatly appreciated.

---

Yep, it’s expensive.

But you are about to start something that will make you piss your pants exciting. Part of the fun is trying new equipment and techniques then landing a hog.

Lots of quality equipment out there that won’t break the bank. I have a couple of older bass boats and no telling how much $$ tied up in rods/reels in the closet.

Ripped up the water for years and now I found my niche on a kayak with a cheap H2O combo from academy and a bag full of zoom worms or Yum dingers while my 13yo slings $5 plugs up in trees from his kayak. Makes me smile.

I’ll tell you what the best thing I’ve found that makes fishing more enjoyable for me (and I was just late to the party- everybody else has been doing it a while) - those long sleeve fishing shirts... especially the ones with hoods.

Good luck brother and have fun.

Just never be this guy

As a beginner, you might want to start out with some of these? Works great for experienced anglers, too. LINK

Get a friend that fishes to help you, and you can jump you knowledge a lot quicker on the water. I started bass fishing from scratch, no real help, and for about 2 years I was pathetic, like some trips no bites; between year 3-4 I started Entering some competitions and winning. Nothing beats time on the water, as the saying goes, and don’t quit, as those bad days are lessons that will make you think, and become better at where, what, when, how, and why....

Let me help you a little, because I love fishing more than my life. If you are close by I would go with and with a budget at academy load you up then just give you whatever else you need.

Get a spinning rod and reel to start with. Much much easier to use. One name on reels Shimano, I probably have 40, every one I have ever bought still works. Go to Academy or Bass Pro, or Dicks and call in advance and tell them you are a new fisherman and need help and need the fishing guy to help you. Get a reel with two spools and get them to put line on them for you 10-20 pound test.

When I am in unfamiliar territory I do the same thing, find the local guys and get advice.

Line, learn to use braid.

Leader, always use flouracarbon.

If you can take a few guided trips and ask a bunch of questions. Fishing is about adapting to conditions and tactics and learning. A fisherman that isn’t always learning new things and patterns isn’t worth his salt.

Instead of buying a lot of tackle pick a few things and focus on learning how to present them. Plastic worm for fishing in cover or when you need a slower presentation. A few spinner baits and then a few top water baits. I still think smaller ponds and lakes are the best way to learn.

Make sure you know the size limits and have a license. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand a particular rule.

Start off with a couple cheap spinning rods. If you are fishing freshwater get the basics. Different size worm weights and hooks as well as a few packs of plastic worms. Also get a couple spinner baits. If you have access to a kayak go explore. If you want to try salt, same rods and get a cork and fish with dead shrimp and explore. Go watch lots of fishing videos. It will take time, but you will figure out your niche and start to get good at certain skills. Good luck and tight lines