Starting fishing? (Again?)
Well let me start off by saying I absolutely don't know anything about fishing/ fishing gear. My only prior experience with fishing is a Boy Scouts fishing merit badge, and a few handful of times of when I went fishing and didnt catch a single thing.
I'm starting this thread to get opinions from ya'll to see what gear I need to get to start a basic fishing setup. I live in northwest florida, the pensacola area. So there is plenty of saltwater and freshwater spots. I am wanting to mainly fish freshwater also along with some saltwater, but my saltwater will only be from the pier, or bridge, and maybe a canoe or small boat when given the chance.
I was thinking about going to walmart or academy to get my rod and reel. I was thinking about getting a saltwater rod/reel combo, and then maybe get a freshwater rod so I can switch out the reels whenever i fish different areas. I was looking into spending only about 30-75 dollars on an inexpensive set-up.
What would you recommend for a rod, reel, line, hooks, maybe even jigs and bait?
For fresh water, I'd suggest a 6'6" - 7' Med. Action (or Med Heavy action) graphite spinning rod with a fast tip. You want a mid-sized spinning reel that can hold 150 yds of 8# - 10# test.
I don't know squat about salt water....I've done some beach fishing in the gulf, but used my bass gear.
my freshwater and saltwater rods/reels are the same. the setup javelin recommended would work fine. you don't need some special saltwater rod. just if you use it in salt you need to rinse it off with semi low pressure fresh water when you get home or your gear will rust. i use 12# p-line cx premium. as far as hooks/bait or whatever it depends on what the target is. if you want to learn about bass fishing try this site:
Bassdozer I use practically nothing but senkos for bass. For saltwater fishing there are so many ways to do it find someone to go with and do what they do.
I found what seems to be a good enough rod at walmart, its a berkley 6'6 med. to heavy rod for around 30 dollars. I figured i could get that, then a semi decent reel at a sports store.
But what type of hooks and jigs, and floaters should i get?
Advice number 1 find a fishing buddy. #2 it is tough to beat Shakespeare ugly sticky rod and real combos for beginner outfits. A medium action and a heavy action both will run you less than 75 at my walmart. Graphite is nice but easier to break on an errant cast or when you hit the tree or try to throw it a mile and realize your bail isn't flipped. stay away from super lines until you get the basics of casting and and unsnagging down.
For saltwater a good lure is a gotcha plug for peirs. it can be fished top water or subsurface/bottom depending on how fast you retrieve it and let it sink. For freshwater I like shallow diving crank baits and spinner baits as you can cover a lot of water fast. Most important is to have fun though. Good luck and enjoy.
6'6" is perfect. make sure you get either med. or med.hvy with a fast or moderate action. this will accomodate most of your applications until you get into it more. i also suggest a Pflueger reel! they are priced right and are way above all others for the money!!! as far as tackle, just get a bass assortment pack, eagle claw and gamakatsu both have them. they also make little kits with weights, swivels, snaps,etc... dont go crazy at first. just get your basics; 1-5 crankbaits,1-2 packs of worms(senko+finesse),1-2 spinnerbaits, 1-2 jigs(weedless), 1-2 packs soft plastics(tubes,sweet beaver,etc...) this will get you started. take the time to learn each lure and what they do before you switch to another. this will help to avoid frustration. hope this helps!
