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When you first start in the fishing world, all the different gear required, as well as how and where, can be very daunting. The mind starts to spin the more you think about it. A few Must-Know Fishing Tips can’t hurt
There is too much info for me to be able to pass on to you all in one place. Therefore I would like to provide you with a link to my other post at Beginner fishing tips (Part 1)
Some of the questions I aim to answer in this post are:
Content
- What is a beginner’s Fishing Kit or starter kit?
- What is the best beginner’s fishing rod?
- What size fishing rod should I get?
- What fishing line should I use?
Let’s forget about rods, reels, and lines for now, and start with the basics. I would highly recommend getting a Beginner Fishing Kit for people just starting.
I have done a bit of research and found some great ones for you. Check them out at The Best Complete Fishing Tackle Kits For All Ages
What is a Beginners Fishing Kit or Starter Kit?
Simply, a beginner’s Fishing Kit is a box that is filled with everything you need to get a
line in the water. This can include your rod and reel (not in the box) depending on which one you get. You can get a kit to target a certain species or just a basic kit that has everything you will need to start. You can normally pick one up for around $15 – $20
Even a basic starter kit will come with a selection of different size hooks. From circle hooks to the long shank and maybe even a few gang hooks. You can’t use the same hook for all fish. I talk more about this in another post.
Next are the sinkers. There will also be a selection of different size sinkers for different locations. Rather than putting on more than one if there is a bit of current, just put on a bigger size. Note: Always use the smallest sinker you can get away with.
Next, You will find a few different types of swivels. Some for joining the mainline to your leader ( don’t need a leader when starting, but is recommended) The next one will be a clip. This can be used to quickly change rigs or attach different sinkers. The last will be a three-way swivel used for paternoster rigs.
Lastly, most kits will come with a few different-size floats. Floats are great when just starting, as they keep your line off the bottom so you can keep out of weeds, structure, and rocks. They also help to hook the fish, as well as any fish you hook to the surface has less chance of taking you into the rocks or structure.
What is the best beginner’s fishing rod?
When It comes to deciding on what fishing rod to buy, you first need to know where you will be fishing. For every different type of fishing you do, you will need a different type of rod. I would recommend a combo that can be used in a few different scenarios for people just starting.
A lot of people that start will be fishing from a pier/jetty or wharf, but probably also from a beach. A combo that can be used for both is ideal. Traditionally a beach rod is 9’+, but they don’t have to be when starting. Something around 7′, but light enough to get out when fishing on the beach or in the surf.
Something like the Ugly Stik Bigwater 8ft would serve you well in both situations. First of all, it’s relatively inexpensive, has A great length for both the pier and beach, and Has some good flick to help get past the breakers on the beach, but enough power to handle the big fish.
Another great option would be the Star Rods Stella Lite 8′. A little more expensive than the Ugly Stik, but with a few extra features. Made with graphite and carbon fiber, it’s a very strong rod, and still sensitive enough to feel the small bites. It will have no problem getting you out past those breakers.
What size fishing rod should I get?
Once again, it depends on the type of fishing you intend to do, as each scenario calls for a different rod. You can get a hybrid rod as mentioned above, or get one specifically for the purpose you intend.
Surf and Beach rod
A beach rod can be anything from 7′ up to 18′. Depending on how far out you need to cast, something around the 9′ – 10′ Surf/beach combo will be all you need. Depending on how much you want to spend, something under this will do if better quality, but will cost you a lot more. These types of rods are genuinely used with a spinning reel, but larger options can use a side caster.
For tips on surf fishing head to How To Fish In The Surf (Ultimate guide)
Boat
When it comes to fishing from a boat, you need to consider what the rod will be used for. Will you be targeting bottom-feeding fish? If this is the case, you want something a bit stiffer and shorter. Something around the 6′ mark is ideal. You don’t need to cast, so the length isn’t something to worry about.
If you are looking for a trolling rod, something a bit longer with a bit more flex is what you need. You will want a rod around the 7′ – 8′ mark, with medium to medium-heavy action.
Jetty/Pier
For this type of fishing, something in-between is necessary. You need something you can cast, as well as being a bit more heavy-duty to pull fish off the bottom.
Typically I will use something around the 7′ mark, with medium to medium-heavy action. A trolling rod can also be interchanged for your jetty/beach rod. Of course, the combo you choose should be castable. This is not a necessity, but it helps.
For more tips on fishing from a jetty/pier, check out my post at How To Catch More Fish Form Jetty/Pier Or Wharf
Of course, if you are going up the river or fishing a lake, these rods are going to be way too heavy. In this case, you should be looking at something more like a small spin outfit or even a baitcaster combo. The rods for these outfits are genuinely around the 6′ – 7′ mark, and a lot lighter with more flex and sensitivity.
Some good cheap starting outfits are:
Surf Combo – Jarvis Walker Generation 800 Surfcasting Combo
Boat combo – Sambo Sports 15kg 6’6 Boat Combos
Trolling – Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Baitcaster – Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Jetty/Pier Combo – KastKing Crixus Rod and Reel Combo
For a more in-depth insight into fishing rods, types, and what/when to use, follow this link to How To Identify The Components Of A Fishing Rod
What Fishing Line Should I Use?
You can get away with not having the best rod and reel, though these combos I mentioned are great starters. You can even get the cheaper hooks, swivels, and sinkers. But when it comes to the fishing line, you should never go to the cheaper option. A good quality line can mean the difference between bringing the fish in and tears.
That being said, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a line, especially when starting. First, you need to understand the different types of lines and their difference. Your three main types are Monofilament, Braid, and Fluorocarbon. Each has its own set of characteristics. Before trying the others, I would always recommend starting with Mono (monofilament).
Monofilament
Pros:
- Has a lot of stretches and therefore forgiveness.
- It’s quite abrasive resistance
- Hard for fish to see
Cons:
- The line is quite thick, and therefore affected more by current, swell, and wind.
Uses – Can be used in most situations.
Braid
Pros:
- Very thin, but strong
- No stretch
- Cuts through water so no bowing
Cons:
- Quite visible in the water
- Not very abrasive
Uses – Good for deep water fishing
Fluorocarbon (Fluro)
Pros:
- Very thin but strong
- Very little stretch
- Very abrasive resistant
- Almost invisible in water
Cons:
- Stiffer than Mono
- More density, therefore it sinks faster
Uses – Can be used in most circumstances
No matter what line you choose to use, remember to also have a leader running from the mainline. Usually, this is around 2″ to 3″ long, but can be longer if needed. Attach to the mainline with a barrel swivel.
To wrap up
Whatever type of fishing you are planning on doing, just remember to not get too excited and buy the best products available. Quite often you don’t need them, and they can cost a fortune. Build up your skills first, then move on to bigger and better.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post, and that I might have answered some of the questions you might have. Of course, if you do have any others, or have any comments or feedback about this post, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. As Always
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin