# Basic fishing gear needed? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 2, 2020, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785 "2020-01-02T16:11:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/1 "2020-01-02T16:11:25Z")
I fished as a kid long ago. What is a good setup to start when fishing local lakes, ponds, etc. I also might do some pier ocean fishing. I know I need a license. I’m pretty sure I need a bigger rod for the ocean fishing. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/2 "2020-01-02T16:50:36Z")
It all depends on what you’re fishing for. Most lakes in the US are stocked with either bass or trout. The real difference there is in bait choice. Go down to Walmart and buy an Ugly stick, it’ll cover 90% of your fresh water fishing needs. After that you’ll need some bait. I would buy some power bait and a selection of hook and then a couple of spoons. The choice depends on the type of fishing you like to do. Spoons are more active while power bait is more like drowning worms. I don’t do much bass fishing so if you’re in that part of the country someone else will have to give you advise. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/3 "2020-01-02T17:25:01Z")
All you need is your hands. If you get fancy gear like rods and reels and hooks and bait you might increase your catch rate slightly. You need licenses for freshwater fishing in some states, but there are also private fishing locations that don’t need them. It’s a state by state thing. I don’t know how all the states treat salt water fishing, but I’ll bet most are increasing licensing requirements to raise money. Get a small inexpensive spinning reel and rod to get started. Salt water requires a bigger rod, especially if you don’t have a boat and you’re just surf casting, wait until you find out if you like it before spending a lot of money. I used to carry a small rod and reel and my tackle box in the back of the car and just stop at any lake, river, stream, or pond and try my luck. Not much of an investment there, I amassed some better spinning reels, and bait-casting reels, and a couple of surf-casting rods (very long rods for very long casts, but there’s nothing special about the rod, get a cheap one if you want to try this.) Don’t worry about bait so much, just get some decent lures. My dad was an incredible fisherman. He could pull a fish out of a puddle of dog pee. His best advice, keep action on the hook, if you want to sit by a tree with some bait on a float that’s fine, but if you’re trying to catch fish keep moving that hook, wave the rod around in random jerky motions, keep reeling in slowly with some sudden stops and yanks on the line. And keep your lures, hooks, swivels, etc. all sparkling clean, fish can detect the scent of contaminants on them (is this really true? don’t know but it works). Cut off any line that was in the water plus some when you are done so everything is clean the next time. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/4 "2020-01-02T17:54:51Z")
I live in NC and there are bass here. We also need a license for ocean fishing here although I think for a pier they may have a license that covers everyone on the pier. I went on a deep sea boat and did not need a license for that . ---
**Author:** ![Abner\_Ravenwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@Abner\_Ravenwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abner_Ravenwood)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/5 "2020-01-02T20:42:27Z")
I was in the same boat as you three years ago, I hadn’t fished since high school and wanted to pick it up again. I started with an [Ugly Stik 5’ spinning combo](https://www.amazon.com/UglyStik-UGLYSPCOMPKIT-Ugly-Spinning-Combo/dp/B000DT7GGE/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=ugly+stik+freshwater+combo&qid=1577996175&sr=8-2), [baitholder hooks](https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-BAITHASST1-Bait-Holder/dp/B00OFX7AY2/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=eagle+claw+baitholder+hook+assortment&qid=1577996300&sr=8-10), [split shots](https://www.amazon.com/Water-Gremlin-Removable-Split-Shot/dp/B001AMGGBO/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16DM9AKUAZ7KU&dchild=1&keywords=water+gremlin+removable+split+shot&qid=1577996148&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=water+gremlin+%2Csporting%2C168&sr=1-1) and a pack of [red & white bobbers](https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-07030-001-Floats-Assorted/dp/B0009V5QEA/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=bobbers&qid=1577996341&sr=8-3) from Walmart. For the first year set up a [bobber rig](https://tailoredtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/hook-sinker-bobber-live-worm-rig.png) with the hook on the end, a split shot about 6” from the hook, and the bobber 18-24” from the split shot. You’ll catch a ton of bluegill, and the occasional catfish and bass this way. [This guide book](https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Fishing-Beginners-Wade-Bourne/dp/1632203383/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=fishing+guide&qid=1577997334&sr=8-3) helped a lot too. Good luck and tight lines! ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/6 "2020-01-02T22:53:36Z")
One thing that really comes in handy is a pair of pliers. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/7 "2020-01-02T23:49:31Z")
Cane pole and earthworms or crickets are all you need for brim and crappie. Set your float to the right depth (ask at the bait shop). Watch that float. Pull in the fish when the float bobs up/down. Best time to catch them is when they spawn in May. Game & Fish Limits are typically 50 or more. You can pack an ice chest with Brim. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/8 "2020-01-03T00:04:27Z")
Forgetting the ocean part for now > **[Amazon.com : Ready 2 Fish Trout Spin Combo with Kit, Ultra Light : Spinning Rod...](https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Fish-Trout-Combo-Ultra/dp/B00BPF2VAG)** > > The Ready 2 Fish performance series is the original and complete combo fishing system that gives any angler everything they need to start fishing today. Each combo has a color-coded ETS closure that matches to the combo making them easy to transport... The Ugly Sticks really are a good place to start. Lures/tackle ---- ask around some local shop. What works well around PA may be darn near useless in Texas. And remember ----- give a man a fish and he will eat for today; teach him to flyfish and he’ll drop 5 grand in gear the first month. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/9 "2020-01-03T16:38:36Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Get a small inexpensive spinning reel and rod to get started. Salt water requires a bigger rod, especially if you don’t have a boat and you’re just surf casting, wait until you find out if you like it before spending a lot of money. Not necessarily. If you’re doing inshore saltwater fishing, you’re typically catching fish in the 1-10 lb range, with most being in the 1-4 range. Your average 5-6’ spinning or casting rig will handle that without an issue in my experience. The only thing I can think of is that typically saltwater line is heavier- I grew up fishing around Galveston Bay, and we typically used 10-12 lb test line, but my friends who go bass fishing typically go somewhat lighter than that. I suppose the fish are less toothy or there’s less abrasive crap underwater in lakes or something. The other big one is that unlike freshwater, you should rinse off your fishing gear with freshwater when you’re done in saltwater, as it can be pretty corrosive over the long haul. Of course if you’re surf fishing or offshore fishing, they’re whole different animals, requiring very different tackle than inshore saltwater or lake/river fishing, or even each other. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/10 "2020-01-03T18:24:37Z")
Location and species? You don’t need a license to fish off designated ocean fishing piers in California, for example. But do get a license as that’s how the states pay for wildlife. For most freshwater, a 6-10 or 8-12 lb pole and reel will be versatile. You probably want a spinning reel, baitcasting has a learning curve and spincast reels are more foolproof but kind of cheap. Depending on location you can probably take it into the ocean/bay shore, just make sure you clean it after. Surf fishing usually involves bigger rods because you’re fighting waves, but you can probably use the same rod in many cases if it can support enough weight. Some sort of pliers or hemostats are useful. As well as a stringer for fish storage. Tackle involves bait hooks, lures/jigs, and flies (you do not _need_ a fly rod). ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/11 "2020-01-03T19:22:16Z")
I’m in NC and I don’t care what fish I catch in local lakes and ponds. Bass, crappie, trout , etc. are all OK with me. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/12 "2020-01-03T19:26:06Z")
[Bug zapper.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNEMji-QTmk) ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/13 "2020-01-03T19:30:56Z")
> [@Abner\_Ravenwood](#): > > I was in the same boat as you three years ago, I hadn’t fished since high school and wanted to pick it up again. I started with an [Ugly Stik 5’ spinning combo](https://www.amazon.com/UglyStik-UGLYSPCOMPKIT-Ugly-Spinning-Combo/dp/B000DT7GGE/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=ugly+stik+freshwater+combo&qid=1577996175&sr=8-2), [baitholder hooks](https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-BAITHASST1-Bait-Holder/dp/B00OFX7AY2/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=eagle+claw+baitholder+hook+assortment&qid=1577996300&sr=8-10), [split shots](https://www.amazon.com/Water-Gremlin-Removable-Split-Shot/dp/B001AMGGBO/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16DM9AKUAZ7KU&dchild=1&keywords=water+gremlin+removable+split+shot&qid=1577996148&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=water+gremlin+%2Csporting%2C168&sr=1-1) and a pack of [red & white bobbers](https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-07030-001-Floats-Assorted/dp/B0009V5QEA/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=bobbers&qid=1577996341&sr=8-3) from Walmart. For the first year set up a [bobber rig](https://tailoredtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/hook-sinker-bobber-live-worm-rig.png) with the hook on the end, a split shot about 6” from the hook, and the bobber 18-24” from the split shot. You’ll catch a ton of bluegill, and the occasional catfish and bass this way. > > [This guide book](https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Fishing-Beginners-Wade-Bourne/dp/1632203383/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=fishing+guide&qid=1577997334&sr=8-3) helped a lot too. Good luck and tight lines! What did you use for bait? ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/14 "2020-01-03T20:41:27Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > I’m in NC and I don’t care what fish I catch in local lakes and ponds. Bass, crappie, trout , etc. are all OK with me. I don’t go after bass, but have gotten them on trout rigs. Trout lures I like are Panther Martin, Rapalas, Kastmaster, Dardevle. I fish flies using a [bubble setup](https://skyaboveus.com/fishing/BubbleFlyRigs), basically #1 there but I use 2 barrel swivels that are large enough to not slip into the neck instead of beads. For bait you can use nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, or Power Bait. ---
**Author:** ![Abner\_Ravenwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@Abner\_Ravenwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abner_Ravenwood)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/15 "2020-01-03T22:02:30Z")
> [@bump](#): > > What did you use for bait? Nightcrawlers. These days I fish with two 6’6" medium power rods. One with night crawlers on the bobber rig and a second one I use artificial lures targeting bass. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2020, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/16 "2020-01-04T00:16:55Z")
I do a lot of bank fishing with spinning gear and I find that a rod of **at least** 5 and a half feet makes it easier to control the line and set the hook. And a good quality line is important for your overall happiness. I like Bass Pro Excel, Trilene and an Amazon find called KastKing, all in 4 pound test. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/17 "2020-01-10T23:35:54Z")
What size rod/reel/line do I need for surf or pier fishing? I think at least 7 feet for the rod. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2020, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/18 "2020-01-11T03:03:20Z")
Surf people usually have 9-12 foot rods, and somewhat beefy reels as waves can push lighter line back in. Pier depends on what you expect to catch but you can get away with smaller ones. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/19 "2020-01-11T15:24:34Z")
I like to suggest checking with your local library. In my area the library has poles with spin cast reels as well as basic lures available for check out. In my state, Missouri, you only need a license if you are between 16 and 65 years of age. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2020, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785/20 "2020-01-31T03:38:07Z")
never heard of library around here having fishing equipment for loan [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-fishing-gear-needed/845785.md?page=2)