Basic fishing kit?

[dwbaxt]

I am not much of a fisherman, never did it as a kid, never done it as an adult.

My boys have been staying with my wife's parents for a few weeks and have been fishing everyday with them and really seem to like it so I figure it's time to learn.

My question is from all you experienced fish guys is what do I need to buy in the way of rods, tackle etc.? Just keep in mind I won't be buying a boat as I now have a new camper to pay for.

Any suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated

[S N A Pr]

if your not going to be doing it all the time and for $$ your best options are combo's. They have lots of combo kits out there where you get a rod and bunch of tackle in a tackle box for one set price. Easiest and quickiest way to get up and running. Just my opinion. If it is something you plan on stickin with for years to come, buy quality. Happy fishing and good luck.

[tripsvids]

I had bought a combo from Walmart about 8 years ago and still using it today...

I would do that, pick up some fireline or spider wire and change the line out, way better line imo.

Pick up some basic spoons, a jig kit, weights, pickeral rigs, pliers and a knife and good to go. Tackle isnt expensive at walmart or Canadian tire so pick it up as needed...

[tagalong01]

I like to carry at least two rod and reels with me, one light and one medium weight. Both have closed face spinning reels cuz I haven't had much luck learning to cast with open faced (old dog, you know). It is easier to switch rods than to rearm the one I'm using. I recently found a heavier rod with a level wind reel and added it to the arsenal for trolling, especially if lakers or big jack are a possiblity. Trips gave you a good starting list of tackle.

good luck, enjoy.

G

[muddyrubber]

IMO The shimano IX/FX spinning combo kit from Walmart is your best bet. Check them out, they run I think $30 or $40, best bang for your buck. GL.

[WHITEINDIAN]

i got ugly sticks from wally world years and years ago. used the 6 foot med.action to go cat fishing. got me a few 32-37 inch fish and rod is in one piece still. they arent expensive and come equipped with a reel. change the line and grab assorted sizes and colors of spoons and jigs. get a good lawn chair and a small cooler for the water bottles and enjoy.

[four_420_twenty]

i just use a cheap one lol. and 20 lb line. ive pulled in massive cats. i just use pickeral rigs and thats it

[Mr.Excitement]

it all depends what your fishing for...

Ugly sticks are a good cheap rod, that take a bit of abuse... i would suggest either medium heavy or just medium. sensative enough for small bites, and with the fiber glass blank, they can bend and take alot of pressure on the big ones!!

as for reels... stay with spinning reels of any kind. they are easy to use, no birds nests... or spool tensioners to play with.... just set your drag....

as for line, 10 pound line is more than you need for every day use... but if targeting bigger fish like cats all the time... 20 to 40 pound.... i use power pro/ fire line... like the power pro better... smoother casting... doesnt cut the skin as easy....

stock the tackle box with various weights, a few bobbers ( great for goldeye/catfish bait )... some jigs of various colors and weights... pickeral rigs... and a few spinners, and spoons.... pretty much covers everything... to throw for a while....

you could always add a few cranks if ya want.

[four_420_twenty]

i just use nuts for my weights. easy to find and cheap. my rod take a shit kicking on the river. ive caught in the last 2-3 weeks about 150 fish on the river. i dont keep em just toss em back. lots of cats,asian carp,goldeyes, 1 yes thats right 1! pikeral and it was small as hell. i caught a few 20-25 pound cats which took about 30-45 mins to reel in which was awesome.

[Tinman]

Darcy, you don't mention what you want to fish for. If you'll be shore fishing or fishing from boat. Don't buy cheap cause you get cheap.....meet me at my favorite tackle shop with your Visa and I'll hook you up with some decent gear

[MRGT]

I consider myself a pretty serious fisherman. Your best bet is a 6' 6" (good for casting or jigging) combo rod medium action with an open faced reel. Shimano is a good way to go. Put on some 8 to 10 fireline but make sure to leave a little backing of monofiliment ( tradiotnional transparent line) as backing. This prevents the line spinning on the spool. The fireline is way better because it is stonger, more sensitive to bites and doesent get twisted easily. By jigs because they are the overall best lure and most species will hit them. Tip them with half a nightcrawler (leave a tail) or minnow (hook through mouth pop out side of minnow) that is a great combo. you can use pickeral rigs but jig and minnor or crawler work better. You want to bounce/ drag the jig slowly overthe bottom. Red river is a great place to start.

[dwbaxt]

Thanks for all your advise guys, Tinman, I might just have to take you up on that offer.

[four_420_twenty]

good luck fishing with a jig in the ass or red river. you need 100 pounds to stay in one spot. by time u cast your jig will be riding the bank.i have a hard enough time trying to keep my pickeral rig on the bottom and not to move. the water is moving really fast right now