What do I need to buy if I'm just getting into fishing?

I had a guide client ask me recently what he should buy for his kids as they get more excited about learning how to fish. The reality is that you could spend/waste a lot of money buying stuff that you don’t need or won’t use. I thought I’d turn his question in to a blog and share some different thoughts about potential directions to go:

1. Okuma rods and reels. I have owned more expensive “brands” than okuma - and many of those reels have broken. However, my okuma reels have taken a beating and keep working. Even their most economical reel, the Ceymar, holds up really well. I would specifically pay attention to the ceymar 20 or 30 for those just starting out. For the angler who wants a quality reel and knows they are going to put it to use, I suggest the Helios SX - 20. For rods, I like the EVX series (EVX-S-711MB) (around $100) for more of a beginner option. For a higher quality rod, I like the Helios 7’ ml which runs closer to $175. The bottom line in fishing rods is this: you’re best all around rod is a 7’ m or ml and choose a 1 piece over a 2 piece.

2. Line. There are lots of good line companies out there. But I have a preference based on my experience and I lean toward super high quality Gamma. For fluorocarbon, I would suggest 8lb. Gamma Edge. For my main line, I like Gamma’s 10lb braid called Torque. I connect the braid to the fluoro with a FG knot. You can learn how to tie that knot by clicking here.

3. Basic tackle. This is where things get a little challenging, because it’s hard to say you only need a few things to be successful for the entire season.

   Here’s my best stab at this category:

   1. Buy what you learned to use with your guide. Since you already had a session learning how to fish a specific technique, start there. We do a lot of topwater and jerkbait fishing for the first half of the summer and then a lot of hair jig and drop shot fishing the second half of the summer. There’s also a big difference between fishing from a boat and fishing from shore. Shore fishing is effective early in the season. After water temps warm, most fish head to deeper water.

   2. Take a guide out at different times/seasons to learn different techniques. I probably fish with 15 radically different techniques for a variety of species throughout the open water season.

   3. Here’s a beginner list:

      OFL jig heads (www.oldfartlures.com). I like their 1/8-1/4 oz jigheads painted in green pumpkin.

      Charlie Brewer Sliders: I like their 1 1/2” and 3” slider grubs in pumpkin black flake and watermelon red/gold/black flake.

      Rapala Shadow rap deeps - natural colors

      Rapala DT series cranks - variety of depths depending on the body of water you fish.

      Top water baits: whopper plopper (smaller sizes work with a lighter action rod).

      VMC spin shot hooks for drop shotting (2/0). 1/4 oz drop shot weights.

      VMC dominator marabou hair jigs - lighter for shallower water. 1/16-1/4.

      That’s a pretty good place to start.

      For the ultra beginner, getting some good slip bobbers or stationary bobbers and some split shots and hooks would be a great start. See if you can find some good instructional videos on youTube as well.

Hope that’s helpful. It’s such a huge question. Feel free to ask clarifying questions in the comments! Thanks!