Newbie Angler?

How does someone new to fishing gear up? There are many different options available, and it’s often difficult for a beginner to know what he or she should purchase. The three main things to consider are the rod, the reel, and the line.

Fishing Rod: A spinning rod can be mastered quickly, sometimes in just a couple of hours. Newer rods are light, and either fiberglass or graphite will perform well. The angler might want to consider a one piece rod. A multiple piece rod will sometimes begin to come apart at the joint while fishing. If the hook is set when this happens, the pole may break at the joint.

Reel: Anti-reverse is a must. There is nothing more frustrating than a reel without it. It keeps the reel from reeling backwards. A spinning reel has a bail mechanism that allows the line to be released from the spool during the cast and retrieved while reeling the line back in. This bail is manually opened before each cast and automatically closed for reeling the line back in. Thoroughly test for this issue any reel you are considering before laying down your cash. The bail should close when you begin reeling no matter where the bail is when the reel handle is turned. Ask the salesman if there are questions.

The reel's drag system should be ceramic or carbon fiber or a combination. Like the fishing rod, there is a line guide on the reel. The line guide can cause two different problems. First, it can wear a groove and begin fraying your line in the same way line guides on your rod can, and if it is not designed properly the fishing line will loop over it during the cast and when you begin reeling, the line will tangle around it.

Fishing line: Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are very popular. The biggest issue using these lines as a beginner is the memory of each line. The line is coiled onto a spool at the factory. If care is not taken when winding new line from the factory spool onto the spinning reel spool, the line can twist and knot up. Boaters can remove the coil memory by trolling with no lures or terminal tackle attached to the line and running 100 yards of line out the back of the boat. Non-boaters must just deal with the problem until the memory wears out of the line.

Line technologies have improved and now there are some alternative lines available. Braided line eliminates coil memory and does not stretch. They are available in multiple colors and most of them float. This will allow you to see as well as feel bites. Tip the line with 4 to 5 feet of monofilament or fluorocarbon line to make your line invisible to the fish.

The main point is that solid and reliable equipment that is easy to use should make the experience more enjoyable and fun.

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