FS Digest

So I've always had an interest in fishing but never done it since I never lived near any bodies of water. Until now when I recently discovered there's actually a lake right by my house thats meant for fishermen. The most caught spieces in it are bass, catfish, bluegills and crappies, but there's alot more. Now I really want to try but don't know where to begin. What exactly do I need to buy? What baits? Lures? And all that good stuff? And can someone tell me the uses for the things I need to buy? There's things like weights and different reel types that I don't understand. I also do not know how to use a rod or setup a reel, or cast or anything like that. I'm on a budget of $100 or lower here. I will fish on the shore and not on boat if that helps. I appreciate the help

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by Smiley210

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

OK check your local Walmart for a rod and reel combo. If it were I, I would start with a spinning reel like a Zebco 202 or 33 with a rod. Start off small and easy. Some 1/4 to 1 Oz weights and some hooks. Maybe add some bobers if you want. Start with uncooked shrimp or worms first. You can always buy the lures later when you have the casting down. Bober for Blue and Crappie. later you can think about a bait shop for minnows, ect. Ask them what they use and then look at the prices and what is almost gone. The good baits get bought up first. Having said that, the real thing about fishing is to enjoy yourself. A pair of cheap Needle nose pliers will work good for removing the hook from the fish. A nice sized tackle box that you can carry easy is also good. Does NOT have to have 4-12 trays, just big enough for your hooks, piers, weights and bobers. You can always buy a bigger one later if needed. A stringer or something to put on the fish you (hopefully) catch. Hope that helps. If you update your profile with what state and maybe city, yoou will most likely find someone here that lives by you. Almost all of us will not mind helping a new fisherman.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Good advice, audi.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Welcome and I agree, those items will give you a good start. Good luck and feel free to ask questions.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Once you have all that fishing is easy. Now you have to work on catching 😄

OK John Loc: Oklahoma City,OK

There was a good video here on fishingstage a short time back about setting up a beginner tackle box. YouTube is your friend. Google the name of your nearby pond.

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Go to one of your local sporting good stores that sells fishing tackle or local bait shop. You can get a lot of good information on what yo use snd how to use it.
Books are another good resource. Local library.
See if there’s a local fishing club and join. There may be members at your church that you can go with.