The Beginner’s Guide to Fishing

STEP 1: FOR GEAR, KEEP IT SIMPLE

All you need is a cane, fiberglass or graphite pole, available at a bait shop or discount store for about 10 bucks.

Also buy a small spool of monofilament fishing line (6- or 8-pound test for fresh water, 10- or 12-pound test for salt water), a couple of plastic bobbers, some split shot sinkers (BB size) and some hooks (size 2 for small bait, up to size 3/0 for bigger bait). A small tackle box with divided trays and a carrying handle keeps it all organized.