Fishing Gear Advice

[ddb123]

Hi all,

My lady loves fishing, but neither of us know much about it. I want to surprise her next month with poles and tackle for each of us. I live two miles away from a pretty good public fishing access on Shoal Creek. Does anyone have advice on a decent rod/reel combo that will get used a few times a year and won't break the bank? I want an "all-purpose" pole; no specialty items preferred. I'd like to stay under $150 for two rods and reels and tackle. We have a Walmart and Academy Sports nearby.

 

[/pine]

Since you say neither of you know much about fishing...

My suggestion is to find a local guide/captain and and charter them for half a day...you will learn more in that half of day than you will in years on your own...

You will not only see what type of tackle you'll be needing you will also get a good " fishing basics" lesson on tying knots etc...and you may even learn a few good spots to get you started...

Good luck...

 

[Turbys_1700]

I used to bass fish years ago and have accumulated literally thousands of dollars worth of fishing tackle...
If you are gonna bank fish for bream, catfish, ETC...any combo outfit will do you well...
All of my stuff is bait caster equipment from all the major brands...
A good all around reel to start out on is a Zebco 33...
Easy to cast and strong enough for most fresh water species...
A couple of 33 combos will give you enough money left over for a couple of tackle boxes and tackle...

 

[murphy1244]

I started out with a Zebco 202. Do they still make them?

 

[newbury]

I started out with nylon line and hook retrieved from a snag. Check for a local fishing show. If you are trying to impress the girl don't act like an expert if you are not one.

Remember fishing is often luck. Just like women.

 

[Clint S]

Good all around pole will be medium action 6 to 7 feet . Shimano makes good entry level reels. I have a Senona for around $50. The Syncopate and Sienna is around $30. I like fishing lite. For bass/ cats ect 6 to 12 lb test

 

[bullbreaker]

As suggested get a Zebco type reel or a spinning reel. Avoid a "baitcasting" reel or you will spend more time unraveling it than fishing.

 

[RobertBrown]

Fishing gear is area specific. What works for me is most likely useless for you. You need to ask those that are fishing where you want to fish or have access to, or you're wasting time and maybe money.
I suggest you find out what works for successful fisherman in your area and get what they have.

 

[murphy1244]

Now I use a Ugly stick with a Garcia Mitchell 300 with 8lb test stringe

 

[Code54]

Yep - don't have to send a fortune. Any of the 40-$50 combos from Cabelea's, Gander Mountain, Wal Mart, etc are decent. I would say a spinning reel (AKA open face) would be good for most general lake fishing with mono line. I have a bunch of money in Bait Casters, spinning reels and my wifes cheap Walmart reel has pulled some darn nice fish in just like my more expensive stuff. Yes I can cast that extra 5-10 feet, maybe a bit more accurate but for general "out for fun" fishing you will be all set for $150 for everything.
Also get a set of fingernail clippers and hook them to your pants or whatever -they are great for cutting line when you tie on lures and such.
Have fun!