HELP!! I'm a Newbie to fishing. What do I need to buy?

[Carrie]

first thing a fishing license

I never even thought about the license! Thanks!!

[Carrie]

Thanks guys for all the great advice.....now I just need a fishing buddy

[Doogie]

My best recommendation would be to avoid the temptation of buying "one of everything" because you heard it works.

Start out small, and learn the specific techniques for the lures you have. Like others have said, I've got a ton of "extras" that haven't seen the water in a long time. I'm happy to share as well.

[Carrie]

My best recommendation would be to avoid the temptation of buying "one of everything" because you heard it works.

Start out small, and learn the specific techniques for the lures you have. Like others have said, I've got a ton of "extras" that haven't seen the water in a long time. I'm happy to share as well.

Thanks! I would love to take you're "extra's". Just let me know.

[Lt.FireDog]

......Can anyone tell me what kind of rod and bait to use?

Just take some of your boyfriends stuff.

[vakayakangler]

Like the others said, buy the basics. Now stop buying. Fish with what you have for the first fishing season, your fishing partners will offer you a couple of these and a couple of those. GET A NOTEBOOK and write down what works and what doesn't after each trip. Ask them at the end of each trip: "HEY, what was that worm called that we caught those bass on? Oh yeah, what was that little spinny thingee I threw all day and not one thing would bite on it?" write it down. Note the weather and the temps, any wind and such.

It may not seem important now, but later as you read back thru your notes when your experience has grown, you'll see that patterns have appeared. What works for Chuck or Doogie might not work for you, but they might... Miss T's favorites might kill here, but not work at all in GA; and my technique here might also work there, or not. The .99 crankbait you found at 7-11 on a whim might be the most successful lure you bought all year.

(We found these little wally world crappie baits that are killers for bream..) Bought about $20 and then THEY stopped carrying them. They look like maggots of all things. Yeah, I know, eeew, but we don't have to eat them.

Let me repeat my first point - you'll be tempted to buy one of everything in BASS PRO because you are excited. Don't. Buy the basics to get started, and spend the rest of your fishing allowance the first six months to a year on gas money, snacks, and FISHING... you'll learn more, have more fun, and at the end of the year will know how to spend the money you will have saved wisely. Avoid the late night TV gimmicks.

Hope this helps.
GUYS, am I right?

[ldsudduth]

Like the others said, buy the basics. Now stop buying. Fish with what you have for the first fishing season, your fishing partners will offer you a couple of these and a couple of those. GET A NOTEBOOK and write down what works and what doesn't after each trip. Ask them at the end of each trip: "HEY, what was that worm called that we caught those bass on? Oh yeah, what was that little spinny thingee I threw all day and not one thing would bite on it?" write it down. Note the weather and the temps, any wind and such.

It may not seem important now, but later as you read back thru your notes when your experience has grown, you'll see that patterns have appeared. What works for Chuck or Doogie might not work for you, but they might... Miss T's favorites might kill here, but not work at all in GA; and my technique here might also work there, or not. The .99 crankbait you found at 7-11 on a whim might be the most successful lure you bought all year.

(We found these little wally world crappie baits that are killers for bream..) Bought about $20 and then THEY stopped carrying them. They look like maggots of all things. Yeah, I know, eeew, but we don't have to eat them.

Let me repeat my first point - you'll be tempted to buy one of everything in BASS PRO because you are excited. Don't. Buy the basics to get started, and spend the rest of your fishing allowance the first six months to a year on gas money, snacks, and FISHING... you'll learn more, have more fun, and at the end of the year will know how to spend the money you will have saved wisely. Avoid the late night TV gimmicks.

Hope this helps.
GUYS, am I right?

Bingo..this is spot on. Take this and what Hanover_Yakker said and you should be spot on with what you need for a successful time this year and even into next year. To his comment, I would only add this: Spend more for the rod than you do for the reel (learned that trick from Woo Daves): The rod lets you FEEL the fish, while the reel is just a winch. Just make sure it's a good winch. A good medium action rod with a fast tip will throw everything on the first part of Hanover_Yakker's list, and do it well. Not only that, but it can be easily carried in a 3700 size Plano box (370 if BPS Brand), meaning you can likely put it all right in front of you on the yak, along with the rod.

I think I take too much stuff with me; I rarely use 80% of what I'm carrying.

I think the only other tip I would suggest is to use a 4-6' Flourocarbon leader on the braided line. It's clear underwater, and I think it helps hookups. For me, I use a uni-uni knot; 5 turns on the braided line, 7 turns on the flourocarbon.

Link to knot instructions.

[Carrie]

Great tips!! Knowing what to buy can be a little overwhelming so I plan on following your advice. I could spend hours admiring all the cool gear...

I just caught my 2nd fish thanks to the gear that Doogie sent me!!

[Perk]

Well on your way. I agree with what others have said. Don't go out and buy things just because it's advertised to work well. Learn the basics, research techniques, study up on general knowledge. There are some really great books, videos, and articles out there. Chad's book is one of them. Expand from there.

[ldsudduth]

Great tips!! Knowing what to buy can be a little overwhelming so I plan on following your advice. I could spend hours admiring all the cool gear...

I just caught my 2nd fish thanks to the gear that Doogie sent me!!

Awesome Carrie!