Start from Where You Are

Some of my earliest memories of fishing with my late Dad was at a man-made lake in Virginia (Lake Anna). When I first started going there, it was definitely back in the day, before the nice homes by shore that you see now. I think we started going there in the late 70s. It wasn't fancy, we stayed at a camp ground in our Swinger RV, and took out our 18 foot Cobia bowrider outboard for leisure boating and fishing. I think we may have even started with a john boat...I loved those Summers.

Anyhow, I didn't know much about fishing then, not like I'm an expert now, but I know a lot more. One of the best things about the internet is being able to research items BEFORE you go shopping at the bait and tackle - no one wants to look like a rookie.

So, for the experienced, you may know more than me, but for the beginner, there are some things you should know. For example, the most important piece of equipment is the rod. For rookies, a simple rod and bait will suffice. The type of material used and the features it has is not important. What matters is getting used to the the feel of the rod and having fun. There is always time to specialize and get fancy with your tackle.

There are several types of rods - they are made from wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber. It is important to know before entering the store or ordering online the kind of fishing you'll be doing and under what conditions - from a boat, from the shore. Feeling the rod’s handle in the palm of the hand and practice casting with a rod will test how flexible and how easy it is to use.

The proper length depends on the kind of fish and type of bait that will be used for fishing. A 4 inch to 6 inch rod is adequate for light bait and small fish (spinners and Smallmouth for example). Since larger fish (Big Daddy Salmon) will require larger bait that usually requires one to cast in a longer distance, a rod that is 6 inches or longer will be needed.

There is no age limit for anyone to start fishing. Fishing takes a lot of practice before being able to excel at it. One can purchase a new fishing pole either online, at a local store or another way to get started - buy a second hand pole on eBay before deciding to buy a brand new one.

Any way you start, it's the beginning of something great.