New to fishing need gear

[JeffersonD]

My girlfriend and her parents took me out fishing for the first time last weekend and ever since then I've been excited about getting all into fishing and the like.  I'm a college student and I don't have much money so I was wondering what's a good rod and reel for me.  I don't know the differences between spinners or casters and I don't know the different uses for them.  Mabe I'm thinking too much about it.  I just want to relax as I have anxiety issues and it helps me calm down so I don't need anything great.  Just something to have fun with.  Also, if anyone could point me in the right direction to tips on fishing better.

Thanks guys

Jeff

[dmac14]

If you have a basspro shops or cabelas near you. Go there and look at spinning combos. Talk to the friendly people behind the desk they will love to help you. Give them a price point and have them show you different combos. A good size for rod would be 6'6", as this is a perfect starting rod. As for a reel, a 2500 is a typical size. The people will most likely show you house brand combos which are fine starting combos, just make sure they are on sale.

If there is no basspro or cabelas near you, then go look at Dicks sporting goods, there is a decent abu garcia combo for a good price.

If you can give a price point to us we can point you to specific rods and reels.

After finding a combo follow this to every period...http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137. You will catch fish. And then in the meantime you can hang out here and learn more and more as time goes on.

[swilly78]

Just a tip, stick with spinning gear for now, and when you get a better handle on fishing, make the switch to casting gear.

[Micro]

I'd recommend you start reading articles on this website.  Start reading posts on this site.  Know what to buy before you buy.  Stick with name brands.  Daiwa, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Pflueger.  Most of the offerings from these brands are at the very least decent, and many are extremely good.  

If I were just starting out, I'd start out with a 6'6" or 7' spinning rod, medium power, fast action, and a decent reel from one of the aforementioned manufacturers.  I'd spool it with 8lb monofilament line.  This set up will allow you to use a wide variety of lures, and small live baits.  

Remember - read the psots and articles on this site.  And ask BEFORE you buy if you aren't sure.

Now, welcome to your new addiction.  

[Grey Wolf]

Your girlfriends papa probably could steer you in the right direction if he likes you.

[burleytog]

http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html

[JeffersonD]

Thanks guys for the help and suggestions.  My girlfriend and her parents have gotten me addicted to many new outdoor things like archery and shooting shotguns and now fishing.  Yeah I will probably go with them to buy my fishing gear but I like forums and I like to ask questions about things.  I will probably be reading this forum until I have as large amount of knowledge as I can without fishing much   .

[Micro]

Well, it's encouraging that you started out right.  You asked first.  

[roadwarrior]

I'd recommend you start reading articles on this website. Start reading posts on this site. Know what to buy before you buy. Stick with name brands. Daiwa, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Pflueger. Most of the offerings from these brands are at the very least decent, and many are extremely good.

If I were just starting out, I'd start out with a 6'6" or 7' spinning rod, medium power, fast action, and a decent reel from one of the aforementioned manufacturers. I'd spool it with 8lb monofilament line. This set up will allow you to use a wide variety of lures, and small live baits.

Remember - read the psots and articles on this site. And ask BEFORE you buy if you aren't sure.

Now, welcome to your new addiction.

Excellent advice!

Start browsing through the BassResource.com Library at the top of

the page, "Fishing Articles" and "Tacklebox". Read these articles and

links attached.

Good luck!

8-)