Fishing is probably one of the most relaxing activities you can do. If you've ever felt you needed to escape the city and get in touch with nature without having to spend the night in a forest, this is a good option for you. It's also a pretty healthy hobby for your mind and your body.  

Fishing is also an excellent group activity to enjoy with friends, with a beer in hand and snacks. But, if you want the start getting into fishing, you'll need gear. Choosing the right equipment for a beginner can be overwhelming since there are hundreds of options out there, each one with its own features and prices. 

But fear not! We are going to share with you a guide and reviews on fishing gear and equipment for beginners, so you don't get lost as you start this incredible hobby.

 

The Fishing Rod and Reel.

 

The fishing rod is probably the most memorable piece of gear for fishers. A fishing rod is a slim pole made of flexible yet sturdy and durable material, usually fiberglass or graphite. This makes it possible to cast your fishing line far away in deeper waters. 

Fishing rods are usually classified by their strength and responsiveness. A good recommendation for a beginner is to get a medium strength fishing rod with sufficient responsiveness so you can feel the fish biting off the bait. That way, you'll react faster and with enough strength to pull the fish out of the water. 

Then, there's the fishing reel. It can be described as a cylindrical device that's attached to a fishing rod to help you wind your line and draw your catch. They are pretty affordable and easy to handle if you understand the science behind it.

 

 The Fishing Line

Fishing reels may include one or two rolls of fishing line, but still, you'll eventually need to buy it because of how easily a fishing line can break. They can get stuck with stuff inside of the water, or floating around. A fishing line can be broken by a powerful fish swimming around, too. 

That's why you'll need to understand what makes a good fishing line, exceptional. There's a wide variation of fishing lines, mostly classified by their elasticity, castability, visibility, and strength, such as monofilament line, wire fishing line, braided line, fluorocarbon fishing line and the like. 

If you are a beginner, you'll probably start fishing in a beginner-friendly environment, so any fishing line will do the trick. But, once you get used to fishing and start looking for a challenge, you'll need a stronger line depending on the fish you are aiming to catch, and the environment you'll be fishing in.

 

Hooks 

You'll definitely need a stock of hooks to supply yourself. There are different types of hooks, ones are pretty standard, while others can be heavily personalized.

A hook is what catches the fish as it bites the bait off it. You'll need different sizes of hooks since fish vary in size. There are also different types of hooks, from single hooks to double and circle hooks. If you are starting, a single hook type will do the trick.

 

Bait and Lures 

Most people think of worms when the word bait is said, but in fact, there are different types of bait, since fish react differently to bait depending on its species. Bait is what you use with your hook to draw a fish's attention, and is usually used while alive. The most common form of bait is, of course, worms, but there are many options. Leeches, insects, and minnows are good options. 

There are other options you can use if you can't deal with bugs, though. Excellent choices are marshmallows, corn, bread, and sausages. 

Here's more info about it. 

Now, lures are artificial bait mostly used when the weather is inadequate, or when you are out of bait. In some cases, artificial bait can be as effective as regular bait, since some fishes react better to them. 

You'll have to know how to pick a lure, though. You should have a pair, one light-colored with the other one being dark-colored. The light-colored is exceptional for bright days and clear water, while the other one is great for cloudy days.

 

Bobbers.

 

Also called floaters, they are little things made of cork meant to float in the water. They are the reason behind people noticing when a fish bites the bait, because of how they sink as the fish catches the hook. This makes the bobber a pretty important piece of gear for a fisher. 

While picking a bobber, you'd want to pick one that you know you'll be able to see as you fish. Consider not buying a large bobber, though, since they may have problems to sink. A personal recommendation is the round ones since they are the most practical.

 

Sinkers. 

They are another essential part of a fisher's equipment. Whenever you cast your line, you'll need a sinker to stabilize it. You'll surely need a generous stack of them, since every time you cast your line, you'll be using one. 

Now that we've discussed the most fundamental equipment you'll need as a fisher, you'll probably want to get your hands on quality gear. If you need some advice on what brands to buy from, we recommend you to check review sites like the Pro Fishing Gear Reviews to have a solid idea of what to get. 

Secondary Equipment for a Wholesome Experience 

Some extra things you may want to include are: 

•             A needle nose plier: To remove hooks from your catch, or in case accidents involving a hook and skin.

•             Line cutter: Needless to say, fishing lines can be quite sturdy. You'll need one of these if the need arises. Some fishers use nail clippers and knives, too.

•             Sunglasses and a hat: Most of the time, you'll be bathing in sunlight, so a hat and sunglasses will help you cope with it

•             First aid kit:  Believe it or not, accidents do happen while fishing. Being prepared for them is highly recommended.

•             Sunscreen: For the reason mentioned above.

•             Tacklebox: To store your fishing gear.