I want to fish!

[thebrandon]

I've been a complete fishing noob my entire life. I'd like to invest in a somewhat decent rod and real. My main target is probably going to be bass and catfish because you can catch them just about anywhere here.

What rod/reel should I use? What questions can I answer for you to help you guys give me a decent suggestion? I'm not looking to spend a whole heep of money, but I want something decent to get me started in the right direction.

[user_name]

I don't have much experience going freshwater, but it may help if other know whether your casting from shore or on a boat.

[TankHobbyist]

ither way ive found that a traditional open face reel is nice. if you know how to use one? the brand on those varys greatly and i have found shakspeer to probably give the best quality for the price.

rods) that depends alot on what you like ie. flexible rod (graphite). There are a few good brands with one of the best being ugly sticks.

i personaly dont like the flexible rods because with the heavier fish (in your case catfish) the rod will almost double up on itself with the weight.

[user_name]

I use ugly stick for saltwater, they are beastly rods.

[TankHobbyist]

indeed they are my gpa got his 15 years ago and handed it off to me its still in top condition.

[excuzzzeme]

to find out if you like the sport or not, I would have you invest in a glass rod of mediaum action, 6'6" length. For a reel, a spinning reel that will hold up to 15lb test line. For line, Stren makes a good general purpose monofilament. I would select 12lb test. Cheap fishing line will have a high reel memory as will not cast as well. Berkley also makes a good line.

6'6" rod, medium action, with 12lb test will not be ideal for panfish but will suffice if you take time to learn rod balance. It will however do well for the likes of catfish.

You can do well with a store rod and set-up for a first rod. Most store rods come with cheap everything and they do not last. I think if you spend a little bit more and get a little better setup you will have more fun. Make sure you have an experienced person help you the first time out. They can show you proper casting, rigging, and bait for your area.

Learn how to properly tie a knot! Yes, it really matters. Tieing a knot in monofilament is not the same as rope, string, or yarn.

By chance are you going fishing in Sabino Canyon or Mount Lemmon?

[thebrandon]

I'll be going up to Mt. Lemmon occasionally. It's fun up there and the weather is always nice and they stock the lake up there.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[user_name]

if you want more info, check the local bait shops in the area you plan to fish. They could probobly tell you the best set-up to go with based on what your trying to catch

[TankHobbyist]

another thought is with the moni fillament. i hate the stuf for the very reasin of its reel memory it kinks bends twists and stays that way.

spider wire is made a cloth material that holds up well.

if you go with that then youl spend more time reeling in fish and less fighting with a tangeled line

[thebrandon]

Thanks everyone:) I know walmart caries a variety of reels and rods and I know they have spider wire. Would you guys suggest going somewhere like that for a cheap decent set up to get me going? Or somewhere like sportmans or dicks? I ive pretty far away from everything and getting up mt lemmon from my house alone take about 2-3 hours.

[TankHobbyist]

ya its probably not bad as lomg as you buy a good brand.

[excuzzzeme]

I personally invest in quality equipment but I was also a serious fisherman. I have somewhere around 20-30 rods and reels, from ultralight to heavy boat rods.

I see no sense in investing in quality equipment the first few times you go out. By the same token, you will have less equipment and tackle problems. I do have a couple of cheap setups and believe it or not they have lasted for several years. When I fish for keepers I only use my quality equipment. When I fish for fun I use anything I happen to grab up.

Spider wire is especially limp and very thin. Ideal for the experienced person as is braided line. I don't recommend it due to the price and being a first outing. If you get bit by the fishing bug, then by all means invest in it and a quality reel. For now, don't get the cheapest, try to get middle-of-the-road priced line and equipment.


Because I used to fish quite heavily and often participated in tournaments, I wouldn't blink an eye at at spending $200 on a rod and another $150 for reel. But that's to be expected when you can literally walk to a place to fish and practice.


Learn and use the Palomar knot - quick, easy and can be ties with wet, cold hands.
http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

[wesleydnunder]

Just to learn on, I'd buy a zebco 33 or 333 set up which will do fine for bass and catfish and find out if you can learn to fish before spending a lot of money on equipment. I've been fishin' for 46 yrs and like ex, own 30 or 40 setups from light tackle to heavy offshore rigs. I learned on a little zebco rig. My kids learned on little zebco rigs. They're easy to cast and the 33 and 333 have enough muscle to land decent fish.

Mark

[teigan666]

i use the shimano 6'6 solara and a shimano 4000r open face reel they are very good and strong rods i use a 12-15 lb test spider wire and learn how to tie a fishermans knott it will save you many lures and many swivels there fairly cheap rods and are very good for a beginner