Open-Water Fishing Equipment Quick Start Guide
Fishing gear runs the gambit from simple and versatile to highly specialized gear used to target specific species and fishing conditions.
If you’re just looking for the simplest, most versatile but affordable gear to get you started shore-fishing at your local pond or lake, here are our recommendations.
Rod – 6-7 foot, medium action, spinning rod (Cost: $20+)
Reel - Size 20-40 spinning reel with a maximum drag of 6-12 pounds (Cost: $20+)
(Note: You can find spinning rod and reel combinations at sporting good stores, so you don’t have to buy these separately.)
Fishing Line – 8-10 pound test monofilament line (Cost: $4+)
Hooks – 2/0 - 4/0 octopus hook
Sinkers – ¼ ounce – 1 ounce sinker (Cost: $1.50+)
Bobbers – Fixed bobber (Cost: $1.50+)
Bait – Bobber rig with a worm (bobber, split shot weight, octopus hook and worm)