Beginner Fishing Setup: The Angler's Guide

Are you interested in fishing? If you have decided to try your luck at fishing and are wondering where to start, take some time and read what every beginner angler should include in his setup. Also, consider choosing a fishing spot known for its abundant fish population and easily accessible. This will increase your chances of having a successful fishing trip.

This article will help you make your first fishing trip easier. You should consider many things, from the most visible ones, like rods to tiny lures. Everything in the setup complements each other. One would only have its purpose with another. But it is easy to learn one by one.

Let's start with rods!

Rods

Choosing the right rod is fundamental to your fishing success. The rod is not just a part of your fishing setup; it's the cornerstone. Many components of a fishing setup have no purpose without a rod, making it essential to find the right one. It's the tool that connects you to the fish, making it a crucial element in your fishing experience.

The first thing to consider is rod length. The best rod length for beginners is between 4 and 6 feet, allowing you to catch small, lightweight fish. 

The next thing to consider is the rod power. Power determines how much heavy fish you can handle. If you choose a light power rod, you could target smaller, more lightweight fish. The heavier the fish, the higher the power rate you select.

We divide them into:

• Ultra-Light Rods: These rods offer the lowest power and are the most sensitive. Use this power rod to target small freshwater species.

• Medium-Light Rods: These rods target medium fresh and saltwater fish species. 

• Medium Rods: Search for medium-power rods to catch moderately sized fish and use heavier lines and lures. 

• Heavy Rods: These rods are designed for catching large fish that are hard to manage. 

• Extra Heavy Rods: These rods are thick and have a ton of backbone. They are meant for fighting large fish species and casting heavy baits. 

The next thing to think about is the rod action.

The rod action refers to the amount of bend in the rod. Every rod bends under pressure. When pressure ends, the rod gets back in its first position. The speed at which it returns indicates the action of the rod. There are:

• Extra Fast Action: The rod is stiff and responds quickly after bends. Through the loop next to the hook eye, the percentage of bending is 15%.

• Fast Action: The flexible rod provides quick response and incredible accuracy. The rate of bending is 25%.

• Medium Action: This rod casts far away and is very flexible. Its nature is slow. The percentage of bending is 30-40%.

• Slow Action: This rod is the most flexible and bends the most. You can cast far with this action rod. The percentage of bending is 50%. 

When it comes to rod action, moderation is key. A good idea is to start with a medium-action rod with medium power. This versatile combination of sensibility and control will allow you to achieve multifunction, making it a balanced choice for beginners. It's a rod that can handle various fishing situations, giving you the confidence to explore different fishing environments. 

Reel

So, it's time to choose a reel. As described below, there are a few things to consider regarding your first reel.

The gear ratio determines how fast your line retrieves. Every gear has its ratio scale, commencing from low to high. Initially, it would be best to use a medium ratio, such as 5.2:1 or 5.4:1. With this ratio, your spoon will rotate five times after you turn the handle of your reel. With higher ratios, your line would be retrieving faster, which could be challenging to manage initially.

What size should you choose for your reel? Well, sizes vary from small to extra large. 

• Small-sized Reels (1000-2500): Great for rivers, bays, ponds, and generally slow waters. You can catch fish species with these reels: Trout, small Bass, Panfish, and typically small fish.

• Medium-sized reels (3000-4000): These are primarily used in coastal and offshore areas, and they target species like Walleye, large Bass, and Cod. 

• Large-sized Reels (4500-5500): These are ideal for inshore fishing or fishing from docks and boats. This reel can handle northern Pike, Catfish, Snook, Snapper, Salmon, and medium-sized fish. 

• Extra Large Sized (6000+): This is used in fast-moving water, targeting fish like Tuna, Shark, Marlin, Muskie, Tarpon, and saltwater species. 

Reels come in different designs, materials, and constructions. When buying one, consider the type and quality of the reel. 

Line

A line is not just a tool in your fishing setup; it's the one that ties the whole setup together. It's an important piece that directly connects you with a fish. The leader, a heavier line attached to the main line, is not just an extra weight. It follows the main line along its entire length, taking all the force needed to cast. Understanding the importance of the line will help you appreciate its crucial role in your fishing experience.

When considering a line's characteristics, its strength is the most important because the more substantial the line, the less chance of breaking. It is easy to determine how many pounds it can hold since each has a lb test. If the test fishing line weighs 10 pounds, it can carry 10 pounds.

The most commonly used types are monofilament, braid, and fluorocarbon. 

• Monofilament: This famous line is made from nylon, and its strength can vary. It is affordable, but it is weaker than a braid. This type of line is available in many colors. Radiant colors make fishing in the dark comfortable since they are easy to spot in the water. 

• Fluorocarbon: This invisible underwater line is resistant to abrasion and is used for freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing. It is usually available as a leader line, but models are also used for the main line. 

• Braid: A solid line sinks quickly and deeply into the water. It is particularly suitable for spinning reels, as loops and twists rarely happen with this line. This line doesn't break easily, so you can keep it for years.

• The Copolymer: This line is stronger than monofilament and cheaper than braid. It is made of two nylon polymers. The copolymer line is thin, which is beneficial because the thinner the line, the more you can spool onto the reel. This line is an excellent choice regarding strength and resistance to abrasion. 

• The Fly: This line is made from synthetic monofilaments or braided materials. It can last a few seasons but do not keep it in the sun. You can use it in both clear and murky water. The fly line is designed for fly fishing and is available in various colors. 

When choosing the right line, the best option is the monofilament line because it is flexible and easy to use. 

Hooks 

Hooks are an essential fishing tool. There are various hooks in different shapes, sizes, and designs. 

Let's mention a few of the most common hooks:

• Circle Hooks: The best hooks for beginners. These are in the shape of the letter "J," and anglers use them in freshwater and saltwater. This hook hits the right corner of the mouth and prevents the fish from being hurt. The fish can live generally if released back into the water.  The fish you can catch with this hook are Redfish, Snook, Tuna, Snapper, Marlin, Sharks, Catfish etc. 

There are many more hooks to consider besides circle hooks. Each hook size is meant for certain fish species. 

• Baitholder Hooks: They are designed to hook diverse types of live bait, such as minnows, crickets, and worms. They come in different sizes. If you target small fish, you use No. 6 or No. 8; if you target big fish, you use No .1 or 1/0. 

• Aberdeen Hook: If you're into sea fishing, you can use a hook mainly used in sea conditions. They have light wires and a thin gap. If you want to target Bluegill, use a No.6; for Crappie, use No.2 or No.1. 

Understanding what hooks are available and their features can help you choose the one that suits you best. 

Pliers

One of the main characteristics of pliers is that they clench the knot, which prevents knot loops. A good quality plier is resistant to corrosion and has to be strong. The materials that make it strong are stainless steel and titanium. They are both durable and resistant to breaking. They come with various purposes. Some are used to remove hooks, while others can trim lines. 

Pliers are an essential tool that every angler should have. Those tools usually have tight jaws with cutters built into them. You use pliers to cut the line and free the fish. Also, use a plier to cut the line, crim the barbs, or crim the wire. Pilers help when removing the hook stuck in a fish's mouth. If your line is tangled, just use pliers and cut it through. To do this successfully, make sure to choose pilers with strong jaws.

Lures

Lures are necessary for fishing, and it is vital to find the correct one. Soft plastic lures are best; they are easy to use, versatile, and comfortable. What lures you use depends on the depth of water you are fishing in. 

If you are topwater fishing, it is best to use lures like poppers or frogs. Subsurface fishing would require spinnerbaits or jerk baits. Finally, you will need jerk shads or paddle tails for deepwater fishing. 

Consider the size when you choose the lures. You should match the size of the lure with the size of the bait that the fish you target can bite. Then, you should consider the water temperature. In warmer waters, you use fast lures; in cold water, you use small lures. Also, consider the colors of the lures. Use vivid and flashy colors for muddy and unclear waters and dry and subtle colors for clean water. 

Knots

You use knots to tie the fishing line and guide through the eyes and rings of a fishing rod. Having a knot by your side is always good when fishing requires it.

• Palomar Knot: If you want a strong knot that is easy to use, search for a Palomar knot. You can use it for the Braid and Monofilament line. Firstly, you should double your line to make a loop, then push it through the eye of the hook. Then, tie it up and guide it around the end of the knot. At the end, tighten the line. 

• Double Surgeon Knot: You use this knot to connect the leader line with the main line. Make the double line by placing the leader parallel to the main line. Pass the end of a leader and tag the end of a mainline through the loop. Then, create a second overhung knot by guiding the same ends through the loop. At the end, pull on all ends and tighten up the knot. 

• Fisherman's Knot: This knot is often anglers' first choice. You can use it with monofilament and braid lines. To tie this knot, first, guide the tag at the end of the line through the eye of the hook. Then, wrap the tag end around the standing line five times. Then, thread the end of the line through the loop adjacent to the hook's eye, which will create another loop, then thread it through that new loop. Finally, wet the loops, pull the line, and tighten the knot. 

• Uni Knot: This reliable and versatile knot is easy to use. Guide the line through the eye and parallel it to the main line, creating a circle. Create a loop with a tag and wrap the tag around inside. Wrap the tag around the doubled line a minimum of five times. Moisten the pliers and pull them tight, handling the wraps. 

Managing knot tying means you have managed a very efficient fishing skill that will be useful each time. 

Fishing Regulations and Permits

Before you start your fishing journey, consider getting a fishing license. Some licenses are different, depending on the areas you want to fish. If caught fishing without a fishing license, you might be required to pay a fine or get arrested. 

Depending on the state, getting the license is easy and affordable. It is important to know that if you have a state fishing license, you can only use it in the waters of that state. You are not allowed to fish in another state.  Also, some states offer free fishing days when you don't need a license. 

However, the general rule is to own a license, as the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation 1997 Act" makes fishing without a permit illegal. For more detailed information about fishing licenses in the US, visit Fishing License Information by State.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct fishing setup isn't easy, and it's okay to make mistakes. This is all part of the learning process. Once you understand what suits you best, you can enjoy fishing and all it brings.

In this article, you learned the main parts of the fishing setup. Start one by one, try them out, and see what happens. You will know what suits you based on your preferences and overall experience. Feel free to share with us how your first fishing trip went!