Hello all! I am new to the site and just got into fishing last summer. A friend of mine who owns a boat has asked me many times to come fishing with him. I’ve gone out on day boats in the past but they always supplied the gear. My problem is I have not a clue on what to buy and I am on a tight budget. There is a bait shop near by that has a large variety of used fishing gear, but as mentioned I have no idea what to buy. I will be Fishing for grouper, bass, and rock fish here of the coast of central Florida. What type of rod would be best and what type of reel? And is there anything else you would suggest?
Janet in Tampa
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Tags: Central Florida, Fishing, Fishing Gear, Rock Fish
Janet: The very first thing is to get a license. If your budget is limited, I would suggest going with a 1 day license or something similar. Next, you won’t need a large “rod”, 6′5 or so will be fine with enough backbone to set through the tough jaws of the bass. You will want a light line for all, maybe 8 pounds is what I would use but if you have never played a fish, maybe you should go with a 17 pound mono… just to get the feel (I would never recommend this heavy a line to any experienced bass fishers). You will also need some sinkers, maybe 3 ounce for Groupers. If you are talking about striped bass however, you may find them at the bottom as well.
First, get a one day fishing license. Then Tell your buddy that you want to do a lot more homework and check out a few books at the library about fishing your waters for local fish and ask all the questions you want at the local bait shop, or ask here. Then ask your friend to set you up with all you’ll need just to see if you have the knack for boating and fishing without making an investment in equipment and save the money instead of spending it. I mean hell, you might be a sea sick kind of person that isn’t suited for fishing. Make sure you enter specific questions into the box above that says “search for questions” I do hope you enjoy the fishing experience though. Fishing certainly makes for a much more enjoyable and rewarding life, by all accounts I’ve ever heard. Lastly, you will never stop learning and you will never have enough stuff.
go for it