Basic Fishing Gear: Everything You'll Need To Start Fishing
Going fishing for the first time? Here’s a list of the basic fishing gear you should have before you set off.
With 20 years of fishing experience, I’ve seen many different types of fishing gear. After hours of consideration, I’ve narrowed them down to 10 pieces of essential fishing gear.
Fishing can be overwhelming, especially to a beginner. It doesn’t help that fishing tackle has become more advanced, and complicated over time.
I’ve been where you are, and I understand how hard it can be to decide what to get. You don’t want to spend too much, and you want to get only what you need. The thing is, you’re not very sure what all the different pieces of fishing gear do, and whether you’ll need them. You don’t know which type of rod you should get, what lures you should get, and so on and so forth.
Don’t worry, it’s normal. This article will help you get the right gear.
Here’s all the fishing gear you’ll need for your very first fishing trip:
#1 – Rod and Reel
#2 – Fishing Line
#3 – Tackle
#4 – Baits & Lures
#5 – Swivel
#6 – Needle Nose Plier
#7 – Nail Clipper
#8 – Tackle Box or Bag
Optional Gear
#1 – Rod And Reel

A fishing rod is basically a long, slender rod that you’ll be attaching your fishing line to. A fishing reel is the spinning mechanism attached to your rod for you to reel your catch in.
If you’re just starting out, my advice is to get a rod and reel combo. A rod and reel combo is, as the name suggests, a combo. You’ll be getting a fishing rod and a fishing reel as a set. This is usually cheaper than purchasing both separately.
On top of that, the reel should be made to be attached to the rod, so you’ll have a much easier time joining them together.
Most importantly, rod and reel combos often come pre-spooled with monofilament line. This saves you the hassle of having to attach the line yourself.
#2 – Fishing Line
Your fishing line is quite simply, the line you attach to your rod.
If you’re purchasing a rod and reel combo, you won’t have to worry about the line.
In case you’re not, beginners should start with 6lb test monofilament lines. You can also get fluorocarbon lines, but it’s easier to tie knots with monofilament lines. A 6lb test line will hold up well for many species. You’ll only need a heavier test (8-12lb) if you’re targeting bigger fish like in bass fishing.
Note that you will have to attach your line to your rod and reel. Since you’re only starting out, I’m betting you don’t know how to do it. Here’s a great video teaching you how to do it.
#3 – Tackle

Tackle refers to everything on the end of your line, aside from the bait. Mainly, tackle consists of fish hooks, sinkers, and bobbers.
Fishing Hooks

You’ll be attaching fishing hooks to the end of your line. You’ll attach your bait or lure to it, and use it to penetrate fishes’ mouths. For starting out, just get a few single hooks.
Sinkers

Sinkers are weights you attach to your line so it goes deeper. Sinkers are important pieces of equipment. You’ll need them to fish at your desired depth. Read More...