New to Fishing in general

[Angelak]

I've never done much fishing through my life but want to learn more and make it a hobby. Can I get advice on where to start and how to learn terminology? What basic things should I buy first? 

Thanks in advance! 

[monstermoose78]

First thing I would buy is a fishing pole. I would look at an ugly stick fishing pole, because they are hard to break. I would get like a medium action and I would put a shimano reel like the solstace and spool  8 pound test line. I would also buy a tackle box to keep your fishing gear in. I would buy some hooks in size 6, split shot weights, thill bobber stops,  and some thill slip bobbers. That set up can be use with minnows, leeches, and worms for all kinds of fish that swim.

[Rick]

You have so many options on how to start and the great part is that fishing is for those new to it as well as those who think they have it down, we all soon learn that you just keep on learning. There is a lot to take in that will improve your game. Stick around the forums. Share your experiences as you learn things and I'm sure folks will join in with tips to help you along.

It's a pretty cool little family we have here.

With the set-up monstermoose described you can start on panfish. Sunfish can be found shallow most of the summer although it gets progressively more difficult as the weeds come up and it gets hotter. Find long a public dock. A lot of time bass and panfish will hide under the shade it provides. You will likely catch both.

Learn as much as you can about how a lake bottom is made up where you are fishing. To do that both observe and find a lake map and become familiar with it.

I would especially learn the river systems in your area. They can be great areas to hone your skills and there is a challenge for every skill level there with plenty of shore fishing opportunities year round. Fishing is not quite as dependent on the weather as a lake is and fishing for cats can often can be simple if you are in the right spots and often requires you to develop the skill of patience.

Edited June 20, 2015 by Rick

[mrklean]

If you are in Waite Park you have some great fishing around the area, head to walmart or scheels and pick up some 1/4 oz jigs with twister tail one of the easiest things you can use.  Head to the river the dam at the college is always a good place to start head there and just cast and reel it, you will learn a ton just going out and trying and the river gives you the chance to catch a ton of stuff.

[tunrevir]

I would also add that there is a great deal  info on this site that you have at your finger tips.  Species specific info, geographic detail(area fishing reports) which can be very helpful in the learning curve.  Feel free to ask the questions you have and the staff will do our best to answer them.  Welcome to the boards and to the fishing family!

 

Tunrevir~

[Angelak]

Thanks guys! I went to Walmart and got an ugly stick kit that came with hooks, bobbers, etc. I went the suggestion of my 7 yr old and went to lake George. Too many people around for me. I want fishing to be more relaxing! I like the idea of checking out the river. I used YouTube for how to set up my line. That seemed helpful, but I feel like my line looks bare and I'm missing something. Just a bobber ,weight, and hook with a night crawler. Didn't catch anything, but a fish got my worm, so I guess we'll see next time! 

[mrklean]

Lake George can be fun to burn time and catch a lot of little fish also a good place to learn trying different baits setups etc, no shortage of little 4-8" crappies in there

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Angelak,

Welcome top the Fishing Minnesota forums!

The best way to get into fishing and to learn the fastest is to find a friend that already fishes and go out with them a few times. They can give you hands on advice and teach you the basics much faster then you will learn them by yourself! Adds to the fun too!

Cliff