Minimal fishing kit

June 30, 2019 11:19 AM

Suppose I own a decent fishing rod and reel and nothing else, only want to fish at a pond stocked with trout and bass, and want to spend the minimum amount of money that will maximize my chances of catching fish, especially trout (to eat, not to catch and release). Also that I know nothing.
posted by HotToddy to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (10 answers total)

The cheapest way is to get a bobber and dig up your own worms. Works pretty well. Others may have opinions on lures and stuff. Also, depending on where you are, you may need a fishing license.
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:40 AM on June 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

Oh! (You did say you know nothing...) You also need hooks. You put the worm on the hook with the bobber about 2-3 feet above it on the line. When the fish takes the bait, it pulls the bobber underwater, you see/feel that, and reel him in!
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:42 AM on June 30, 2019

1. Right sized line for the average weight of the fish you want to catch.
2.Appropriate weight and strength of swivels and tackle for the average size of the fish you want to catch.
3. Triple prong hooks
4. Clear floaters to keep the books off the bottom of the pond or moving water.
5. Worms or whatever bait they take in that area
6. A dip net for removing fish from the water
7. A fishing vest for holding stuff including your license
8. A bait box to hold your worms, a small pocket box for your vest.
9. A tackle box, they sell cheap cloth took boxes at Home Depot that would hold stuff and not rattle like a lot of fishing tackle boxes do. By cheap I mean 5-6 dollars at sales events.

Small fish- small hooks and tackle. Bigger fish-bigger stuff.

Find a store clerk who is knowledgeable and has some time, hurry up before the fourth of July. Attend a fishing workshop put on by Fish and Game in your area. Read the fishing proclamation so you know the rules and get an idea of the lingo.
posted by Oyéah at 11:43 AM on June 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

I'd stock up on several different sizes and patterns of Rooster Tail lures, and go from there.
posted by humboldt32 at 11:45 AM on June 30, 2019

I was about to suggest spinners too. Cuts out the need for weights, floats, bait and all the other stuff.
posted by pipeski at 11:50 AM on June 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

If you have a pair of cheap needle-nose pliers, those can really help you get the hook back out of the fish.
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:12 PM on June 30, 2019 [3 favorites]

Don't forget a license, and make sure your target fish are in season.
posted by leaper at 2:50 PM on June 30, 2019 [2 favorites]

You need a sharp knife to gut fish, and a good zip lock bag to hold the gross remains. There are rules about leaviing a big mess at too public spots. Soap for washing hands; dead fish on your lines and bait is not good for luring fish.
posted by Oyéah at 3:37 PM on June 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

If you use worms, thread the wigglers onto the hook and push them up a little bit. If you merely puncture the worm and leave both ends dangling, you're just creating a fish buffet. If you use a bobber, when you first see it move (presuming it's not the wind), usually the fish will just be investigating. Make it commit (the bobber will dip into the water) and then give your rod a little yank to set the hook. Not too too hard, or you'll rip the hook out of the fish's mouth. Have fun. Unless you're fishing for sustenance, there are lots worse ways to spend a summer afternoon than drowning a few worms.
posted by kate4914 at 5:17 PM on June 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

Depending where you are, you might want to check into any fish consumption advisories. Many fish in Minnesota, for example, are contaminated with mercury and the state recommends limiting the frequency of consumption.
posted by nickmark at 11:25 AM on July 1, 2019