I want to go fishing, but what gear should I use?

My earliest memories of fishing involve using a cane pole that was equipped with line tied off at the tip, a hook baited with worms, some split shot, and a bobber. I was fishing for the various species of sunfish found in Michigan’s small lakes. As I got older, I graduated to an old baitcasting reel mounted on a steel casting rod my grandfather gave me to use (I still have the rod), again with the same terminal gear setup.

There was probably an occasional spin-cast rod and reel setup along the way, but I never liked the balance or the way the reel functioned. When I started getting serious about fishing, I began using a spinning outfit for everything. To this day, I feel comfortable using a spinning outfit for the majority of my fishing. I’ve even done a little surfcasting using a big, heavy rod and spinning reel.

My halibut fishing gear is comprised of what is referred to as a boat rod and a large, heavy-duty baitcasting style reel. Here the term “baitcasting” is a misnomer since no casting is involved. You simply release the reel mechanism to lower your hook, weight, and bait or jig setup to the desired depth and let the waves and tidal action take care of most of the movement.

Over the years, I’ve heard that a quality baitcasting reel has a superior drag system when compared with a similar quality spinning reel. I’ve also been told (by a Pacific Northwest salmon angler) that a “true salmon fisherman” only uses a good baitcasting reel fitted to a quality baitcasting rod 8 to 9 feet long with an action appropriate to the size and type of salmon being sought.

I’m a gadget guy so I had to try out that theory. I wanted to learn how to properly use a baitcasting rig anyway, so this was a perfect excuse. I’m slowly getting some of the casting technique mastered using this style gear. One thing I have learned is that the reel adjustments need to be correctly set for the weight of your terminal gear if you plan on casting and not ending up with a “bird’s nest” mess of line on your reel. It also helps to have a thumb with a light touch controlling your reel spool while casting.

Another fishing method I’ve only recently started to use with any regularity is fly fishing. I currently own three fly rods: a four-weight rod for rainbow trout size fish; a six-weight rod for coho sized fish; and a ten-weight rod for king salmon or larger cohos. I’ve caught rainbow trout but have yet to land my first salmon on fly fishing equipment.

My fly fishing technique needs much work. I just can’t seem to let the rod and line do the casting work — I tend to use too much wrist and arm action and end up with the water beat to a froth and the fly only travelling maybe 25 feet before landing. Rarely does the fly land where I was trying to place it either. You see my dilemma. I will only improve with practice.

If my fishing involves either trout in a lake or smaller salmon, like pinks, just offshore in saltwater, I’ll generally use an ultra-light spinning rig. The rod usually isn’t longer than about 5 feet and the spinning reel is scaled down to work with 2 to 6-pound weight fishing line. A dime-bright pink salmon caught on ultra-light spinning gear can give you a fight comparable to anything you’ll experience from a silver or a medium-sized king.

If you’re brand new to sport fishing and you’re looking to get some gear, I would recommend you visit a tackle shop or the fishing section of one of the big outdoor stores. Ask for help in selecting your gear. Keep in mind that a spinning rig setup is probably the easiest method for a new angler to learn to use quickly.

Better yet, if you have a friend with some Alaskan sport fishing experience, pick that person’s brain for ideas and suggestions on the proper type of equipment for the fishing you want to pursue. Even ask them to accompany you when you shop for gear.

Whether you select spinning, baitcasting, or fly fishing gear, plan on practicing a lot to master the technique. And what is the best way to practice?

Go fishing!