Fishing is the biggest sport in the world and there are literally millions of keen anglers in almost every country, of all ages and both genders. You can fish with the basics – a simple rod and some kind of bait – but to make the most of your fishing experience, it is worthwhile investing in the correct accessories and tools. You don't need to buy the most expensive pieces of equipment you can lay your hands on but it is a good idea to research everything and try it out for comfort before going fishing, to make sure you are happy.
It is important to have a good rod. If you are a novice, a relatively basic rod and bait will do for a start, giving you valuable fishing experience, so you can find out what works and what does not. Practicing with whatever rod you have is a lot of fun and gets you used to how fishing feels. When you decide you enjoy the sport and you want to fish regularly, you might want to invest in something a bit better.
There are various kinds of fishing rods on the market so it is a good idea to try different ones out before committing to buy one particular kind. You can get fishing rods made from fiberglass, carbon fiber or wood. Prices range from cheap to very expensive.
Before you start handling rods, you need to know what kind of fishing you are going to be doing and in what conditions. Sea fishing in rough conditions requires different equipment from fishing in the river in shallow, calm waters. Pick up a rod and see how it feels in your hand. Have a go at casting with it to check flexibility and ease of use. If you dislike anything about it, put it back and try another. You could try a second hand rod, if you like, rather than buy a brand new one. You can always sell it again if you don't get on with it.
When choosing the length for your rod, bear in mind what kind of bait you will be using and what type of fish you are going for. A 4 to 6 inch rod is fine for small fish and light bait. Bigger fish need bigger bait and a longer cast so a rod longer than 6 inches will be necessary for this.
Becoming a fishing expert isn't going to happen overnight. It can take years of patience and practice but when you do get good at catching fish, there are few things that beat the exhilaration!
