Fishing needs five things: a licence, a rod and reel, line, something to catch the fish with, and a place with fish in it. Keep the first day simple. One rod, a handful of lures, and a spot you can reach on foot.
Do I need a fishing licence?
In most US states, yes, for anyone over a set age. Rules differ by state and by water, so check your state's fish and wildlife agency before you go. Many agencies sell a licence online.
What gear do I need to start?
A rod and reel, line, a few lures and a way to carry them. Our 1 m pocket pen rod comes with a small reel, and the telescopic rods collapse to carry. Add a spool of line, a pack of soft plastic lures and a small tackle box.
How do I cast and retrieve?
Hold the rod in front of you, release the line at the top of the swing, and let the lure land. Then reel steadily. Vary the speed until you find what the fish respond to. When you feel a tug, lift the rod tip to set the hook.
What lure should I start with?
A soft plastic or an inline spinner. Soft plastics are cheap to replace and catch many species; spinners flash and work with a steady retrieve. See our soft plastic lures and inline spinners.
How do I handle and release a fish?
Wet your hands, hold the fish gently and use a lip grip or a hook remover to take the hook out fast. Put it back in the water head first.
Compare what we sell
| Product | What the listing says | In the box | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket pen fishing rod, 1 m, with reel | Length: 1 m, 5 sectionsPacked: 20.5 cmCase: Aluminium alloy | Telescopic rod in pen case: 1Small reel: As pictured | $16.99 |
| Carbon telescopic fishing rod, 1.8 to 2.7 m | Lengths: 1.8 to 2.7 mMaterial: Carbon, aluminium alloyGrip: Cork | Telescopic rod: 1 | $23.99 |
| Metal spinning reel, 1000 to 7000 sizes | Sizes: 1000 to 7000Type: SpinningBody: Metal | Spinning reel: 1 | $16.99 |
| Monofilament fishing line, nylon, 100 m | Length: 100 mMaterial: NylonSizes: 0.8 to 4 | Spool of line: 1 | $9.99 |
| Soft plastic lures, 20 pieces, 6 cm | Size: 6 cmWeight each: 1.4 gPieces: 20 | Soft T-tail lures: 20 (one colour set) | $9.99 |
| Inline spinner with single hook, 8.2 cm, 7 g | Length: 8.2 cmWeight: 7 gHook: Single | Inline spinner: 1 | $7.99 |
| Pocket tackle box, 9.5 x 6 cm | Size: 9.5 x 6 x 2.7 cmCompartments: SeveralClosure: Clip | Tackle box: 1 | $9.99 |
| Floating fish lip grip, small or large | Sizes: Small, largeMaterial: ABS plasticColours: 7 | Fish grip: 1 | $9.99 |
Questions people ask
What is the easiest fish to catch?
It depends on your water. Small panfish and stocked trout are common first fish; your state's wildlife agency lists what is stocked near you.
Do I need bait or lures?
Either works. This shop sells lures, which you can reuse, so there is no live bait to keep.
Can I fish from the shore?
Yes. A pocket rod or telescopic rod suits shore fishing, and a lip grip helps you handle the catch.
