Getting Started Part 1

 This is going to be a three part series so be patient with me. I get asked how to get started occasionally but over the last couple of months it's happened a little more than I normally get asked. So I figured I  would try to put my thoughts on this into words and see if it can help a couple people at least get pointed in the right direction. Now before we get started let's get something clear. This is just my point of view and it's based on what has worked for me.

 In this first entry I'm going to cover some basic tackle I think will work for just about any lake or river in the county. After that I'm going to talk about putting that stuff to work then getting off of the bank and being able to cover more water.

  I want to keep your load light but effective. I also want to keep it as inexpensive as possible at first. You should be able to start fishing on the cheap without buying junk equipment. Pawn shops and secondhand stores are great places to find quality gear for a lot less than paying retail.

 As far as gear/tackle goes you really don't need a lot to get off to a good start. Here is a short list of tackle get you rolling. Assuming you're brand new means there is a high likelihood you will be bank fishing, the first item on the list is:

- Backpack: Nothing special just something big enough to hold two 3700 size boxes like the on in the picture below, drinks and a snack.

 The place I would encourage putting any real money is in you rod/reel combos, I suggest getting two combos to start. One spinning and one baitcaster combo. I highly recommend learning how to use a baitcaster.

- Spinning combo 6'6"-7' medium power/ mod fast to fast action.

- Baitcaster combo 7' med/hvy fast with a 6.3:1 reel.

These two combos will cover 90% of all the fishing you will probably ever do. EVER.

 You really only need a handful of lures and I think these should be in your arsenal.

- Spinnerbaits in white, white/chartreuse and black.

- Buzzbait in the same colors as the spinnerbaits.

- Lipless crankbait aka "Rattle Trap" in chrome with a blue back.

- Plastic worms in ribbon tail and straight. I like to stick to just a few colors; Black, Junebug and Green Pumpkin Seed. I also like Green Watermelon Seed.

 This is definitely not a complete list but it's enough to get you started and keep you busy for a while.There are a couple lures I would like to add to the list but I want to keep this a simple as possible for now.