Fishing beginner

My other half is considering taking up freshwater fishing, mainly reservoirs. He can be considered a complete beginner not having fished since his childhood.

Could members please give him some idea as to what basic kit he would need to get started, he is willing to buy second hand at this point just in case he and fishing ( or should I say angling) don't get on.

He has already checked out the fishing licence side of things and will be visiting a couple of suppliers over the next few days to see what they recommend, he'd like to go 'armed' with a little bit of knowledge so they don't try to fleece him.

Any other pointers regarding setting up would be appreciated too.

 

Just bumping this.

 

Not been coarse fishing since I was 15 Sheal . The match fishermen on the canal yesterday seemed to have £3000 of gear each ! I am sure you can get a nice rod reel and kit for a reasonable cost these days though .

 

Ah yes, I did see this but hoped someone more knowledgeable would show up.
Right, basic kit is rod ('course'/'match' I think - 12ft is the norm), reel (worth getting a decent one - Shimano ones are reckoned to be pretty good), some fishing line (buy new! 3LB breaking strain is a place to start), some hooks (he'll need various sizes depending on what bait he uses - 'hooklengths' are good), rod supports/rests, a net (get a decent size), a 'disgorger' (to help remove hook from fish if necessary), a seat (to sit upon), some scissors or a knife for cutting line, and some bait. I've probably missed out loads, but that's the basic kit. Hope that helps

 

I guess you can start even with a branch and a fine fishing thread, cork and weights. You need the right food, the right place, the right hook size, the right touch and the right weather -preferably- (if you are nervous or trembling don't expect to get anything because fishes sense the adverse waves)...Any specific question, I can address it to a professional (my nephew).
PS unless you fish piranas in that case put down a chunk of meat

 

Oh yes, some 'floats' and lead shot

 

Don't do much coarse fishing, mainly sea, but a mat and a towel to handle the fish (avoid handling if you can)

Only get the "lead shot" from the coarse fishing part of the tackle shop, not allowed lead in freshwater now, but you are in the sea so it could get mixed up.

Tin of spam is good bait

 

A couple of good ,How To Fish for beginners books would be useful.

 

Thanks all for the information. Since I posted other half has had a chat at a local fishing gear suppliers and he has suggested starting with spinner fishing, perhaps progressing to fly fishing if he takes to it. Apparently there is next to no coarse fishing on the island, only reservoirs or sea.

 

Hiya @Sheal
I believe the term 'coarse' refers to fish that would typically found in a river. These fish can also be found in lakes, they only have to be stocked as such. From what you say, it suggests that there are only 'game' fish. These include Trout and Pike. This means that he won't need so much kit. Best bet would be to follow the suppliers advice as they would have local knowledge

 

Thanks @Freddy. Being a small island our rivers aren't big or deep enough to contain fish for fishing. We have no lakes either, so it's either reservoirs or sea and probably game fish as you suggested. As you say other half needs to consult a bit more. He has been given the name of a man that fly fishes who will probably help him to set up but he's yet to contact him.

 

Yes, sounds like a good idea I should have said, he needs to check the fishing policy where he intends to fish. For instance, some waters only allow a certain number of fish to be caught/taken. Some will allow catch and release, some wont.

 

Yes thanks, he's already checked out licences and what fish can be taken etc.

 

get in touch with this fly fishing chap before you buy any gear,I sure he will only be too pleased to help and advise with what to get and where to fish.Try to find out where anyone fishes and go and watch them ,don't be bothered about asking there advice I did this a lot when I started and have met some very nice chaps who were only too pleased to help (I do course fishing on a 5 acre lake) and when we meet up there is always a lot of good hearted banter.you will find on a lot of fly fishing places that you will be allowed to take maybe 2 fish of a certain size and then it will be catch and release.Go for it and enjoy.

 

Thanks Fileyboy.