Getting started with fishing: essential equipment to begin

Do you want to try your hand at fishing?

Fishing is an exciting activity that combines patience, skill, and a connection with nature. But with the multitude of equipment available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when starting out. This guide presents the essential equipment to begin fishing without breaking the bank or cluttering your gear.

The basic equipment for a beginner angler

All-in-one solution for beginners

To get started, the easiest solution is to opt for a complete kit. Our Complete Fishing Kit with Rod and Reel contains everything you need to begin: rod, reel, and basic accessories. It's the ideal option for trying fishing without investing in separate equipment.

1. The fishing rod

This is your main tool. To start, choose a versatile and easy-to-carry rod.

Recommended features:

• Length: 1.8 m to 3 m (versatile for most situations)
• Action: Medium (compromise between flexibility and rigidity)
• Power: 10-30g or 20-50g (suitable for medium-sized lures)
• Type: Telescopic cane for easy transport

Our Telescopic Carbon Fishing Rod is perfect for beginners: lightweight, versatile and usable in the sea as well as in rivers.

Beginner budget: €30-80 for a decent quality rod

2. The reel

The reel must be suitable for your rod and your type of fishing.

To begin:

• Type: Spinning reel (fixed spool) - the easiest to use
• Size: 1000 to 2000 for light fishing (versatile)
• Ratio: 5:1 to 6:1 (average recovery speed)
• Brake: Front brake preferred (more precise)

The 1000-2000 Spinning Fishing Reel is ideal for beginners with excellent value for money.

Beginner budget: €25-60

3. Fishing line

Choosing the right thread is crucial for the success of your sessions.

Types of wires:

• Nylon: Ideal for beginners, elastic, discreet, economical (diameter 20-25/100)
• Braided wire: Stronger, with no stretch, for experienced anglers
• Fluorocarbon: Invisible underwater, for leaders

Beginner tip: Start with 20-25/100 nylon, then add a 1.50m fluorocarbon leader

4. Artificial lures

Start with a basic and versatile selection.

Starter kit:

• Metal lures: Spinnerbaits and spinners, effective for pike, salmon and bass
• Soft lures: Shads of 7-10 cm in natural colours (white, grey, brown)
• Swimming lures: Crankbaits and jerkbaits from 5-8 cm
• Jig heads: 5g, 7g, 10g for animating soft lures

Our pack of 30 Metallic Spinnerbait Lures offers you a great variety to start with and test different techniques.

Budget: €30-50 for a basic kit

5. Essential accessories

Storage box:

• Compartmented box to organize your lures and accessories
• Average size sufficient for beginners

Hooks and leaders:

• Assortment of single and treble hooks
• Snap swivels (sizes 0 to 2)
• Fluorocarbon for leaders (20-30/100)

Tools :

• Multi-purpose pliers: For unhooking, cutting, tightening (15-25€)
• Scissors or wire cutters: To cut the wire cleanly
• Landing net: To secure your catches without injuring them

Comfort and safety equipment

Appropriate clothing

• Waterproof jacket: Essential for fishing in all weather
• Cap or hat: Sun protection
• Polarized sunglasses: Reduce glare, protect the eyes, and allow you to see underwater.
• Boots or waders: Depending on your type of fishing (shore or in the water)

Fishing bag

A backpack or satchel for carrying:

• Your lure boxes
• Replacement thread spools
• Tools and accessories
• Water and snacks
• Basic first aid kit

What type of fishing is best for beginners?

Freshwater lure fishing

Advantages: Dynamic, mobile, accessible technique, varied fish species (perch, pike, zander, black bass)

Where: Rivers, lakes, ponds, canals

Equipment: That described above

Pole fishing

Advantages: Static, relaxing, good for learning patience

Where: Ponds, canals

Equipment: Pole, floats, natural bait

Trout fishing

Advantages: Accessible, fighting fish, magnificent setting

Where: Mountain rivers and streams

Equipment: Light rod, small lures, spoons

Sea fishing

Advantages: Variety of species, thrills, accessible from the coast

Where: Beaches, seawalls, rocks

Equipment: Versatile sea/river rod, suitable lures

Total budget to start with

Budget kit (€150-200)

• Complete rod and reel kit: €60
• Thread: €10
• Basic lures: €30
• Accessories: €20
• Pliers: €15
• Storage box: €10
• Miscellaneous: €15

Intermediate kit (€300-400)

• Higher quality rod: €80
• High-performance reel: €60
• Assorted yarns: €25
• Selection of lures: €60
• Complete accessories: €40
• Polarized sunglasses: €30
• Fishing bag: €35
• Landing net: €25

Tips for your first sessions

Before leaving

• Fishing license: Required! Buy it online at cartedepeche.fr or from an authorized retailer
• Regulations: Find out about minimum sizes, quotas, and opening periods.
• Fishing spots: Find accessible and fish-filled locations near you
• Weather: Check the forecast, avoid thunderstorms

On site

• Start early in the morning or late in the day (best times)
• Be discreet and patient
• Vary the lures and techniques
• Observe the other fishermen
• Respect nature and practice catch and release if possible.
• Take your rubbish with you

Progress quickly

• Join a local fishing club or an AAPPMA
• Watch video tutorials on YouTube
• Record your sessions (weather, effective lures, spots, times)
• Don't hesitate to ask experienced fishermen for advice.
• Read specialist magazines
• Participate in online forums

Mistakes to avoid when starting out

• Buying too much equipment: Start simple, add to it gradually.
• Neglecting the quality of the thread: Good thread makes all the difference
• Fishing without a license: Hefty fines guaranteed (up to €450)
• Giving up too quickly: Fishing requires patience and practice
• Ignoring the weather: Weather conditions = fish behavior
• Improperly adjusting your drag system: The main cause of breakages and lost fish.
• Not respecting legal sizes: Important for preserving resources
• Always fishing in the same spot: Explore different spots

Basic techniques for beginners

The throw

Master the basic throw before you complicate things:

• Hold the cane with both hands
• Bring the cane behind you (2 o'clock position)
• Launch forward while gradually accelerating
• Release the thread at the right moment (10 o'clock position)
• Join the movement

Lure animation

Linear recovery: Simple and efficient, constant speed

Stop and go: Alternate between recovery and breaks

Twitching: Short twitches of the rod tip to animate the lure

Jigging: Vertical movements for soft lures

The shoeing

When you feel a touch:

• Don't use too much force (risk of breakage).
• Give a sharp but controlled flick of the wrist.
• Maintain the tension of the wire
• Let the drag work if the fish is pulling hard.

Conclusion

Starting out in fishing doesn't require a huge investment. With €150-200, you can get properly equipped and begin fishing. The key is to choose equipment suited to your needs and prioritize quality over quantity.

Fishing is a continuous learning process: each outing will teach you something new. Be patient, observant, and respectful of nature. Remember that the most important thing isn't necessarily catching fish, but enjoying the moment by the water.

At Camp de Base Farzen, we offer a complete selection of fishing equipment for beginners and experienced anglers: rods, reels, lures, and accessories. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice on choosing your gear.

Good luck fishing and may the fish be with you!