Recently I decided I wanted to start fishing. With everything going on in the world right now, the best thing for my soul has been getting outside. What better way to social distance than to pick up a rod and reel, head to a body of water and cast a line?

But I’m new to fishing and have no idea what gear to even start with. Usually, I would go to Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s or Academy Sports and ask someone there. But here we are, in unusual times where stores are closed and face-to-face with an expert is not a choice.

Bring on the internet.

What I thought would be an easy search in Google for “beginner fishing setup” turned into complicated terms that a newbie like me didn’t understand. Baitcaster, spincaster, whacky hooks, senkos, double surgeons knots… I was overwhelmed. Can someone just tell me a good fishing pole to use and what accessories I need to just get out there?! FRUSTRATION.

I ended up making a post on my GoWild™ app (a social media app for outdoor enthusiasts.) 

“What’s a good rod/reel combo for a beginner?” 

BINGO. I should have started here. Lots of members responded and actually tagged specific pieces of gear that I could research and buy right in the app. They even went above and beyond and recommended a fishing kit for my kiddos. There are members of all skill levels - some pro anglers post pictures of bass that only exist in my dreams while others share their bluegill stories of fishing with their grandpa.

So, now I’m set. I checked out each piece of gear that the GoWild members recommended and then purchased it in the app. My post was Tuesday, it was delivered two days later and I’m about to go fishing THIS WEEKEND, ya’ll! Social distancing, FTW! Also, GoWild is donating 1% of proceeds from my purchase to conservation groups. 

 

Here’s the fishing gear setups the GoWild members recommended:

 

Beginners Adult Fishing Setup

Rod & Reel Combo

• Shakespeare Shakespeare Crusader Spinning Combo 6 Foot 6 Inch Rod

Tackle

• Rapala Rapala Original Floating Size 5 Lure
• BOOYAH Blade Spinnerbait - Tandem
• Culprit Original Worms 6
• Bullet Weights Ultra Steel 2000 Worm Weights
• Berkley Fusion19 EWG Hooks

 

Basic and Youth Fishing Setup

Rod & Reel Combo

• Zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Rod and Reel Combo

Tackle

• Eagle Claw Cricket Aberdeen Hooks - Bronze
• Bass Pro Shops 124-Piece Reusable Split Shot Weight Assortment
• Thill Bubb'l Gum Spring Floats - Oval

 

Catfish or Light Saltwater Fishing Setup

Rod & Reel Combo

• Offshore Angler™ Power Plus™ Trophy Rod and Reel Spinning Combo

Tackle

• Buccaneer Circle Hook Snapper Rig