"The stronger the wind and waves, the pricier the fish!"
Ready to cast your first line into the great outdoors? Whether you're heading to a quiet lake or a choppy riverside, this guide covers the essential gear and tips to help you get started on your fishing journey.
1. Fishing Rod: The Heart of Your Setup
Your rod is your most important companion. For beginners, a 4.5-meter rod and a 6.3-meter rod combo works well, letting you cover both shallow and deep water comfortably.
Only picking one? Go for a 5.4-meter rod—a balanced choice for most situations.
2. Bucket: The All-in-One Tool
Don’t underestimate the humble bucket—it’s not just for holding fish!
Prepping bait
Washing hands
Storing your catch
For small fish, go with a 28-tone rod; for larger ones, opt for a 37-tone rod. No need for a fish protector just yet.
3. Float: Match It to Your Rod
Choose the float weight based on your rod length to ensure proper sensitivity:
Rod Length & Recommended Float Weight
3.6 m 1.5–1.8 g
4.5 m 1.8–2.2 g
5.4 m 2.2–2.5 g
6.3 m 2.5–2.8 g
7.2 m 2.8–3.3 g
4. Chair or Stool: Sit Back & Wait
Start simple with a small folding stool or basic fishing chair. Later on, you can upgrade to a multi-functional fishing box with built-in storage and seating.
5. Bait: The Fish Magnet
Use bait that suits wild fishing and can attract a variety of fish. Look for:
Heavy sinking bait – great for bottom-dwelling species
Sticky or grainy bait – helps target larger, slipperier fish like carp
6. Nesting Materials: Bring Them In
To keep fish near your line, try:
Wine rice – Mix with bait to quickly attract fish
Old corn – Fermented corn works well for carp and grass carp, ideal for long-term or overnight nesting
7. Line Setup: Keep It Light & Fun
Start with a forgiving setup perfect for smaller fish:
Main line: 1.5
Sub-line: 0.6
Hook: Size 3 (gold sleeve)
This combo offers better control and more enjoyment for beginners.
8. Hook Line: Customize for Your Catch
Choose your hook type based on:
The fish you're targeting
The type of rod and its stiffness
Your technique and experience level
Experiment to find what works best in your local waters.
9. Dip Net: Don’t Leave Home Without It
According to seasoned anglers:
"You might not bring it—but you’ll regret it if you don’t."
Essential for landing big fish and avoiding heartbreak when your line snaps at the last second.
10. Polarized Fishing Sunglasses: Protect & See Better
These are a game changer for wild fishing:
Cut glare off the water
Protect your eyes from UV rays
Help spot underwater terrain and fish movement
With this guide in hand and gear in tow, you’re ready to head out and make your first big catch!
