Today’s topic in the “Let’s Try Fishing” series is equipment and gear. There are many places to purchase gear on the Outer Banks, but only a local tackle shop can provide quality gear and free advice. And as a new angler, using the proper gear and utilizing this information is invaluable.

One mistake many first-time anglers make is bringing their “favorite” freshwater gear when fishing in our harsh saltwater environment. That decision to use the wrong gear may work initially but inevitably it will fail and most likely at the most inopportune time.

Now let’s talk about what equipment and gear is needed. Remember, we want to keep this simple. So you want a good all-around rod and reel setup. The best starter rod will be a seven to eight foot with a medium flexibility. I like a one piece rod but a two piece allows for better storage. This size and style rod should give you the sensitivity to feel a bite and enough backbone to reel in most local species. The reel should be loaded with a 12-15lb test monofilament line. Braided line is also an option which I will discuss in a future article. So for now stick with monofilament lines.. 

Next part is tackle or rigging. The basic tackle setup will be a snap hook connected to the end of your main line with a standard two hook bottom rig and a sinker. You can either tie the bottom rig directly to the main line or use a snap swivel. A snap swivel allows for quick change for gear. But either method should work well. We will discuss knots in another article but for immediate access you can find basic knot tying methods in another section of this web site.

Next you will need to decide on hooks and sinkers. Your tackle shop staff can help with the proper size and style of hook and sinker types. I suggest a simple Number 4 “J” hook and a #2 or #3 pyramid sinkers depending on the waves and tides. The key to weight size is to just hold the bottom and not allow the weight and bait to move.

Next, you will need bait. There are many different types of baits to use so to keep it simple, I suggest you pick up a bag of fresh shrimp. It seems everything eats shrimp so this is your best bet. And when baiting the hook only use a small piece of shrimp and leave the tip of the hook exposed.

In addition, you could also need a number of other things to complete your setup. A bucket is helpful for holding your gear, a pair of pliers or hook remover, sand spike, bait knife, tape measure, small cooler for your bait and some rags. While we could discuss dozens of additional items, let’s leave those for another article.

And finally, where to go, what’s biting anf the best bait. The tackle shop staff will help you with all of these items. It’s important to follow their suggestions until you have developed your own methods.

So there you go. A simple starter setup. Sure there are other items you could use to make life easy on your first trip but remember you are just getting started. There is plenty of time for you to experience fishing and then add to your tackle collection as you find things you like to try..

So now you should be ready for your first fishing trip.

Check back soon for the next series of, “Let’s Try Fishing”. We will be discussing “Reading the Water”.first

Until Next Time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony