The Rod and Reel: For most fishing in rivers and lakes, you don’t need a big, heavy pole. Many discount stores like Wal-Mart sell fishing gear. You’ll need a combination package with a five-foot (give or take) rod and reel.

Spinning reel (top)
and fly fishing reel

Discount stores usually have better prices, but specialty stores (fishing or general sporting goods) are often staffed with people who know more about the sport.

Line: Find some fishing line in six- or eight-pound “test.” You’ll have to reel the line onto the reel by tying it to the reel spool then working the handle until the reel spool is full of line. Ask the guys in the sporting goods department for help if you need it.

Hooks and weights: Normally you won’t need huge hooks or weights. Get hooks in size 8 or 10. You can get a single hook or a treble hook. Single hooks are used mostly to hold bait like worms or minnows; treble hooks are designed to hold soft bait like PowerBait. Use weights that are some fraction of an ounce. You can often find a plastic container with a selection of sizes.

Bait: Here’s where you need to make a decision. Do you want to put live bait on the hook (like night crawlers)?

Weights, treble hooks (upper right) and single hooks

They usually work well, but you have to keep them alive. You can either dig them up yourself and keep them in a can with dirt (also keep them cool) or buy them from a sporting goods shop. If you have a little boy and access to some land, try digging for the worms. That’s a fun activity all by itself.