It’s time for Fishing 101

So you want to learn to fish?

Well, it really isn’t hard, especially if you can find an experienced angler who is willing to show you how.

If not, don’t be intimidated. You just need the right gear. When starting out, a good rule of thumb is to keep it simple.

First, you will need a fishing license, although in Oklahoma there are many people that are not required to buy one, such as residents 15 and younger and disabled veterans.

Check out the Oklahoma Fishing Guide for a complete list.

You don’t need to buy a lot of expensive gear to enjoy your first fishing adventure.

Buy an inexpensive spin cast rod and reel combination, the kind with the closed face that requires you to just push and hold down a button to cast. They come already filled with line and are easy to use.

Beginners should stay away from open-face bait casting and spinning reels. Don’t let the salesman talk you into something more difficult to use like the open-faced baitcasting reels.

They can be a nightmare for beginning anglers. Even in skilled hands, open-face reels can result in an afternoon of frustration and backlashes. You can graduate to using those.

If you are buying gear for a kid, those Snoopy poles are cute but invest in something better, like the reliable Zebco 33.

More people have learned how to fish with the Zebco 33 than any other reel ever made.

If you didn’t buy a combo rod and reel, you will need to find a rod to match your reel of choice. Six-foot fishing rods are good for adults, but kids need to be outfitted with something shorter.

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