Where do I start? Wish list!

[Simon]

WOW, I never realised there was so much skill involved to this! I've been feverishly reading as much as I can. There's so much info out there and the more I read the more confused I'm becoming. f

 

Is there such a thing as a dummies guide? I'm trying to put some kit together but with so many options where do I start?

 

Braid, mono, dynon... how many rods & reels should I have? What sort of budget should I have? Ideally, I would like to put a list together of what I need to get started and try to source it online. Is this realistic or should I just go to the local angling centre and ask them to supply everything?

 

Sorry for all the questions when I've only just joined.

 

Any pointers to set me in the right direction greatly received. Looks like I'm going to have to setup a boat valeting service to repay the favours!!!

Edited July 16, 2008 by Simon

[Newboy]

Depending what sort of fishing you intend to do, but I would say, a light 8-12lb, med 20lb and heavy 30lb would be a starting point.

 

It doesn't matter how many reels and rods you have, it's never enough, we love our toys......

[charlieannear]

WOW, I never realised there was so much skill involved to this! I've been feverishly reading as much as I can. There's so much info out there and the more I read the more confused I'm becoming.

Edited July 17, 2008 by charlieannear

[Paul J]

Hi Simon,

 

There a rig tying demo after next months meeting which you will find useful

 

PJ

[TomBettle]

Come along to the meeting next month Simon.

Ask there as there will be dramatically differing opinions, but they can be properly backed up with "Why" the members says what they say.

Have an idea what you want to spend and some idea as the fish you want to catch.

We'll guide you as best you can.

 

Personally, I loathe the Solid C's with a vengence. They are better off holding up your beans, but will probably bend too much. That said, other budget rods are serviceable....

Spend as much as you can afford on a reel. Rods will moe or less work regardless, but rubbish reels will let you down on a dream fish.

Charlie had some super advice, but I'd save InExcess until you know what you are buying. Stick to the tackle shop to start with and initially buy from our local guys as they are there for us. MOst will price match the mailorder companies too. The tackle shop will offer proper advice. InExcess will try and flog you some secateurs too....

Once you know what you are getting, get it from whoever gives the best deal.

 

Once again, come along to the meeting and ask us all there.

 

Tom

[Simon]

Thank you guys, very helpful.

 

Thanks NB. Looks like I may have to return a few impulse purchases to the auction site.

 

Thanks for such a comprehensive post Charlie! I could easily be drawn by the expensive rigs and burn a big hole in my pocket, however, with my nil experience, I guess it wouldn't make much difference at this stage.

 

Budget... well, to start me off, I'm hoping to be able to get a basic setup for around the

Edited July 17, 2008 by Simon

[Gnasher]

rods on a budget- get a pair of Diawa Vitesse 12lb class. about 50quid each and i would say that apart from looking the dogs, they have the best action you will ever see in a budget rod and would knock the socks off anything else in that price range.

 

Multipliers vary in price, but you can get cheap reels that are very good. Cheap reels that have a level wind normally give poor line lay, so look for a reel without a levelwind and thumb it across instead. Infact, i wouldn't buy a reel with a levelwind at all.

 

Star drag or not! Up to you, but most prefere a lever drag, although i like the star drag, and have no qualms in using one with a star drag.

 

20lb braid on the 12lb class outfit will provide great sport for inshore species like hounds, bream, bass, and the smaller ray species upto 15lb or so!

 

You only need to go heavier if you are fishing at anchor in very deepwater, or your fishing for tope, congers, winter cod and blonde rays but 20-30lb class would be the max anyway, with 30lb braid ok.

 

Rigs are easy if you know how, but if you just wanted a few bites, then baited feathers work a treat, and will catch most inshore species and no prep needed.

 

Danny

 

P.S, don't listen to Tom, hes a tackle tart and doesn't use cheap rods.lol . Solid C rods are fine just playing Tom

Edited July 17, 2008 by Gnasher

[great white]

Hi Simon

 

Did you say somewhere that you sail at Parkstone YC

 

if so if you can get in early one thursday i will stop on for a chat

 

Tackle is a lot of personal choice, but one thing to remember is that hardly anyone pays retail prices

 

have a look on the websites

 

Veals, Alderney angling UK Hooks and compare prices to what is on offer.

 

That said Dan my son bought two excellent rods from Andy in Poole Angling centre the other week for

[Jim]

Rig Lessones eh?

 

I'll bring my specs.

 

 

[Simon]

Great stuff, thanks. I can see this is not going to be an easy choice. I can feel myself wanting to increase the budget already. Well... I better see if I can hook any fish first.

 

I'm going to wait until after next months meeting before I buy anything else. Bought a star drag real but I do like the sound of lever drag.

 

Thanks for the offer Charlie, usually back in the club house by 9ish. Will drop you a PM.

 

Rigging lessons I wish, I've only been crewing 5 years... It's as complicated as this fishing lark