Your better off than I am... 38 year old newbie ! But as said before read all the "how to" arcticles at this site... very helpfull...... Some advice from another newbie: Do not go out and buy all the fancy equpiment (rods reels baits etc.) until learn how to locate the fish (best equip in the world will not help if there is no fish present)...... I had to get me a baitcaster cuase thats what all the pros use.. and you know what.. I cuaght more fish with it ! rest of the story- Id get my bites while imma cussing and pickin' out the ever so present backlash ! : Plastic worms t-rigged and spinner baits worked for me (and patience).....