ABW

This past summer I was fishing with a friend in a local park, and a kid that is doing community service tells me that I'm not allowed to fish. (It's legal to fish here and I wasn't littering or anything.) Then, he threatened to call the DNR and get my "poles taken away". I said go ahead sarcastically and he told me that he was going to punch me in the face.. Another time I was fishing alone when some kids nearby started yelling at me asking me if I had my license, and that they were going to get me arrested because I didn't respond. (I'm 16 so I don't need one here, but I'll be sure to get one when I'm 18. So not really getting in trouble, but I thought I'd share.

It really depends on the person. Glass will be a little heavier than your typical graphite rod, so it might take some getting used to. Glass composite will have the best of both worlds, and composite will be more sensitive. I prefer glass. For the gear ratio, as long as you're not throwing deep divers, a 6.x:1 is what I prefer. Again, everyone has their preference.

The Rod Glove is what I use. They make covers for micro guides, but I don't have experience with them.

I like the skirted legs. They create a bigger profile when walked in the water, allowing the fish to hone in on the lure

If you really want a good baitcaster for your first one, I'd recommend that you save up some money and buy a little bit more expensive reel. There are a lot of great deals on 200+ dollar reels that you can find for a lot less. If you get a cheap reel, you will want to upgrade... trust me, I've went through this myself. Buy a great reel for your first one and you'll be satisfied. If not, there are good options in the 100 dollar range too, like others have posted. Baitcasters are not too complicated to use. I would suggest throwing braid when you first start fishing with it, because I did and found it very easy to pull out backlashes.

The lube port for me is handy because I can't take anything apart without breaking / losing something. Maybe he is the same way.

Find a secondary hobby because fishing is dead for me right now lol

If you're going to be using texas rigs, it will be nice to have a very sensitive rod. Go with the more expensive one. It doesn't have to be in the 200+ dollar range, either.

The tourney pro is super sweet for jigs 1/4-3/8 oz. If you're going to be throwing topwaters like frogs then I would get the BB1 Pro. I've thrown frogs on my Tourney Pro and it got the job done, but it could use some more cranking power.

You should watch it to find out

Single is sufficient for me. I use 15 lb fluorocarbon most of the time with it. With the thicker diameters the double will add bulk to your knot, so I believe it is better with lighter lines. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Whenever I threw a jig for the first time, I thought there was no way that a fish would eat this... I was wrong.

They are an off and on lure for me too.

Nice fish!! Some Hothands should take care of your freezing hands

Sounds like cabin fever has set in lol

I think those retail for like 40 bucks.

I've got 3. The older diesel, the older max, and the endurance. All great rods for the price in my opinion.

Yeah, they work all year long.

Gamakatsu

We all had to start as beginners too plus there can still be a lot to be learned for all of us..

Welcome to the sport and the forums!! Just give it some time, you'll be spending a LOT more money than you'd wish...

I mean you get what you pay for so there must be a catch to it... and from what I see Stradic's don't cost 400 dollars. Rather buy a well known, quality reel than waste your money trying to buy a bunch of cheap ones.

Berkley Big Game and Sunline Sniper

Serrated scissors. Or my Benchmade Griptilian if I don't have scissors on me

I've also hooked a goose on accident... Fishing at night with a buzzbait and as soon as I make an overhead cast the thing flies out of nowhere, tangles up with my line midair, and since it still had momentum going forward in the water when it landed, it caused my buzzbait to zip right to it and then it even got more tangled up.