Simple setup all that’s needed to get started fishing

Visit any fishing tackle store and you might be overwhelmed with the selection of what is “required” to go fishing. There are lures, jigs, plugs and poppers of every color and shape and rod and reels of every price range. The truth is that a stick, string, hook, weight and optional bobber is all it takes to have a fun evening of fishing at the lake.

Let’s discuss what you really need.

For your stick and string, an inexpensive push-button reel with six- to 10-pound monofilament string will catch most fish. This type of spincast fishing outfit is widely available for a range of prices. Fishing rod and reel sets for about $30 will last a lifetime. Better yet, most of us know a grandpa, uncle or neighbor who will have one of these sitting in the shop that will be free for the asking. This style of fishing rod seldom wears out and may just need new string and grease. Don’t be shy: That grandpa or neighbor also probably will help and go fishing with you if you ask.

For a relaxing fishing trip, leave the lures at home or at the store for now. Using a simple and versatile hook-and-weight fishing rig will catch trout, catfish, bullheads and panfish, such as bluegill, bass and crappie.

For the hook, smaller is more effective than too big. A bait-holder hook, which has barbs along the shank in addition to the point, in sizes 6 to 10 will cover small bluegill up to 10-pound catfish. Add a few one- to two-inch bobbers, small split-shot weights and quarter-once sliding egg sinkers and you have all the tackle you need. Total tackle cost should be less than $15.

To catch a catfish or bullhead, place the egg sinker on the line, then a split shot with about 18 inches from the end, and tie a size 6 hook on the end of the line. Bait with worms, uncooked hot dog chunks or lunch meat. Cast this rig out and let it settle to the bottom. To snag your fish, let it pull the string freely away and set the hook with a gentle yank on the pole when you are confident they committed to eating the bait.

For panfish and trout, skip the egg sinker and just place the split shot about 18 inches from the end with a No. 8 or 10 hook tied to the end of the string. This is a simple rig that can be fished on the bottom or floated by adding a bobber above the split shot. Bait can be worms, crickets or just about anything you find in your pantry, including corn, scraps of meat and balled up bread.

Handy tools to have include a long-nose pliers to add the split shot and nail clippers to trim the string.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details on fishing rigs and tackle, a helpful resource for all things beginner is the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish. Buy a fishing permit at OutdoorNebraska.org.

How to plan successful fishing trip

Having a successful fishing trip depends on how you plan for success. Planning will help regardless if your goal is to catch a state record fish, or escape from chores for the day.

Remember that some days we catch fish on bare hooks, while others days we just go fishing. Prepare and plan to have fun and you will never be disappointed.

The following are few planning tips and hints: Plan where to fish – Nebraska has more than 200 lakes that are open the public. Each of these is listed in the Nebraska Fishing Guide with a description of the location, amenities and the fish present. This guide and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website – OutdoorNebraska. org – include a listing of Family Friendly Lakes and those that are accessible. These locations are sure to be comfortable and most likely good fish-catching opportunity.

Plan to be safe and comfortable – In the summer, fishing during the middle of the day can be hot and a sun-burning experience. Consider such conditions and plan accordingly; bring sunscreen, water and a shade shelter. Or, wait until it cools off in the evening when the fish also are more active. If you are sneaking off to fish on your own at a remote lake, let someone know your plans.

Plan your equipment – Depending on what you want to catch, or more important, what you want to carry, will help decide what to include. You really only need a stick with a string and hook. But really, just take one or two fishing poles per angler and basic gear. Keep the tackle simple for what you want to catch. Leave the huge tackle box at home or in the car. A long-nose-pliers and nail clippers are handy tools that fit into a small pack with the rest of your tackle.

Plan to have fun – Essential fishing trip items should always include the things that make the trip an enjoyable adventure. The first item is an expectation of fun whatever the fishing outcome. Equipment and supplies that make it an enjoyable adventure include snacks and drinks, field guides for birds, or mushrooms, or whatever your interest, lawn chairs, a ball or Frisbee to burn off extra energy, and a Plan B for when conditions change.

Plan a Plan B – Nearly every lake in Nebraska is near a small town that can offer adventure. The local diner likely will serve a fish dinner to replace the fish you didn’t catch or chose not to keep. Hide from the heat or rain in a junk shop in search of a memento for the day. Accomplish Great Park Pursuit stops while traveling to and from your fishing destination. Regardless of what you ended up doing, your fishing trip was more memorable than the chores you left for tomorrow.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details on planning a fishing adventure, a helpful resource for all things beginner is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish. For information on the Great Park Pursuit, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/ greatparkpursuit. Buy a fishing permit at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Stay in the know!

To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or  in the Google Play Store.