The Top 5 Most Essential Pieces of Freshwater Fishing Gear Needed to Get Started Cheap

You can get all the basic supplies you need to outfit your freshwater fishing relatively cheap. Whether you are starting out from scratch or seeking for a few updates to your equipment, this guide will outline the essentials at some of the best prices.

1. Fishing pole - you will need a sturdy pole that will hold up to medium to large fish weight with at least 12 lb line, preferably heavier weight closer to 20 or 30. I recommend the Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater Spinning Combo for him or the Shakespeare Ladyfish Bigwater spinning combo for her. This Alpha is a sleek 8' 2-piece medium-heavy rod with 20 pound line. These cast well from a boat or a pier. They run in the $30 - $40 range at Walmart and Amazon.com online.

2. Fishing Net - nets are essential because they prevent you from losing your catch and extend your reach, especially useful if fishing alone. If you need a short handled net, I would recommend the Frabill Rubber Handled Trout Landing Net 3670 available at Amazon.com for $12.97. This net has a D shape and a micromesh net, absolute perfection. It will not gill trout and your catch won't get caught in the bottom of the net due to the construction of the mesh and the design which works well for catch and release as well as taking photos boat-side of your catch.

3. Fishing Gloves - these are essential to providing grip for your catch. Gloves can range from fillet gloves ($5) to bigger bulkier gloves with lining ($30 to $50). I would recommend Field & Stream Neoprene Fishing Gloves which are available at many brick and mortar retail sportsmen stores and Amazon.com online for $10 to $12 depending on size. These are great for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

4. Waders - Waders are more convenient then boots because you can venture into deeper waters and marshy areas without risking a soggy leg. If you plan on doing a lot of fishing on your feet rather than off a boat or pier, I would recommend the Hodgman Caster Rubber Hip Waders w/Cleated Soles which are reasonably priced at $29.99 new. The cleated soles provide grip over rocky or slick surfaces and the height is excellent because it works for almost all fishing spots. Boots are about $5 less and chest waders can be found for about $10 more if you search for a good deal. If I had to choose one, boots or waders, I would choose waders because they are more versatile.

5. Tackle box - if you are just starting out then a Plano Tackle Box with 136 pieces for $12.99 and eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping program from Amazon.com online would be a good choice or another similar kit at a local store. This way you have worms, hooks, sinkers, various bait, lures, etc. and a place to store it all.

If you already own a tackle box and have the basics, then a nice jig or lure kit would be a good addition to start this fishing season off. If you want one for a variety of gamefish, then Danielson's Multipiece Gamefish Kit available for only $8.95 on Amazon.com might be the perfect new addition to your box.

Now you are ready to start freshwater fishing, so go catch a winner! Don't forget to bring a camera to photograph your catch. If you catch a big one, drop me a line by sending a picture and I will be happy to post it on my website in the fishing section which is listed in the resources here. Now you get going fishing, you hear? You sure don't want to miss that big one!