Thread: first timer

Hello all! Ive just moved from west TN. Ive caught lots of bream, crappie and bass back home, but ive never put a hook in salt water. I need someone to tell me what gear & tackle I need to buy & where to get it. I need info on everything from rods & reels to bait & hooks. Thanks - looking forward to getting out there!

Go to J&M, they will get you started without a hard sell.

Originally Posted by craigt

Go to J&M, they will get you started without a hard sell.

thank you -

Then maybe your next step might be to watch and ask questions. Watch those who are catching fish most folks will help.

Jeff, do you know what type of fishing you'd like to start out doing? Your best bet is doing what Craig said and just tell them at the tackle store that you need to get a setup and they'll guide you for what you need regarding different species of fish.

Never be afraid to ask a "dumb" question on here, and having experience in fresh water fishing gives you a leg up compared to someone who has never fished at all. The transition from fresh to salt fishing is minimal in my opinion. Lastly, when it warms up, walk out on the pier and just watch. It gives you a better understanding of how fishing to pier works(netting/gaffing fish, fighting a fish around numerous lines out, and overall pier courtesy.)

good luck bro and welcome to the forum.

Welcome TN Jeff!

I agree with the advise to observe and ask and J&M is a great place to outfit you.
But don't underestimate your present skills and tackle.
Much of what you have and what you have learned is applicable to saltwater fishing with just a few 'tweaks'.
The most common mistake I've seen (1st time) 'sweetwater' folks make is actually overestimating the size and weight of tackle they need for pier and surf fishing, when in fact they already possess the basics to get them started (probably ;-)

I heartily endorse the advice to go to J&M Tackle, and Snake was right on, too. Just like we tell our kids, saying, "Thanks", "Do you mind?" and all the other polite stuff is like having the keys to the treasury---most people are more than willing to help out.

I fully agree with Pier#r, I was even able to catch this Alabama Anchovy with a KingKat rod and a broken reel that had been in the family since the '50s.

LOL
it ain't rocket surgery! huh Craig ;-)

Thanks so much for the advice; I guess I need to figure out what I'm after- I'm reading online to find what fish bite and when. Can anyone recommend a resource (website, etc) that can help me out on this?