How Much Does It Cost to Start Fishing and How Do I Get Started?
Fishing should be fun and enjoyable above all else. That's why it's worth considering your equipment. Tangled lines, broken rods, or lost fish are not what fishing is all about.
To start fishing, all you need is a basic rod and bait or a spinning rod and lure. So why do some enthusiasts spend thousands on fishing gear?
It’s about the pleasure and satisfaction you get from being in nature, searching for fish, spending time with friends, and enjoying great fishing days. Good equipment makes fishing more enjoyable.
Whether you’re young or old, the most important thing is to get out by the water and enjoy fishing.
When buying fishing gear, it can feel like you’re spending a fortune. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I work as a fishing instructor at Svartå Fishing, and one of our goals in every course is to get people excited and continue fishing independently after the course. That’s why we also go through equipment and how everyone can get started without large expenses.
Fishing costs can often be a barrier, especially for young people, to start the hobby. It’s important to help them understand that fishing doesn’t have to be expensive.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Take some time to choose the right equipment before you buy it for yourself or your child. Even though I spend a lot of time fishing and have tried gear at all price points, one set stands out for its price-quality ratio.
The "Patriot Fireball Spinning Set" with rod, reel, and pre-spooled line costs as little as under €50 (normally €59.99 - €69.99) from Happy Angler's online store. Check out the Fireball sets and get yours.
Fireball is so affordable that I initially avoided the set, thinking you couldn’t get a good setup for under €100. Nowadays, it’s part of our basic selection for fishing courses and serves as a concrete example for every participant that starting fishing doesn’t have to cost more than this. The Fireball rod has handled both large pike (+5 kg/+11 lbs) and big trout (+3.5 kg/+8 lbs).
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
I believe many anglers can relate when I say that the rod and reel are like the pizza crust of fishing equipment.
“A bad pizza crust can’t be saved even by good toppings”. -Lennart
However, this doesn't mean you need to spend outrageous amounts on a fishing rod. When buying a rod, first and foremost, consider what you want from the equipment. Sensitivity, sturdiness, or perhaps ease of use? Read the rod selection tips from Happy Angler and Kalastajan Kanava here.
Ask yourself these questions before buying fishing equipment:
- What features do I want from the gear?
- How heavy are the lures I will use? (The rod has a lure weight class)
- Do I need sensitivity in the rod tip or perhaps a strong backbone? (e.g., for perch/pike)
- Do I want to focus on a specific species, or is it more important to fish diversely?
- How much am I willing to spend?
(Don’t hesitate to ask for help in choosing equipment and getting started with fishing.)
If you’re buying equipment for someone starting out, I recommend picking something other than the cheapest option. You don’t need to spend a lot, but the cheapest gear often doesn’t provide the full fishing experience.
Poor equipment can lead to frustration, and interest may fade after the first fishing trip, but with the right gear and good conditions, fishing can become a lifelong hobby. The most important thing is to get out there and hold that rod!
Tight Lines to Everyone!
Text: Lennart Tuominen, Svartå fishing
