The Beginner's Guide to Fishing Gear: What Aussie Families Actually Need
If you're new to fishing, the gear wall at any tackle shop can be overwhelming - dozens of rod types, reels, lines, and enough lures to sink a boat.
This guide cuts through it: the beginner fishing gear you actually need to get a family fishing trip off the ground, what you can skip until later, and where Anaconda's fishing range fits in if you're kitting out for the first time.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Answer: What Fishing Gear Do You Actually Need?
For a first fishing trip, you need four things:
- A rod-and-reel combo suited to where you're fishing
- A small starter pack of terminal tackle including hooks, sinkers and swivels
- A few reliable lures or some bait
- Something to carry it all in
Everything else - waders, marine electronics and a tackle wall's worth of lures - can wait until you know what you actually use.
The Core Fishing Kit: What You Actually Need First
Strip it back and every fishing trip needs the same four things:
- A rod and reel - ideally a matched combo so you're not guessing whether they suit each other
- A small terminal tackle pack - hooks, sinkers, swivels and maybe a couple of pre-made rigs
- Bait or a handful of reliable lures
- Somewhere to put it all - even a small tackle box beats a plastic bag
Everything past this point is an upgrade, not a requirement.
It's easy to walk into a tackle shop intending to buy a basic setup and walk out with hundreds of dollars of gear you didn't need for a first trip.
Choosing a Rod & Reel Combo
A combo - a rod and reel sold matched and ready to go - is the easiest entry point for a beginner.
You don't have to work out whether the reel suits the rod or whether the setup is appropriate for the type of fishing you're planning.
Anaconda stocks combos from established brands including Shimano, Daiwa, PENN and Abu Garcia, ranging from entry-level setups through to more specialised gear.
For someone starting out, a light, all-round spin combo is generally a sensible option if you aren't sure what type of fishing you'll do most.
It can cover a range of situations such as estuary, jetty and lighter beach fishing while you work out what you enjoy.
Kids' Fishing Combos
For families, kids' combos are worth considering.
A rod that's sized and weighted for smaller hands can make it much easier for a child to actually cast, hold and reel in a fish themselves.
That's important because fishing is much more exciting for kids when they're actively involved rather than simply watching an adult do everything.
For more ideas on getting children involved in fishing, see our Family Fishing Trip Guide
Terminal Tackle 101: Hooks, Sinkers, Swivels & Rigs
"Terminal tackle" sounds complicated, but it's really just the equipment that connects your fishing line to your bait or hook.
Hooks
The hook is the part that actually catches the fish.
For beginners, a small selection of suitable hooks is usually enough to get started.
Sinkers
Sinkers add weight to your rig.
They can help cast your bait further and get it down to the depth where you're fishing.
Swivels
Swivels help reduce line twisting and can make connecting different parts of your rig easier.
Pre-Made Rigs
Pre-made rigs have already been assembled with components such as hooks, sinkers and swivels.
They're particularly handy when you're learning and don't yet feel confident tying your own rigs.
Floats
Floats suspend your bait at a particular depth and can also provide a visual indication when a fish takes the bait.
You don't need every size and style available.
A small variety pack covering the basics is generally a much better starting point than buying an entire tackle wall.
Matching Your Gear to Where You're Fishing
Your fishing location should influence the gear you choose.
Estuary or Jetty Fishing
A light, all-round spin combo will suit many beginner situations.
Beach or Rock Fishing
You'll generally need a longer rod to help with casting distance, along with line and tackle suited to larger fish and potentially rougher conditions.
Freshwater or Dam Fishing
Lighter gear is often suitable for many freshwater situations, depending on the species you're targeting.
If you already know what species you're targeting, shopping by species can be a useful way to narrow down the huge range of fishing equipment available.
Don't Forget the Extras
A few items are easy to forget until you're already standing beside the water.
Fishing Shirt
Sun protection matters enormously when you're spending hours outdoors.
A proper fishing shirt can provide additional protection while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Tackle Box or Bag
Keeping your hooks, sinkers, swivels, lures and other small equipment organised is far better than throwing everything into a plastic bag.
Net or Gaff
If you're targeting larger fish, having an appropriate landing tool can make landing your catch much easier.
Always make sure you're using equipment that's appropriate and legal for your location and target species.
Anaconda Adventure Club
Anaconda's Adventure Club is free to join and may provide member benefits, so it's worth checking the current membership benefits before making your first purchase.
Next: In Part 2, we'll look at the most common beginner fishing mistakes, how to build a starter or family kit, and whether buying your fishing gear from Anaconda makes sense.