In article , Dom
wrote:
It's been 20 years since I last fished, but living now within a stones
throw of the river Wye it seems criminal to waste such an accessible
fishery.

Criminal indeed - go for it :-)

I'm daunted to say the least though about the massive choice in gear
available. It seems there is a rod/reel/line etc for every type of
fish.

No.
There are a dozen rods and reels for each of the more gullible type of
angler. If you only want to catch fish a couple should be enough to get you
started - one strong one and one medium one. You have no need for flimsier
tackle on a river like the Wye.

I figure the wye (near me anyway) is good for barbel, chub, roach,
perch, pike.
I'm a fan of John Wilson from his tv programmes and I found that he
has his own line in gear (masterline). There's an avon rod and reel
that he does that looks suitable for general river fishing?

Well, you'll always pay a bit more for a fancy name. There are very few
genuinely bad rods and reels manufactured nowadays so just get one about 12'
that feels right to you and will handle a 3-5lb bs line. About a 1lb test
curve should be ok. Use this rod 'til the winter when you may want
another.

Does anyone have any suggestions for gear and any "how to" or
"beginners guide" fishing books/websites that I can use to learn the
basics again.

Visit your local and library and read all the older angling books. Dont
bother with anything published since you last fished.

Don't buy -any- tackle that you don't already recognise and know how to use.

After six months or so you will be ready to assess the newer tackle. 90% of
it is a waste of money - only of use if you insist on persisting against the
odds. In your case you will be able to keep a rod set up and only wander
down to the water at the better moments: Lucky b******r

Cheerio,

--