"Matt (IS Team)" wrote in message
...

"Steve Homer" wrote in message
. ..
snip
I would agree that a cheap (and short) pole is good start...

I'd recommend something along the line of:

EA licence (£22 from Post Office or online)
5 or 6 metre pole/whip (elasticated with a 6) -ask the tackle shop to so
this for you! [Look to pay around £10]
2 or 3 ready made rigs (tackle dealer will be able to advise based on
local
waters) [£2.50 each]
Spare hooks-to-nylon (tackle dealer will be able to advise based on rigs
above) [£2]
Disgorger [50p]
Scissors [£1]
Landing net (maybe 20") and handle (min 2 metre) [£10]
Bait box (1 pint) [£75p]

You might already have a folding chair and a bag to keep your tackle in,
if
not, these can had cheaper at a camping shop...

You don't need all the latest (and expensive) gear to catch a lot of fish,
I
caught my first fish (at around age 6) with a homemade bamboo rod with
line
just tied to the end...

I would be a good idea to go to your local waters and chat to those
fishing
them, see what they catch (and on what bait/tackle) before reaching for
your
wallet...
Also, read up as much as you can, there are a few fishing mag's/weekly's.
'Improve your Coarse Fishing' is quite good. And see what they have at
your
local library/book shop - 'Still Water Angling' by Richard Walker is
excellent, quite old now (published over 50 years ago) but very very good.
When I was a kid I had a book by Peter Tomlinson (IIRC) that was very
useful, I forget the title though...
There are also some good programmes on Home and Leisure, look out for John
Wilson and Matt Hayes (Wet Nets, Total Fishing and The Great Rod Race).
There are others, but these two stand out IMHO...

It might be worth asking friends/relatives/colleagues if they fish, as
going
for the first time with someone more experienced will be invaluable, they
might also be able to lend you some tackle so you can see what's what
before
buying...
You can one day fishing licences for around £2.50 I think, which would be
useful for your first visit, afterall you might not like it!

Anyway, welcome to the community, we're friendly sorts and most will be
happy to help out...


__
Matt
I think Matt has just about said it all. The short cheap pole would
probably be a whip. You don't have to get far out to catch fish. Just under
your feet quite often. When you get you rig (the float line and hook)
attached to your pole it will be worth putting a heavy weight (a Plummet) on
the end and checking the depth in and around the area you intend to fish.
This will give you an idea of where the fish are. likely to be. You could
start with maggots as hook bait. While you are fishing just chuck a couple
in every few minutes around the float.

If you want to learn a bit more, try this website
http://www.floatsgone.btinternet.co.uk/

Most of all enjoy yourself. Look at the wildlife.