So I decided to try out fishing, initially solicited advice from FIL and bought an inexpensive rod from Walmart (Zebco 202 combo $20). His justification was that a spin caster is easier to manage for someone new and it is a low upfront investment if I don't like fishing.
Got my fishing license, some starter hooks and bait, and started to research species in the local ponds/lakes near me. There are a bunch of small ponds in the Haverhill area with this mix of fish listed on the wildlife reports:
"Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. Trout are stocked in the spring."
So I have started practicing casting with the Zebco and its OK however I definitely think I would prefer to upgrade to something a bit nicer if I am going to put in the effort of leaning how to cast well.
So does anyone have a good suggestion of the best places to check out options in the Essex County/Merrimack Valley area for beginner fishing equipment. I know I could always just piece together stuff from online or shop at a place like Bass Pro but would appreciate any insights on good shops to get equipment from or suggestions on equipment that is a bit of a step up.
My budget would probably be $100 for rod and reel.
Got my fishing license, some starter hooks and bait, and started to research species in the local ponds/lakes near me. There are a bunch of small ponds in the Haverhill area with this mix of fish listed on the wildlife reports:
"Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. Trout are stocked in the spring."
So I have started practicing casting with the Zebco and its OK however I definitely think I would prefer to upgrade to something a bit nicer if I am going to put in the effort of leaning how to cast well.
So does anyone have a good suggestion of the best places to check out options in the Essex County/Merrimack Valley area for beginner fishing equipment. I know I could always just piece together stuff from online or shop at a place like Bass Pro but would appreciate any insights on good shops to get equipment from or suggestions on equipment that is a bit of a step up.
My budget would probably be $100 for rod and reel.