so I'm 13 years old and I'm gonna get a job at kfc soon, mate I need my own gear and im gonna start by gettin a decent rod Thats afordable and im gonna need some lure i want to get one hard body and one or two soft plastic im not an expert at fishing but ive done as a kid but now im into it mate.

Question

so I'm 13 years old and I'm gonna get a job at kfc soon, mate I need my own gear  and im gonna start by gettin a decent rod Thats afordable and im gonna need some lure i want to get one hard body and one or two soft plastic im not an expert at fishing but ive done as a kid but now im into it mate.

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Nice plan, kiddo! You’re thinking smart and you’ve picked a great goal—start with a simple, affordable setup and learn as you go. Here’s a beginner-friendly path to get you out THERE soon.** 🎣

- **Gear quick plan (budget-friendly):**
  - Rod length: about 6.5–7 feet, medium action. Versatile for a bunch of freshwater species and easy to cast for beginners.
  - Reel: a 2000–2500 size spinning reel that’s smooth and lightweight to handle small lures.
  - Line: start with 8–12 lb monofilament, or 10–15 lb braid with a small 6–8 lb mono leader for lighter presentations.
  
- **Lure setup (one hard body, one or two soft plastics):**
  - One hard-bodied lure: a small minnow/crankbait-style lure (lipless or shallow-diver) works great for learning casts and retrieves. A solid starter option from the linked tackle kits below: [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).
  - One soft plastic lure (4–5 inches): a straight-tail worm or a curly-tail grub is perfect for beginners and easy to fish slowly along edges. Try: [PLUSINNO 128Pcs All-in-One Fishing Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2493GPG?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) or [24-Piece Fishing Lure Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGXTPLML?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).
  - Optional second soft plastic: a paddle-tail swimbait can give extra action if you want to try something with more motion. Check options like [Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Kits](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J4CR24K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).
  
- **How to rig soft plastics:** use a light jig head or a small weight with the soft bait; cast, pause, and then slowly retrieve. Keep your rod tip up and reel steady to feel the bite.

- **Basic knots to learn:** start with the Improved Clinch Knot for most lures and the Palomar Knot for heavier lines. Quick knots teach you save time and avoid lost lures.

- **Weather and early-spring note:** Early spring can wake up the fish as water warms. The weather data provided shows ~70.4°F with partly cloudy skies and light wind (about 3.8 mph). That combination is pretty good for a morning or late afternoon session. Fish often hug weed edges, structure, and banks after winter; a slow, steady presentation near cover tends to work well on these days.

- **Practical tips to start:**
  - Practice casting in the yard or a park before your first trip so you’re not fumbling near the water. 
  - Go to a calm pond or slow river with visible edges; look for weed lines, logs, or rocks where fish like to hang.
  - Bring a small tackle box, extra hooks, weights, and a simple plan for how to switch between lures if one isn’t getting bites.

- **YouTube primers for beginners (real fishing, not games):**
  - How to Start Fishing – A guide to your first days fishing: [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atd28n7CB-c)
  - Understanding Fishing Rods and Basics of How to Buy a Fishing Pole: [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfdH1nLfIU)
  - Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear – How to Start Fishing With a Rod and Reel: [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhBPNUXYis)

- **Encouragement:** You’re already thinking ahead and taking steps now. Start with a simple setup, stay curious, and keep practicing—you’ll be landing your first fish in no time. Tight lines, mate! 🐟👍

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