10 Essential Fishing Items Every Beginner Needs

🎯 Intro: Getting Hooked on Fishing

If you’re new to fishing and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. The UK has over 30,000 miles of rivers, thousands of lakes, and countless coastal spots — all waiting to be explored.

But before you hit the bank or shore, there are a few must-have items that will make your first fishing trips easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

This guide walks you through 10 essential fishing items for beginners, with direct links to affordable gear you can order today from our GetHookt shop ».

 

 

🧰 1. Fishing Rod & Reel Combo

A starter rod and reel set is the best option for beginners. Look for:

 

    • A spinning rod (easy to use and versatile)

    • Medium action (handles both small and medium fish)

    • Pre-spooled reel (less setup stress)

 

🛒 Shop rod & reel kits »

 

 

🪝 2. Hooks & Floats

You’ll need a small selection of:

 

    • Barbed or barbless hooks (size 10–16 for most coarse fish)

    • A few floats for stillwater fishing

 

Tip: Buy a hook-to-nylon set to save time on tying.

 

 

🪱 3. Bait & Lures

Live bait like worms or maggots works best for beginners, but you can also use:

 

    • Soft plastic lures

    • Corn

    • Pellets or boilies

 

🛒 We sell ready-to-use bait kits and soft lures here:
Explore bait and tackle »

 

 

🎒 4. Tackle Box or Bag

Stay organised with a compact tackle box to hold your hooks, weights, scissors, and floats.
Look for:

 

    • Small compartments

    • Waterproof seal

    • Carry handle or clip-on

 

🛒 Browse tackle storage gear »

 

 

⚖️ 5. Weights & Split Shot

You’ll need these to keep your bait near the bottom or to balance your float.
Start with:

 

    • Mixed split shot tin

    • A few inline weights if you’re trying ledgering

 

 

 

🧤 6. Forceps or Hook Remover

A must-have for safe unhooking — especially with barbed hooks or if you’re catching-and-releasing.

Bonus: Doubles as a handy tool for removing tangles or knots.

 

 

🎣 7. Landing Net

Essential for safely bringing your fish in once hooked.
Go for:

 

    • A foldable net with a telescopic handle

    • Rubber mesh to avoid harming fish

 

🛒 Shop beginner landing nets »

 

 

📜 8. Rod Licence (UK Legal Requirement)

In England and Wales, you legally need a rod licence from the Environment Agency before fishing freshwater.

✅ Buy online at GOV.UK Rod Licence »

 

 

🧢 9. Clothing: Hat, Polarised Glasses & Waterproofs

Dress for the weather. Essentials include:

 

    • Polarised sunglasses (cut glare on water, see fish better)

    • Waterproof jacket

    • Cap or hat for sun protection

 

🛒 [Outdoor wear coming soon to GetHookt!]

 

 

📱 10. Fishing Log App or Notebook

It helps to track:

 

    • What bait works where

    • What fish you caught

    • What conditions were like

 

You can also join local forums or apps like Fishbrain to log catches and get tips.

 

 

🛒 Bonus: Beginner Fishing Kits

Short on time or confused by all the gear? We’ve put together starter bundles that include everything above in one go.

👉 Browse Beginner Fishing Kits »

 

 

🧭 Final Tips for Beginner Anglers

 

    • Start local: Try a small lake or canal before heading to rivers

    • Keep it simple: You don’t need fancy gear to catch fish

    • Practice casting: Your first few trips are about learning, not records

    • Respect nature: Take your litter home and treat fish with care

 

 

 

🔗 Useful Resources