>>1244927I would say that for most thinks, a simple open-bale rod set up would work. Fly-fishing is fun and cool, but is a lot more nuanced. Go get an Ugly Stick rod; they're pretty cheap, and the nylon tip make the fish feel a lot more exciting while you're starting out.
As far as what fish to catch, grab em all. Toss back what you don't like, it's all fun. I'm in Texas, so White Bass (Sandies) are super easy to catch, but really aren't that tasty. Still, we like taking people on a lake to catch them, cause it's super fun anyways. Flounder are pretty good to eat, trout is always appreciated (if it's in season), and mackerel are great!
As far as tackle and bait is concerned, try a little of everything. Tackle's cheap, and having a broad array of bait, colors, and set-ups means you can roll with anything. I have a standard size tackle bag, with 5 Plano organizers. One has crank baits in different depths, one has crappie rigs, one has a crap ton of hooks for different rigs, one has plastic worms and lizzards, and the last is bobbers and weights. Got some nasty shad and dough bait for catfishing, too, but they're in ziplocks.
Go play around, and don't get discouraged. Also, don't be afraid to talk to people out fishing. If I see somebody catch something, I go over and say hey; everybody likes to show off a nice catch, and they'll usually tell ya what they used.
Look for plants in the water, and go for shady areas during the summer. Fish don't like the open and deep water anymore than you do. The small ones hide in the shallows, the big ones go where they can eat the small ones.
