1. License
Adults need one. Kids 15 and under don't. First-time buyers pay less. License guide →
2. Gear
A 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6-pound line. Small hooks, split shot, a few bobbers and pliers. Nightcrawlers or wax worms from a bait shop.
3. Start with bluegill
They live in almost every lake, bite all day and are good to eat. Worm on a small hook, 2 to 4 feet under a bobber, near weeds or a dock. Bluegill lakes →
4. Pick a lake
Look for a public launch or a fishing pier. Print the free Lake Sheet: depth map, rules and today's best times. Lake finder →
Good habits
- Know the size and bag limits before you keep a fish. They're on every lake page.
- Clean, drain, dry your boat and gear. Never dump bait in the lake.
- Wet your hands before handling a fish you'll let go.
- Wear a life jacket in the boat. Kids too.