A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FISHING

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Though many recommend a closed-faced, or spin-casting, reel for the beginner, I prefer the open-faced because it's simple to operate and, well, open. When the line tangles during a cast (it will), you'll be able to get at that bird's nest without disassembling the reel itself. And, though an open-faced spinning outfit may take a little more practice than the closed-faced variety, I think it ultimately offers more casting distance and control.

Of course, you will have to practice. Fortunately, all you need to complete your training are an open field or large back yard and a small (1/4- to 1/2-ounce) lead sinker. Just tie the weight to the end of your line and follow the instructions in the accompanying sidebar. Don't be discouraged when your first attempts at casting misfire. The correct rhythm and touch will come quickly, and in a short time you should develop enough casting range and accuracy to allow you to continue to perfect your skills while you're fishing!

COURTESY OF CABELA'S 812 13TH AVENUE SIDNEY NEBRASKA 69160

Terminal Tackle

Though the term sounds imposing (and you'll be hoping your gear does prove terminal to a dinner's worth of fillets), terminal tackle simply means the hooks, sinkers, bobbers and artificial lures that you'll be fastening to the end of your line before you cast in search of fish. Once again, the choices are wide enough to be overwhelming, but a few basic purchases should get you underway.

The accompanying photograph includes, I think, everything you'll need to stock a "barebones" tackle box.

A Bit About Bait

Artificial lures catch fish and don't smell when you leave them in the refrigerator too long, but in many instances it's hard to beat live bait. For freshwater fishing, there's no more versatile bait than the earthworm (it ain't called angleworm for nothing). Other good choices are minnows (make sure the ones you use are native to the water you're fishing . . . "imports" may catch fish, but they may also disturb the environmental balance if several escape). Crayfish (also called crawdads) are effective, too, particularly in the spring and early summer, when they've shed one exoskeleton and not yet fully formed another. ("Softshells" are one of the all-time best baits for smallmouth bass.) Other choices for fresh water include, but aren't limited to, frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, various salamanders, hellgrammites and anything else that fish routinely eat.

Saltwater baits also come in a wide variety. If you decide to do ocean angling, ask around at your local bait shop or pier and find out what's hot and what's not. (Cut mullet, sandworms, bloodworms, squid and shrimp are a few favorites.)

Wetting the Line

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