Fishing offers one the ultimate "Lewis & Clark" experience. You can go to your local lake or reservoir and find those secret spots holding the big ones with your friend, and continue that throughout a lifetime. You can share your adventures with others, and hopefully spark enthusiasm in those around you to also enjoy such times outside.

> > > > GET LICENSED!

First, please get your license if needed in your state.

Can't go much further until we have that!

When embarking on your journey, use all resources available to you. Read up on the latest fishing news and articles to help you understand what you're going after, and what you're getting into out there. Also, your best resource may be through "word of mouth". Start talking to people that fish in your area. Listen to where they go and what they catch. More importantly, listen to how they caught them and when. Once you identify a spot, you're one step closer to that first cast. Go with a clear area to "throw out", and look for coves that keep fish close. 

Also, check out any structure maps that may be available for your spot after you've
been there a couple of times.  It helps that you have been to the location prior to
reviewing the map and targeting your next trip.

> > > Keep safety in mind, and let someone know where you're going to be heading.

(Even if just a general idea is provided, it helps).

With your spot identified, call a friend and set the plan. Decide if you like an early or late start. Forgot about fishing between 12pm-3pm daily. You'll burn a lot of time just waiting. Take a break, since it seems the fish do then as well, from my years of being out there. Choose either a 5:45am checkpoint time, or a 3:00pm start-time. Trust me, you'll catch fish during these times. If you go at 5:45am, stay until around 12:00-12:30pm.  If they start hitting, stay until the run is over. Then, get some lunch, and if you think it's worth it, go back until dusk! Check the weather the day before (don't forget to check a moon phase calendar as well.  Read about fishing and a Full moon.

If you hear thunder, most likely lightning isn't far behind...
consider your options and get out of the area.

Before you head out, don't forget your stuff! Here are just some things to remind you of:

Fish Hooks
Fish hooks are an absolute need, of course. Using the right kind will make sure you see some action. Take a variety pack as a spare, to start with. Then, spend the money and get a couple of packs of high-end laser sharp or super sharp hooks. You'll break these out later, depending on the action out there for the day. Go with size #2 hooks. They will make sure you get a fish of good size, if they're out there hitting. If they have them, get some weedless hooks. These are crucial to have and carry with you.  The barbs on the hooks can be pushed down with a pair of needle-nose pliers, to make it easier on the fish (for catch and release). It tends to make the fishing a bit more challenging, and causes less harm to the fish. I recommend always taking your pliers and pushing the tip of the hook in towards the stem. This gives more of a "cane" effect, and helps when pulling the big one in. It works, because when I forget to do it the Largemouth tend to flip off the hook when they jump out of the water after what I thought was a complete hook-set.
Fishing Line
Fishing Line - Your main link to the water, and there a many to dazzle you when first looking. For example, you see braided lines and monofilaments. There's 2lb test and 15lb test. Lines that are easy to cast, and others that help with more abrasive bottoms. On top of that, you have to match this all to your rod and reel, and consider the bait you're using, and the fish you're going to go after. Fun, I say it is!

To start, get some good line, but NOT anything braided like Fireline. That's for later. Braided line is very strong, and really needs to be handled properly. Rod tips can break, your hands can get cut very badly, and too much of that line left in the water can be dangerous to others, and cause problems for other fisherman in that spot for years to come. Go with a 4lb test, easy casting monofilament. Buy a known brand like Berkley or Stren. Have them put the line on for you there and that part is all done.
Rods/Reels
Get an ultra-light set (spend about $30). Go with something that feels great when you pick it up and imagine yourself hitting your spot. Look for a combo-set as your first option. If not available, ask someone to help you match things up. It's important that the rod and reel match one another is scope. They need to work together and have a balanced operation.
Sinkers
There are a million different sinkers out there. Just get a combination pack of bullet weights or bass sinkers. Nothing fancy here. Nothing too big needed. Also, get a pack of split-shot weights as well.  You need weights to get the bait to the fish, but not too much that pulls it out of their mouths!
Bobbers & Floats
These are good to carry if the fish aren't hitting when using your sinkers. Grab several, just average sizes (not big or small). They clip on your line easily and hold the bait up at the level you set. Nothing crazy. Very easy to use. I have had great luck in coves with these around Maryland.
Plastics/Lures
Plastic baits and lures are great to bring, and you should take some your first time as well.  Ask your local store what's working, or look for what's sold out on the racks. If you see all the purple "Mr. Twisters" are sold out, you know what's working! Since this is one of your first times, don't focus too much on this area yet. You'll get frustrated fast, and lose a lot of money and tackle.  Just take a sampling to throw around if nothings hitting that day.
Baits
Since we are speaking about freshwater lakes and reservoirs, I just recommend night crawlers, crawfish, or shiners. These live baits crush in the waters. Ask your local store what size shiners they have. Smaller are for Crappies, Yellow Perch...etc. Bigger are for bigger fish - Northern Pike, Hybrid Stripers, Large LM Bass. Get 1-2 dozen of one, and take them with you. Keep worms out of the sun at your spot, and give your shiners fresh water constantly via your bait bucket.
Tackle Box - NONE! NO TACKLE BOXES ON THESE TRIPS, PLEASE! Way too bulky, and not needed. You want to travel light and practical. Get a waist pack, back-pack, or a large bucket, and put your stuff in there. Much better, and you can get out of a spot fast if the weather gets bad, or animals start to annoy you. Not to mention it's just much easier to get your things out and on your line this way.
Terminal Tackle & Swivels, etc.
A must! The staple of your gear. Get black barrel swivels and mixed-colored beads first. You'll need these for your rig that you'll use.  That's it!  Simple, but deadly. Terminal tackle is what holds all this together. Take this part the most serious.  Nothing else matters if these don't hold up.  Get some steel leaders, too. Great for Northern Pikes since they tend to bite right off the line. You may need them later, we hope!