A simple guide to get into fishing: a versatile, cheap kit, the basic rigs, where to go the first time and what you will catch.
Starting is easier than it looks
You do not need to spend a lot or know much to begin. With a simple, versatile kit you can head to a lagoon or the coast and catch your first fish the same day. The important thing is to start.
Your first gear
- A spinning rod from 2.10 to 2.40 m, medium.
- A small or medium spinning reel, loaded with 0.25 to 0.30 mm mono.
- Assorted hooks (from size 6 to 1/0), sinkers, floats and a couple of basic lures.
With that you can fish with a float, on the bottom and with lures. A ready-made combo (rod plus reel) is the cheapest way to start.
Two rigs that do everything
- Float rig: a float, a small sinker and a baited hook. Ideal for pejerrey and baitfish.
- Bottom rig: a sinker at the bottom and one or two hooks with worm. Ideal for catfish and shore fishing.
The bait
The worm is the easiest and most universal bait. Live baitfish (for predators), dough for boga and carp, and corn also work. On the coast, use the sea worm.
Where to go the first time
Pick a close, accessible place: a pejerrey lagoon like Chascomús, Gómez or Lobos, the Río de la Plata waterfront in Buenos Aires, or a fishing club. They are calm spots, with reliable action from pejerrey, baitfish and catfish, perfect for learning.
Before you go: the permit
In most provinces you need a fishing permit (license), which is easy and cheap to get. Check the rules of your province before you go.
Catch and release
Look after what you catch: wet your hands, remove the hook carefully and return the fish you are not going to eat. That way the spot keeps its fishing for next time.
