Why You Need One
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, one out of every five Americans over the age of 6 goes fishing each year - 44 million people. That's almost twice as many people who fish as play golf. If you've got a boat but have never grabbed a rod and reel, it's never too late to give it a try. People who fish say they enjoy the outdoors as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Plus, there's potential to bring home supper, as well as memories, at the day's end.

What You Need To Know
Different types of rod-and-reel combos exist for nearly every kind of fishing. The size of fish you pursue dictates the relative size of your tackle. (No angler would use a tuna-trolling rig to catch a one-pound trout.) The area you'll fish also contributes to your choice, such as whether you intend to cast or troll from a boat. Here are the basics to keep in mind: 

Rods: The varieties and costs are extreme. The most basic rod is a cane pole, best suited for young kids who don't know how to cast yet. Most anglers pick up a medium-weight combination. Anglers who intend to troll will want a stiffer rod. Crappie and trout anglers should stick to lighter gear so they feel the more delicate bites.

Reels: There are ultra-light, medium-light and heavy spinning reels. There are bait-casting reels, bottom fishing and trolling reels with large-line capacity. A good start is a medium-sized spinning reel that can handle an 8- to 17-pound test line. An additional spool of line allows an angler to quickly switch line weights and increase fishing options.

Line: All line is rated by its breaking strength. Beginners should use a monofilament fishing line because it's easier to tie and manage. A good starting point is an 8- or 10-pound test. Super-braid lines are favored by more experienced anglers because they're smaller in diameter, don't stretch and are more durable.

Other Tips: Hire a guide, if you can afford it, or tag along with a more experienced angler. It's easier to see how something works on the water than in a tackle store. Join a local fishing club, even if you have little experience. Anglers love to talk about gear. Attend boat shows and fishing seminars, watch local and regional TV fishing shows, and read regional magazines.

The Final Word
Do you want to get one pole that does it all? Robert Stewart, TV fishing personality and show producer, suggests a 7-foot graphite rod with a 30-series spinning reel. It works for catching redfish in Southwest Florida, trout in Colorado and stripers in Tennessee," says Stewart of Fox's Southwest Florida Outdoors. "When I hold it up, people sometimes say, 'Isn't that kind of small?' But it will do the trick."