Hey guys, I know this type of post has probably been posted before, but I thought I’d give it a try. I picked up fishing earlier this year, as an excuse to drink a couple beers with a buddy, but fell in love with it. I haven’t really gotten the chance to go out all that much because my weekends are mainly taken up by side work or working on the house. I’m still relatively new to all of the fishing terminology, gear and techniques.

My fishing resume: I have my own rod (mainly just fishing on the river or lake), have caught quite a few striper bass, mainly fishing with anchovies (it helps that I live a block away from an outdoors shop) and have gone out fishing around 10 times this year. Have only fished in Northern California and the Bay Area (San Pablo bay to be exact)

The purpose of this post: My dad just retired about 2 months ago and is already itching for new hobbies. He’s biking a lot more, woodworking, gardening, but he’s the type that wants to stay busy. I want to take him out fishing with me (which he’s never done either) but I want to have a little more knowledge so that I can help him like it. I’m not trying to be an expert by any means. I want to learn with him as well. Just kind of want a head start.

General questions: What are some basic tools we should have? What’s the difference between bait and lures? How do you use lures? How do know what weights/lures/rods to use? Is there any YouTube channel or videos that you would recommend for me to get started?

I really appreciate any input.