FishLimit

Guide

What to bring on a free fishing day

A beginner's kit for your first day of fishing: a basic rod and reel, a few supplies, and where to check the dates and rules for free fishing days in each state.

Updated 2026-10-25Gear on this page

Updated

Free fishing days are a good excuse to try fishing without paying for a license first. The gear is the other cost, and you do not need much.

Check the date and the details

Free days differ by state in when they occur and who they cover, and some only waive the license, not other rules. Our free fishing days page lists the ones we have read from agency pages, and the state hubs link to each one:

Bag and size limits still apply on a free day, so look up what you might catch before you go, starting from fishing limits by species. If you decide to keep fishing, compare license fees and see what we explain about free fishing days.

Keeping the first trip simple

Pick a nearby, easy-access water, bring a friend who already fishes if you can, and ask at a local bait shop what is biting. Release what you do not plan to eat, and handle fish with wet hands. A fish that is too small or out of season has to go back anyway, and the guide to size limits explains why. If children are coming, the age that skips a license is not the same in every state: see fishing with kids. The longer pre-trip list, for days that are not free, is the fishing-day checklist.

Gear picks

The product links below go to Amazon. They are examples of each category, not rankings. Names are the listing titles; check the listing for what is included before you buy.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. FishLimit may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. This never changes what we report; regulation figures come only from official agency sources. Disclosure. We show no prices or ratings; check each listing before you buy.

A simple rod and reel

For a first day, a spincast or spinning combo that comes already spooled and assembled is the least frustrating option. You do not need to spend much to find out whether you like it.

A few supplies

Hooks, sinkers and a bobber are enough to fish with bait from the shore. A small tackle box keeps them from rolling around your bag, and a hook remover helps when a fish swallows the bait.

Comfort and safety

Plan for sun, bugs and a long afternoon: sunscreen, insect repellent, polarized sunglasses to cut glare and see into the water, and a bottle of water.