New to it all.

[Mark L.]

Good day all.  I'm new to fishing in general but want to learn.  I'll be retiring next year from the NoVA rat race and looking forward to the move down to SML full time.  Hope to spend some quality time fishing then but want to get a head start on equipment and technique.  I plan on taking one of the charter trips to learn which equipment would be a good start.  Any suggestions as to which charter captain would tolerate a rank beginner the best?

Thanks!

Mark

[Shadslinger]

Several good ones. Can't go wrong with cats n stripers, the shad taxi, or Kenny Short

[ajrod88]

Welcome! Lots of good info and friendly folks on here!

[bushwacker]

Work as much OT as possible to get a fishing pot set up before you retire. No matter how many times I say my equipment is where it needs to be, I always I mean ALWAYS find that there is one more item I need. Key word is need. That's the one I use with my wife, (I really just want it). I would start out with good electronics and a good bait tank if you are going to be a live bait fisherman. Don't skimp on either and get the best you can afford. Get the biggest Fish finder they make if you can afford it. Your going to want it. I bought a 7" thinking that's
all I would ever need. A year later I bought a 12".

[Mark L.]

Thanks for the info on charters.

Bushwacker - As far as OT goes, doesn't matter how much I put in; pay stays the same as I'm salaried, not hourly .  I'm going to be getting a good bait tank (have my eye on a 40 gal.) and trolling motor for my 20' deck boat and at least 1 cast net.  Already have a decent set of electronics.  No 12" screen, only 7" but it suits me fine.

My place is on the upper river between nav. marker 61-65 in Hardy.

Again, thanks for the info and looking forward to swapping fish stories!