So I am pretty new to fishing. But Ive got a 6 1/2 foot spinning rod, which Ive been told is fine for some pink fishing. The reel says a max load of 8lb test over 130 yards and the rod is a medium action (IM8 if that matters at all to anyone.) A baitcaster salmon rod will be gotten next year so I am trying to work with what I have here. I am hoping some of you could advise me towards a little bit of gear, and where to go to muck around and learn to fish a river. I am only carrying a Non Tidal License, and should be getting my Salmon Stamp in the next little while before I head out. So
From what I have been able to gather so far
1 Pinks love Pink! Sure, easy enough. Lures, wool, whatever. What about size of hooks? I got a few barbless #1's (I think) from a friend. Are these too big for my eventual setup? What about lures? What sort of size would I need?
2 Line. I was pondering it and thinking I could do a 10lb braided test with say, an 8lb leader so the line would go before my rod/reel. From what Ive read though, your leader should be stronger than your main line. So should I go 8lb test with a 10/12lb leader? Is braided even an option? Ive read its quite finnicky on spinning reels, and am not sure if its worth it.
3 Places to go. I dont want to be that guy that goes out and just gets in peoples way, who know what they are doing. Id like somewhere (even if I need to park and walk a half hour or more) that I can have a chance at catching something, but at the same time be able to make mistakes and try new things without getting in someones way. I do like to fish alone simply cause the quiet is gorgeous and and I can concentrate a little better and learn and analyze what Im doing right and wrong.
4 Any other sort of information, tips, directions to any sort of experience or any knowledge you think would be good.
Ive got the idea that a lot of you guys are a bit old school and very "We all learned the hard way, you should to!" which is fine. Im very "learn by doing" but its just a bit overwhelming. My grandfather was a very avid fisherman (He would probably slap me if I called him an angler) but unfortunately his health started to go downhill right as I was beginning become old enough to learn these things. Aside from him, I dont know anyone who fishes, so its like Im standing here with a rod in one hand, a tackle box in the other saying "Ok, now what!" Thank you for any help!
Oh, and like most other forums, Im sure this has all been gone over. I tried to search for a while a couple days ago, but I havent really been able to find the specifics to what I am looking for. Im sure its there, and I will continue to go through old threads as well, but I just thought it would be ok to make one too.