Tackle guide
Starting out by the sea should feel exciting, not overwhelming. A good beginner sea fishing kit gives you a balanced rod, reel and rigs that simply work together, so you can spend less time puzzling over tackle and more time enjoying the water. Here on the Cornish coast we've kept things refreshingly simple, so your first cast feels easy and your first fish feels close.
Guide, gear and practical advice
Start with the beginner comparison, then choose a balanced rod and reel before adding the small set of rigs and tackle needed for a first trip.
By the Down The Cove editorial team in Cornwall
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A starter kit takes the guesswork out of beginning — the rod, reel and terminal tackle are already matched, so you can just head for the water.
Your first setup
Look for a balanced rod-and-reel combo with line already loaded, plus a few rigs, weights and hooks suited to the fishing you'll mostly do.
Our starter kits are put together by people who actually fish here — everything you need for a first Cornish session, and nothing you don't.
Check the casting weight suits your local marks, add a drop net or a few spare rigs, and you're genuinely ready to fish safely.
Printable kit selector
The best first kit is the one that matches the mark. A compact combo works for a sheltered harbour, a balanced travel kit is easier for mixed shore trips, and exposed beaches need a longer, stronger setup that should not be chosen on price alone.
Location decides rod length, casting demand and terminal tackle more reliably than an all-purpose label.
Swipe sideways to compare every column →
| Where you will fish | Sensible first setup | Budget approach | Add before the trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheltered harbour wall | Shorter rod-and-reel combo | Keep the core kit simple | Small tackle set, disgorger and safe storage |
| Pier or mackerel mark | Balanced sea combo with suitable line | Allow for rigs and weights | Appropriate feathers or rig, spare traces and pliers |
| Mixed coast and travel | Multi-piece travel rod with matched reel | Spend on compatibility, not accessories | Compact tackle wallet and location-appropriate rigs |
| Open beach | Longer beach setup chosen for the ground and casting load | Seek advice before buying the cheapest set | Rod rest, safe shock-leader setup and suitable weights |
Would you like to get a sea fishing kit but not sure what you need?
Is the thought of going into a tackle shop a bit daunting?
Most starter fishing kits that are available will have tackle that you do not need as they can sometimes try and cover more than one type of fishing. Our kits are specifically designed for sea and estuary fishing and are therefore particularly well suited to fishing around the Cornish coastline.
We feel confident that, whatever your budget, with one of our kits you will have all the equipment you need to go sea fishing in Cornwall and actually catch a fish!
If you would like some personal tuition or would like to take part in a Fishing Adventure to help get you started, we can offer these too! Please click here for more details
We are more than happy to change anything in our kits or to create a bespoke kit especially for you. Please contact us by any of these methods.
Email usinfo@downthecove.com
Call us on 01326 735017 or 07817 358585
Complete our Contact Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible
