Sumat fishy

[TOF]

I'm also a woman, 5'3" and I've fished for many years. I use both a Rod and Reel and a Pole. Mainly an 11ft Pellet Waggler or a 6ft Spinning Rod, and a couple reels. I also use a 8 ft Pole(mind out of the gutter please, NR et al).
There really is no simple way to fish legally, it's either of the above and skill or luck. As regards bait.... oh God don't even go there! Worm, sweetcorn, luncheon meat, bread, cheapo cooked sausages, cheese and loads more. Maggots, worms and bread are pretty much a universal bait.
The most basic kit I've fished with is a 7ft telescopic Whip (see above NR et al) a couple rigs and a box of bait.

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Also, I think you might find using Yo-Yo reels on rivers an lakes in this country is illegal, as are nets and in some areas, fish traps.