First Cast Club Guides

Kayakers silhouetted at dawn on calm water with reeds in the foreground.
Staying Safe on the Water: Shore, Pier, Kayak & Eating Your Catch
Simple safety for shore, pier and kayak trips, plus what's safe to eat from San Francisco Bay, with links to official OEHHA and California boating pages. Read more...
Fog drifting over a still marsh at dawn, with a bare tree on a small grassy island reflected in the water
Do I Need a Fishing License in California? Plus 10 Rules Every Angler Should Know
Who needs a California fishing license, where you can fish without one, and 10 simple rules, with links to official CDFW pages. Read more...
A fishing rod tip reaching out over calm grey water under a soft overcast sky
Your First Rod, Reel & Line: Buy This, Skip That
One rod, one reel, one line, a small box of tackle. What a beginner really needs, what can wait, and how to keep it simple. Read more...
Misty rocky shoreline at dawn with a still tide pool between the rocks
Where to Fish in the East Bay: Public Spots You Can Trust
Public East Bay lakes, ponds and a pier for beginners: which need a $5 park permit, which don't, and what to check before you go. Official links. Read more...
A lone angler in a small boat on wide, calm water at first light
Why Am I Not Catching Fish? A 10-Minute Fix List
Skunked again? Ten simple fixes for time, place, depth and bait, so your next trip ends with a fish. Made for beginners. Read more...