Fishing gear for beginners?

My suggestion is to buy nothing and spend your money on a good charter fishing trip instead and enjoy the experience
There is a lot of water between the fish and like any activity it is an artform that requires knowledge and experience to be successful. They say that 10% of the fisherman catch 90% of the fish

There are lots of specialty setups for different fish and fishing styles so you are better off just giving it a go and see what appeals to you so that you can later buy the most suitable outfit for your needs

Also learn to keep a good 5 meters back from the waters edge when fishing rivers up that way.
People like eating barramundi and so do crocodiles.
Crocodiles also don't mind snacking on fisherman.

Cheers
Pop

So basically don't get fishing gear :-) I thought I would just buy a bit of equipment and give it a bit of try out.

Phillip a six foot light to medium action rod line class around the six kilo a egg beater spin reel with a line capacity of around two hundred metres of six or so kilo line if a real beginner i would suggest staying with mono and not using braided line. A combo from BCF would do ugly stik do a reasonable looking one the balance combo for about 120, a few packets of hooks don't make the mistake of getting to big a hook small is ok so long as they are quality a few ball sinkers. Do a bit of research on different types of rigs, you could always buy the pre made ones. A couple of lures, nilsmaster and yozuri are quality and good actions, and a few plugs which are the basic metal slices with some weight so it is easier to cast. Learn your tidal movements walk the beach with a good set of polaroids you maybe surprised at what you see use this link to plan when you fish http://www.tides4fishing.com/au. That is where the metal lures will shine, the other traditional lure types are better around structure like fallen trees mangroves and such. Keep your wits about you and stay out of the water, try and avoid daybreak and dusk until you get the hang of it as that is prime predator time. One thing you have to know if a lure snags up leave it, I had a italian guy on tour once who insisted on fishing a river while i set up camp i told him under no circumstance was he to go into the water half way through setting up camp i look up to see him waist deep trying to retrieve a lure that was snagged up and a smallish croc about thirty feet away on the surface checking him out. I got him out and wouldn't allow him near the water alone again no lure is worth your life if it snags up break it off and leave it.

I never go anywhere without a rod, reel, a few lures and some hooks and sinkers.
A charter is just not the same.
Fishing is more than just catching a few fish although those you catch yourself are fresher and taste better than you can even imagine.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome