My first fish was a cod. Caught it on a school field trip in about the 6th grade.
That kind of started it. That year for Christmas I had to have a fishing rod and reel(freshwater). It didnt matter that I had no idea what I was doing. Didnt know anyone that fished , but I was determined. So i start fishing right after Christmas. First outing I tie on a lure and cast out. Close the bail and attempt to retreive. Nothing is happening. Quickly realized the line should go under the bail.
HAd to hand line it in and re string.
Learned everything the hard way. After about 2 month of fishing I finally caught a brook trout. Ill never forget it. Looking back i should have started with something other than artificials.