Depends upon the type of fishing you want to do. The other day we went to the fishing Co-op behind the cemetery and arranged for a Dominican fisherman to take us out on his little boat for the morning. We didn't go out very far so we didn't have much luck (our choice to stay closer to shore). Insist on lifejackets and take some water. The captain will give you a spool of line, a hook and some bait -- no fancy rods and reels were needed.