Hey man dont get disscouraged! Sometimes you catch fish sometimes you dont. You gotta appreciate just getting out and being in the elements too ya know?
First things first: Know what species of fish you have around your area and what you want to target.
Research what kind of tackle you will need. for example, a light whippy rod? or a sturdy trolling rod for hauling bigger fish. If you get a combo the reel that is has on it will already match it so dont worry too much about it. Make sure you have the right line weights and leader weights and hook size is important to what size fish your going to catch as well - live bait, chunk bait, worm hooks, there are tons!
Find out the most productive way of catching these fish. For some fish , lets just say Spanish Mackerel. if there was one lure I would choose for a whole day fishing for them it would be a silver spoon because the brightness and flash is what attracts these fish.
Good luck, TIGHLINES!