Although many in the Northwest participate in a variety of outdoor activities, the sport of fishing seems to be somewhat limited to those with past experience.

While there are many types of fishing that may hurt one's bank account — like renting a salmon charter — fishing does not need to be expensive or difficult.

A fishing pole generally costs about $20 and, if in stock at a thrift store or lying around a friend's basement, the price tag is even less. A fishing license good for freshwater costs $21.90 and, if applied for now, is valid until March 31, 2008. Licenses can be found online and come with a free vehicle-use permit needed for Washington Fish and Wildlife fishing-access parking lots.

For those interested in trying out the sport for just a day or two, Free Fishing Weekend in Washington, which falls on the first full week in June and coincides with the last two days of National Boating and Fishing Week, is a good option. Some types of fish require a catch card, which is sent with the license.

Fishing tackle needs vary widely depending on the type of fishing you plan to do. Fly fishing requires learning knot tying and becoming an entomologist, but there are resources close by.

"We encourage ... Intro to Fly Fishing, which includes four hours of instruction [and] knots you need to know," said John Farrar of Patrick's Fly Shop on Eastlake.

The first part of the class is held indoors at the shop, while the second takes students to Lake Union at Gasworks Park.

"Fly fishing is much more active," Farrar said. "[It is] . . . a sport in and of itself. [It] involves you more with nature."

Farrar recommends Green Lake as a good spot for beginners, while the Middle Fork of Snoqualmie River is ideal for those with some fly fishing experience.

Fishing is open year-round at Green Lake, but the fish are stocked between March and June.

Washington State Parks are also good places to gain access to fishing streams and lakes, according to the Parks Department Web site.

Veteran fisher Jay Shepherd recalled his first fishing adventure: "I went with my brother. I was probably 6 or 7. [We went to] Lake Washington, and we caught a big catfish."

Shepherd pointed out that fishing for lake trout is the best bet for a beginner.

"Lake trout is easiest because it is the most plentiful, and they are stock-raised fish," he said. "They plant them specifically for little kids. There's thousands."

Reach columnist Sarah Greenleaf at news@thedaily.washington.edu.