Grew up in the islands (Hawaii)... taught to fish by my granny. Her pleasures were fishing, a glass of whiskey and smoking a cut plug tobacco.
For awhile there I think she regreted taking me with her cause I'd eat the bait and break off every 5 minutes. I was finally given 1 prawn and a lesson in hook tieing, I was about 8 yr. old at that time.

Our poles were bamboo, mainline same length as the poles, a split shot and hook. The bait was usually fresh prawns.

I was about 9 years old when I first saw a spin cast outfit. Brought to the island by one of my cousins...what a shock! This thing could get your bait out farther than you could throw a rock. Won't tell you how many fishing reels or poles I own now!

That was digging deep into the memory pool but I guess we all had to start somewhere.