Take the plunge and hire a guide or go with someone who has been there like you are now. I have found that learning first hand from the pro guides is a real money saver and time well spent. In most cases guides provide the equipment and are great instructors. Hiring a guide and using his/her equipment and learning from him/her will get you hooked on fishing. Ask fishing friends for the names of some guides that fish the lakes you want to fish. Most people start pond fishing but sooner or later they will be on the lake.