As a general rule fishing works like a Venn Diagram.



Also, fishing gear is almost a waste of gil. Before the fishing system got changed it was useful. Now it only increases the time you have to reel something in. If you are fishing for fun on the side you will not be fishing anything that is regularly difficult to land so the extra time it affords you will be pointless. Also, not getting it will save you that much more inventory space.

Wooden rods will wear down the fish faster but are more prone to break. Synthetic rods wear them down slower but are generally more sturdy. In any relaxing fishing spot it won't matter which you use. However, it would be a good idea to use a decent rod of either type so you don't have to worry about frequent breaks. Aside from rarely fished up items there is very little in lower areas that will break synthetic rods like Halcyon so it might be more worth the initial investment to get one.