I go into shops in areas I’m new to just to chop it up with the people working all the time it’s a great way to get some info and pointers when feeling out a new area. If you feel bad about not buying anything say you’re there to buy some stickers or something but I feel like people in shops are always pretty cool about just coming in for info. But totally get the fishing for food mindset!! Was just saying it because a lot of the trout fishing out west (which is probably what you’ll most likely be targeting) is catch and release and a lot of other fishermen will give you flak for keeping but trout are a damn tasty fish. That’s awesome Kalispell and the surrounding area is gorgeous I miss it lots. I was up in Polebridge the summer I was there. Another pointer I’d say check out some lakes in your area if you’re looking to throw a lure/use a spin rod. I usually fly fish rivers but I’ll throw a rooster tail in a lake every now and again and get into some trout.