The equipment that comes with DLC is meant to be available for use immediately, it's not a too low-level to use problem. Most likely you've accidently bumped your drag setting too low. On a PC use - for less and + for more drag, on console use Dpad left for less and Dpad right for more drag.
P.S. You only have 7 days (from when you claimed the DLC) to access Blue Crab Island before the license and pond pass expire, you can go back to Michigan later.