Pa_Photo

Thanks guys and I will set up some rigs different ways. I am fishing northern lakes so the bass are not as big as they are down south. I may try a small braided line and tie right to it. I can always add a small leader if I need to. My logic tells me that a 3' piece of mono or floro should be enough in most cases to satisfy wary bass in clear water.

I have been trying to figure out what to put on my bait caster reels and have read so much negative about Fluorocarbon lately, and yet braided is not very good for clear lakes and plastics. I would love the sensitivity of braided and wonder if using that and say a 3-4' Fluorocarbon or Mono leader would give you the best of both worlds? I am thinking of going that way or just old fashioned mono

Great to see someone else who got back into the sport, and even a bass lover from Pa. I grew up fishing and hunting in western NY and moved to Georgia where I got hooked on bass fishing. I then decided I wanted to make all the money that was printed and gave up everything to work Work WORK. Now I realize I am getting older fatter and things get harder to do and want to enjoy life a little. Heck, I am having fun just shopping online for gear, it sure has changed over the years. Thanks to everyone on this forum, I know I will ask a zillion questions but will gladly help anyone with photography questions since that is what I do for a living.

Thanks, I am considering the Avid, or even the Legend. if I go Legend, would the LTBC70MF be a good choice for worms and spinnerbaits. I lean towards the lighter lines is why I am thinking that model Legend. Can I ask what the advantage is to the split grip handles are.

Thanks guys, and I believe I will stick with LH retrieve since they are available in that reel. Been a long time since I shopped for rods, is St Croix still a good choice, and is the mojo bass casting a decent rod ?

I was all set on a spinning real, and still will pick one up for trout but the more I read the more I hear that baitcasters are the way to go. I am just now getting back into fishing after a 12 year break. (work work work, no time for play) I used to love my baitcasters but was in fear of being too out of practice to use them. I love to fish plastic worms texas rigged, and spinner baits but plan on learning it all now that I have promised myself to start working less and living more. I want to get a good quality reel, then pick the rod and line to match. I also know one set up will not do it all, and will end up being one of many. I hope to stay under $200.00 and can use L or R retrieve, used to have LH but do not want to limit myself to that and sacrifice better reel choices. I figure this will be a good time to decide which retrieve I want L or R because its been so long, I know I like to cast using my R hand and thumb, so maybe LH retrieve is the better choice. The only place with in a couple hours of me to look at reels is a Walmart, so have no choice but to order online. You guys helped me before, hoping to get some more ideas on this thought.

Thanks I am really considering getting the 1000 4# for trout and the 2500 8# for bass.

Its been several years since I have fished but have a trip already booked for early June and excited to get back into bass / trout fishing. I got into Bass fishing in Georgia, but now live back up North in Western Pa where I will do both bass and trout fishing, so probably will not go back to bait casting. I am not looking for a one reel does it all, I love to use light tackle, use UL for trout and we do not have near the hogs many of you fish. At Black Lake, most bass are 14" with the occasional larger catch. Enough with the history and on with my question. I want as light a reel that will get the job done, like I said I like to stay on the light side when possible. Looking for a good spinning real in the $150-$200 range, possibly the Shimano Stradic CI4, but again clueless about the new reels and lines available. Also, what is the min line weight I need to plan on for my setup. I know the new lines are better and wondering if 8 lbs is going to be enough. There may be better options for less, and if so am interested for sure. Hoping you guys can give a NewB some helpful suggestions and a place to start looking.