Teach A Greg To Fish

[Delaware_Greg]

So first things first, I am new. Not just to this site but rather to fishing. And buy new I mean I don't (as of this moment) have a Rod, Reel, or Tackle. And it's been more than a decade since I last fished

I used to fish with my Grandfather when I was young. He passed away when I was 13, and we didn't fish about a year before that because he could no longer get out of bed. I am now 27, so it's been quite some time.

In my time of fishing, we used bait such as worms and blood worms (I think he could them that). The only lure I used looked like this http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tournament-Series-Micro-Spin-Lures/product/29902/145873

I'd like to go fishing, bass fishing as well. I need more than tips at this point. I need very basic beginneers instruction. Anything and everything will help.

I went online and looked at fishing rods, never knowing that I had to decide the length and what not. What length should it be? What material should it be made of? What Brand?

What type of reel do I need?

I need to buy a tackle box. What are the basic items I need to have for live bait and lure fishing?

Can anyone help?

[Lund Explorer]

Welcome to Bass Resource.

My first piece of advice would be to follow this link and get ready to start reading.

http://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/

[.ghoti.]

OH, heck yeah, we can teach a Greg to fish.

Now, a Mike; that's a different story indeed.

[.ghoti.]

Look at the very top of the page for a Fishing Articles tab. There's enough information there to keep you occupied for months, maybe years, depending on how much free time you have on your hands.

[Long Mike]

OH, heck yeah, we can teach a Greg to fish.

Now, a Mike; that's a different story indeed.

I'm going to pretend I didn't read that ... and I apologize in advance for getting a treble-hook embedded in the back of your neck the next time we are at Trophy Country.

[tomustang]

In my time of fishing, we used bait such as worms and blood worms (I think he could them that). The only lure I used looked like this http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tournament-Series-Micro-Spin-Lures/product/29902/145873

Good ole rooster tails, you can find a big variety at walmart

[Nitrofreak]

OH, heck yeah, we can teach a Greg to fish.

Now, a Mike; that's a different story indeed.

I'm going to pretend I didn't read that ... and I apologize in advance for getting a treble-hook embedded in the back of your neck the next time we are at Trophy Country.

WOW !!!

Where do I buy tickets?

Greg,

First of all glad to have you in the Forum, although you may not think it, these two are great friends, we do enjoy a good laugh and the occassional bass kicking, hook removing, Bass Resource brawl from time to time.

As you read through all of the info that we have here, one thing to keep in mind, keep it simple !!, there is no need in going out and spending your retirement fund to enjoy fishing, 6 basic lures is all you really need to invest in, I do not see where you are located, but as you decide what you are interested in such as top water baits, jigs, worms, cranks etc...feel free to post questions in your area of the country by scrolling down and search for the region you are in, then ask questions about colors and baits that are working for others, they will help you make an informed decision as to what you should try.

When making decisions about rods and reels, don't settle for cheap, but don't break the bank either, at least not on your first set-up, get some ideas from everyone and go get a feel for them in the store, find something that will be comfortable, you will be using it a lot.

Don't rush things especially if you purchace a baitcaster set up, take your time and you will enjoy fishing with it in no time.

Patience will need to be your closest friend for a while so get comfortable and relax and lets get started.

Good luck and be safe !!!

[Jake P]

Welcome to BR! You can certainly learn all you need to know here. You can read the articles section and watch all of the informational and how to movies as well. There is so much to learn but start with the basics for now.

First off, how much are you wanting to spend on tackle, rods and reels? There are items at every price point that can be affective. I would start out with a spinning combo first. I suggest a 2500 size reel and 7 ft Medium Heavy fast action rod. You will need some line too, i would suggest something in the 10# range. This will be a nice all around setup to get you started with the basics. Of course if you can afford or want to buy more than one setup, this would change a bit. But i think 1 setup is enough to get you started and comfortable.

Now buying lures can be a headache cause there are so many. Keep it simple for now.

5" senkos in watermelon or green pumpkin and 3/0 gamakatsu ewg hooks

2 lipless crankbaits in 1/4 or 1/2 oz. I like rattle traps or cotton cordel super spots, both in a chrome color. These can be purchased at wal mart. The rattle traps are 6 bucks and the super spots are 3 each.

2 spinnerbaits in 1/4 oz or 3/8 oz. White and/or chartreuse color will work.

some form of worm whether it be a straight tail or ribbon tail. For straight tails i like the zoom trick worm. For ribbon tails i like the rage tail anacondas in 7" to name a couple. You can use a 3/0 hook with these also. Get some bullet sinkers in 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz. You will Texas rig these worms and fish them on the bottom.

These are 4 lures that i fish frequently with success every time. That is why i suggest them. The options are unlimitet but this can get you started.

As far as a tackle box goes, i prefer plano storage boxes stored inside a tackle bag. But if you want something cheaper and a little more fitting for the time being you can get a simple tackle box at walmart. I would make sure you have a set of needle nose pliers as well just incase you have problms removing a hook. They are a must have for me anytime.

If your wondering how to fish each lure, you can either use the search function and browse the forums and read posts about each lure or you can search through the articles posted in the articles section and it will give you a better understanding as to how to fish each specific lure and where to fish it. I would strongly suggest focusing on the senko for starters as they are proven fish catchers anywhere, anytime. There is a senko sticky thread at the top of the fishing tackle forum page that is very informative.

There is so much to learn and udnerstand when you really dig, just remember to keep it simple and you will be much happier. I hope this helps!!

[Mumpy]

For starting out, I would suggest you read this Guaranteed to Catch a Bass I would go as far to suggest that you focus completely on that, Create an entire Senko Setup, Rod, Reel, Braided Line, Flouro, Wacky Tool, Circle Hooks, the works! You will not be disappointed. Ever since I learned how to fish Senko's I don't think I've ever been skunked since.

[LgMouthGambler]

Keep it simple. Shimano spinning reel, Sedona SE2500FD, and a Sellus M or MH 7ft. Go with a 30# braid for easy castability and maintanance. I personally would say just stick to a Texas style rigging. I catch more fish this way, and its soo versitile. A 1/8oz bullet weight, and a 3/0 widegap hook ( I use the BPS Magna Widegaps). This way you can rig a worm, lizard, creature, just about any soft plastic. Use the Palomar knot, which is soo easy to tie, and you will be ok. Zoom lizards, Zoom baby brush hogs, Culprit worms, Gambler EZ Swimmers, Gambler Ugly Otters, BPS Horney toads, Zoom Frogs. All are great variety to fish, and can be rigged on the same setup. When you get the hang of fishing again, then go ahead and start investing in some crankbaits, and other stuff that have those "trouble" hooks, haha. The rest will come with time.

[B@ssCrzy]

Welcome to BR! You can certainly learn all you need to know here. You can read the articles section and watch all of the informational and how to movies as well. There is so much to learn but start with the basics for now.

First off, how much are you wanting to spend on tackle, rods and reels? There are items at every price point that can be affective. I would start out with a spinning combo first. I suggest a 2500 size reel and 7 ft Medium Heavy fast action rod. You will need some line too, i would suggest something in the 10# range. This will be a nice all around setup to get you started with the basics. Of course if you can afford or want to buy more than one setup, this would change a bit. But i think 1 setup is enough to get you started and comfortable.

Now buying lures can be a headache cause there are so many. Keep it simple for now.

5" senkos in watermelon or green pumpkin and 3/0 gamakatsu ewg hooks

2 lipless crankbaits in 1/4 or 1/2 oz. I like rattle traps or cotton cordel super spots, both in a chrome color. These can be purchased at wal mart. The rattle traps are 6 bucks and the super spots are 3 each.

2 spinnerbaits in 1/4 oz or 3/8 oz. White and/or chartreuse color will work.

some form of worm whether it be a straight tail or ribbon tail. For straight tails i like the zoom trick worm. For ribbon tails i like the rage tail anacondas in 7" to name a couple. You can use a 3/0 hook with these also. Get some bullet sinkers in 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz. You will Texas rig these worms and fish them on the bottom.

These are 4 lures that i fish frequently with success every time. That is why i suggest them. The options are unlimitet but this can get you started.

As far as a tackle box goes, i prefer plano storage boxes stored inside a tackle bag. But if you want something cheaper and a little more fitting for the time being you can get a simple tackle box at walmart. I would make sure you have a set of needle nose pliers as well just incase you have problms removing a hook. They are a must have for me anytime.

If your wondering how to fish each lure, you can either use the search function and browse the forums and read posts about each lure or you can search through the articles posted in the articles section and it will give you a better understanding as to how to fish each specific lure and where to fish it. I would strongly suggest focusing on the senko for starters as they are proven fish catchers anywhere, anytime. There is a senko sticky thread at the top of the fishing tackle forum page that is very informative.

There is so much to learn and understand when you really dig, just remember to keep it simple and you will be much happier. I hope this helps!!

These are some great suggestions. I agree that the lure choices listed here are easy to use and can carry through from spring, summer, fall, and winter. The only thing I would add would be that I would go with a 7' medium action rod with a fast tip. I prefer a little more give in my rod for some of the lighter applications you will be using, but that is just preference. I too would go with a spinning reel, but keep in mind if you are casting a lot (with cranks, etc.) the biggest choice you are going to have to make is whether you want to use mono or braid. Mono is what most beginners will use b/c it is very forgiving and has a lot stretch. Which is probably best to start out with. However, it can be frustrating because it has "line memory" which on a spinning outfit can get all tangled up when it gets bad. Braid however is less forgiving, more expensive, more visible to the fish if fishing clear water but it does not tangle after casting for long periods of time. I recently switched to braid with a mono leader on all my spinning outfits and prefer it to mono. The thing about fishing is there is sooo much to learn that you may not become successful right away, but each season changes the things the fish do so keep reading and learning and you will start catching fish. If you read and apply the information in the articles and forums on this website there is no way you won't be able to start catching fish consistently. Welcome to the forum and the sport!! Good luck.

[grimlin]

I recommend finding somebody local from the board too who could help and teach you some new tricks.