Getting Started

[Bloodhound70]

Im trying to get started into bass fishing. I have a background of growing up fishing, mostly bank still fishing (catfish, bluegill, Bass, etc), but i haven't fishing seriously in like 13 years. I m curious as to what would be the best all round baitcaster and maybe spinning reel sets to start off with. Im gonna be mostly bank fishing, until I can get a boat (no time soon). I am really interested in and always  have been fishing cover. Its always peaked my interest, especially frogs (never used a frog though). I also like a texas rig. Not alot of experience with much else. As of now I am thinking of the Abu Garcia Silver Max baitcaster (let me know if that is a good choice) and need a suggestion for a good all around rod & line to pair with it. Also I am kind of clueless on the spinning reel, rod & line, I'm thinking a Mitchell. I would also Like to get a good still fishing rod and reel. I am not trying to bank the bank, I work in public education so money is tight lol. I also live in Central Florida if that helps with any suggestions. Any info would be a great help thanks.

[Teal]

Hello welcome to the site. Advice- make a fishing equipment budget that is balanced and wont cut into family or bills. Get quality equipment that fits into your basic needs and meets budget. And last but not least, go to the articles and videos section of this site and learn all you can. We have a good bunch of guys that will help with your questions!

[bassh8er]

If you have a Bass Pro Shops nearby, you will be able to find some good deals and great starter combos starting on Friday.

I'd suggest a 6'6" - 7' medium to medium heavy rod and a reel in the 6.3:1 ration range.

Any combination of those rod lengths and powers with that reel will cover most of your bass fishing scenarios.

I'd also do some searches and you can find a lot of previous threads with this same content.

Good luck.

[kickerfish1]

The options you receive from folks on here will depend on your budget. Pretty standard all purpose casting rig is going to be 7 foot +/- MH rod with a 6.4:1 ratio reel. For spinning a medium powered fast action rod in 6'6 +/- with a 2500 series reel is a safe bet.

Check our flea market on eBay and you can possibly find a good deal on used gear at good price allowing you to have gear that will fish above your budget if you were purchasing new.

[The Rooster]

This coming Friday starts the Bass Pro Shops spring classic sale. They have a baitcast combo for $70 on sale in it. It is the Bionic Plus combo. I've not handled it personally but the specs read well on paper. Aluminum framed reel, 6 bearings. Should be pretty good for a starter baitcast rod. I wouldn't get any baitcaster that doesn't have a aluminum frame or you may find yourself wanting to replace it sooner than you'd like. A lot of guys like the Silvermax reel but it doesn't have an aluminum frame. To me, this is the backbone of the reel. It can't be plastic or graphite. If you want something different, maybe a better rod, reel, or both, then I'd start with the Pro Qualifier reel on sale for $80. Trade in a reel for it and get it for $65, but that's 5 days only so hurry. This reel is normally $100 and many say it's worth it at full price. I'll be getting one or two this time around.

[Long Mike]

By all means, get started with reading the articles posted on this site.  There is a ton of information available for bass fishermen of all levels.  Gain some knowledge before you make the decision on the right rod or reel.  Keep in mind that, despite suggestions from the members, there is no "best" rod or reel out there.  The rod and reel that fits within your budget, and feels comfortable in your hands is the best.

[Bk4]

By all means, get started with reading the articles posted on this site.  There is a ton of information available for bass fishermen of all levels.  Gain some knowledge before you make the decision on the right rod or reel.  Keep in mind that, despite suggestions from the members, there is no "best" rod or reel out there.  The rod and reel that fits within your budget, and feels comfortable in your hands is the best.

x2

[lmbfisherman]

For a baitcaster, I'd agree that you should wait for the Spring Classic at BPS (If you have one nearby).  The Bionic baitcast combo would definitely be a good start.  I'd get a 7' Medium Heavy Fast and a 6.x reel, this is a setup I use ('cept I use a 7.1.1 reel) when I bank fish or I can't take many rods with me.  As for a spinning combo I'd go for a medium - medium light for the lighter stuff - 6'6" is fine.  I'd put 15-20 lb braid on the baitcaster and on the spinning reel - copolymer or monofilament  (depending on your water your fishing) 6#-10# line.

[BassinLou]

Since you live in Cental FL, I know Orlando has a BPS, take the advice that many of the guys have provided you and go explore and try out the outfits recommended. You can ask to see the reels and connect it to one of the rods you are also interested in and see if the feel and weight works out for you. I do that all the time at BPS when I upgrade my reels and rods.

[roadwarrior]

What is your budget?

[Bloodhound70]

Id like to spend around 120 or so for hopefully Rod, Reel and Line. Like I said Im trying to find a good all purpose set up, but i am most interested in fishing with a frog. I will definitiely be getting a light and dark Spro Bronzeye 65 Frog, and then worm fishing. I really appreciate the input fellas. I am going to check that Bionic reel out.  My next question would be line, from everything Ive read 30 lb braid at least for the frog setup, would that do for worm fishing as well?

[NWI-Bassin']

Pick up a BPS Pro Qualifer for $65 with the trade in and maybe a carbon lite . If the carbon lite is a little too pricey I would look at the Berkley lightning shock rod. For line. It depends on your applications. I would look at Power pro . Bass pro has a new braid that came out recently as well. If needed you can always put a Flouro leader.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Where about in Central are you? I agree man, hit up BPS in Orlando this weekend, i am!

[new2BC4bass]

Been visiting relation in Deland for a few years now.  I always take my Abu Revo STX baitcast reel with 40 lb. Sufix Performance braid.  My brother-in-law uses 40 PowerPro on all his (cheap) spinning reels.  We are constantly throwing back into lily pads and Hydrilla beds.  I don't see why braid wouldn't work just fine with worms,  You might want to drop down to 20 or 15 lb. braid on the spinning combo if it is going to be a Medium or Medium Light.

 

Don't use anything less than a MH for frogs.  Especially since you said you like to throw into cover.  A MH rod should be a little more versatile than a Heavy.  Caught my personal best last year on a 7' MH Falcon Original.  I would also make sure the baitcasting reel has an aluminum frame for this type of fishing.

 

BTW, that Falcon Original was purchased used from a mom-and-pop shop near the Deland airport for $35.   Actually I bought the MH Original, a Medium Original and a rod built on an AllStar (I think) blank for $100. Falcon Originals sell for about $100 new.  I would look around at some of your local shops for used gear besides looking at BPS.  Might find a good deal or two.

 

Dick's Sporting Goods sells a Field & Stream rod called a Tec Spec.  The original (black) model is $60 while the new (blue) model is $80.  However the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shock rods run less than $55.  A Berkley Cherrywood spinning rod can be bought for less than $30...how much less depends mainly on rod length...and should work fine for worm fishing.  I caught tons of fish on similar rods in my youth.  My brother-in-law catches bass all the time on cheap rods and reels guys here wouldn't even look at. 

 

Now if you want to splurge a bit, check out this deal.  Can't beat $87 ($69 + $18 shipping) for a $230 rod.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUANTUM-SUPERLITE-PT-QTC6107F-610-HEAVY-BAITCAST-ROD-/310410629409?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

 

Just received mine today.  It is a Heavy, tho.  However, lure weight range is from 1/4-5/8 oz. which is MH territory.  I have at least 4 MH rods that are rated for heavier lures than this.  I found this rod when someone posted a link on ebay for another Quantum rod normally selling at $100 that was on sale for $49 so that would be another option if you can find where they are on ebay.

 

Mainly I buy from the 'for sale' sections on several different fishing forums.  I've never posted a WTB ad, but that could also work out to your advantage.  There have been times when those who are a little more fortunate are willing to help others by giving them a very good deal.

[lmbfisherman]

Id like to spend around 120 or so for hopefully Rod, Reel and Line. Like I said Im trying to find a good all purpose set up, but i am most interested in fishing with a frog. I will definitiely be getting a light and dark Spro Bronzeye 65 Frog, and then worm fishing. I really appreciate the input fellas. I am going to check that Bionic reel out.  My next question would be line, from everything Ive read 30 lb braid at least for the frog setup, would that do for worm fishing as well?

30 lb would be fine, but I use 50lb for frogging at the minimum since the stuff I throw frogs in around here have very heavy/thick vegetation.  Like suggested you could go higher 50-65lb test and just use a leader when required. 

[new2BC4bass]

I forgot to mention Academy Sports.  Look at their Ethos rods and Mettle reels.  Both have gotten some very good reviews.  Buy when thy have their Rod Riot and Reel Riot sales.  I think the Mettle goes for about $25 at that time.  Some reviews say it casts further than reels costing much more.  Reviews might have been written by the owners relatives.  Who knows. 

 

I'm tempted to buy one of each, but my wife was a tad upset last night when another new rod arrived.  Luckily she doesn't know how many reels I have.  :)