Budget Bass Fishing

[nate42racing]

Hey guys I have been meaning to go out fishing more and since I'm only 14 and during summer I will mainly ride my bike to the fishing spots. I have a part time job but I want to just get one rod and reel because I can fit only one on my backpack. I know that for most people a 6 rod and reel system is the normal but I want to know what setup can I use that will be able to use most lures ad be effective.

  Thanks,

     Nate

[cyclops2]

What would be the types & sizes of your fish. How far do you need to cast to reach 1/2 way acroos your waters ?

[roadwarrior]

Tell us how much you want to spend and what type of reel (spincast, spinning or casting).

[dave]

And where you are located

[daiwaguy]

Welcome to the Forums!

[CincyBassMan]

Great question. For the beginner bass angler or for the angler who hikes into remote locations I would suggest keeping it very basic. Medium action rod such as a 6'-6'6" abu garcia vendetta from the v series of rods is an excellent choice of decent quality and can be had for less than $75 from walmart. Next is a decent reel with power and finesse. For this a good starter is a pflueger president 6935 model( spinning). A limber but stout line is also needed. For an all around approach bass pro XPS 12-14 lb fluorocarbon will do the job. Buy a 1/4 lb spool at least if possible to avoid a trip just for line. Use a mono leader if needed for top water or other applications that you may deem it necessary as fluorocarbon will sink. After that use your favorite hooks or at least the best you can afford and have fun.

[nate42racing]

Im up in upstate New York and I'm looking for a baitcaster for 100 bucks between both the rod and the reel. Thanks

[Wbeadlescomb]

If you are just starting a quantum optix spinning reel 20 size with 8 lb trilene xl or suffix line and any one piece 6'6 spinning rod would be perfect.

I say quantum optix 20 size is around 20 in my area

Berkeley cherrywood rod for 20 bucks

Trilene or suffix line in 8lb test would run you around 7-8 bucks

You'll be able to throw beetle spins and crappie jigs on this as light as 1/16 ounce and Texas rigs up to atleast a 1/4 great.

[cyclops2]

Well I did a check at Wallmart rod and reels. If you need to have a 5' rod that does come apart into 2.....2 1/2' sections they do sell them.

I assume money is limited ?

 

Get to a Wall mart store soon. This is when they have the most to pick from.  Also try Dick's SportingGoods. They sometimes have good Rapala  & Rebel lures at sale prices.

 

Bank fishing ?

 

The lures are most effective in very eary morning and just before, during & right after sundown. Surface lures work very well & allow you to see the fish swirls on the lures. 4" to 5" will work.

Perch, a green pattern, or a Emerald Shiner pattern are good.

Once the sun bothers your eyes a little. It bothers the majority of larger fish feeding near shore.

 

Line strength of at least 15 pounds would be nice due to not being able to see snags..

 

You MUST wear some type of full protection eye / sun glasses. A NEEDLE NOSED plier is a must!! if the lure comes flying back & hooks you somewhere that is not serious ?  You can CRUSH the small barb on the lure. That allows you to simply slide the hook out of your clothing or skin. A small pocket knife is needed to cut fishing line.

 

I think you will do a lot of fishing alone..............You need to be more prepared than a group with a car to help them if something goes wrong.

 

I fished alone as a kid. Now 76. So I do have some smarts about going alone.

 

Safety & a EASY way to get to your bike & help ARE VERY IMPORTANT.  You are completly DEPENDANT on your self to get help if needed

 

SUNGLASSES ALWAYS............If you had a $ 100 bill for everytime I hooked myself. You could have a small boat & motor.

 

If you are fighting a fish or get the lure snagged.. Always try to keep the rod pointed to either side of you at about belt height.

If the lure pops loose it will probably miss your face.

 

Enjoy & think before acting when alone.

 

Rich

[nate42racing]

Thanks Rich I will be alone and I understand that safety is #1. I just need more help as to what action rod and what speed reel. Bwxause for the six rod system each setup is different and I want to know what setup is the best all around. Thanks

[cyclops2]

Always see if you can carry a CHARGED UP cell phone in a sealed ZIP LOCK bag.  911 if you get really injured.

[*Hootie]

Probably a good reason he is really adamant about the sunglasses. Notice, his screen name is Cyclops...just kidding.

Hootie

[nate42racing]

Haha thats a good one

[cyclops2]

OK

 

Enough safety.

 

I would pick a

 

Hold it !!

 

You can carry a LONG regular rod on the bike . NO sweat.  I used to carry a roll of Electricans tape with me . I taped the rod onto the pipe under the seat to front post. Butt faced foward tip  under the seat & cleared the rear fender. I used tape in 3 places. Never damaged a thing.

I did a spinning reel only because I could swap from 4# test to about 30# test in about 2 minutes For Catfish or Carp.

 

Your call

[MichiganFishing1997]

For a butchering reel around $50 I have heard good things about the Abu Garcia Black max. As for a rod, you'll have to get a two piece. I would suggest between 6'6-7'. Then for a specific rod I would say a Berkley Cherrywood, Lightning Rod, or Lightning Rod Shock. All good budget rods. If you really need to worry about durability than get an Ugly Stick.

I did the Sam thing your going to do for a while. As long as you know where you are and what your doing its a lot of fun. Welcome to the Forum. Good luck!

Christian

[BassThumbAddict]

I went to local wal-mart today you can pick up a abugarcia vendetta for 40.00 also you can pick up a abugarcia silver or black max for 49.00. All at wal-mart. Good luck youngin and don't stop fishing.

[nate42racing]

Thanks guys. Would you say a 6:1 gear ratio or around there is good and a medium action rod

[MichiganFishing1997]

Depends on your cover. The reel ratio is perfectly fine, its a great all around ratio. As for the rod, Medium Heavy Fast Action is a great all around baitcasting rod, which would be my preference. If you are fishing lighter cover and lighter lures than a Medium may better suite your fishing style.

Christian

[dave]

H2O Mettle from Academy Sports

[cyclops2]

6 to 1 is fine.

 

Soft action makes tossing live bait or scented bait balls a lot easier.

 

A medium action will also work fine.

 

 

Pick a rod that reads for line weights of  4  to about 20 # ( pound test ). It is usually stamped near the handle part of the rod. Some will also have SOFT or  MEDIUM or  HEAVY action to guide you.

[cyclops2]

 When the sun comes up. The bigger & smarter fish head for docks & under the boats at the dock. . Rubber worms are death to the fish dragged on the bottom. You want the fish to always look DOWN . Never up to see you against the sky....Catch & released fish know what your shape against the sky means.

[deadadrift89]

Welcome!! I remember back to those days with a 2 pc. spinning reel and beetle spins and hiting every lake I could get my bike too. Anyways for a baitcaster id say Abu Garcia silvermax 6.4:1 with a Berkley Lightning rod 6'6" or 7' MH with fast action. 10lb. Seaguar red label or Berkley 100% fluorocarbon line.Best advise on baits is learn how to texas rig a worm and get in the habit of palming your reel and let your index finger sit in front of reel with line resting on top of your finger and keep slack tight so you can feel bite. Small ponds and lakes with good water clarity give 6"-7.5" worms a try in pumpkinseed or green pumpkin color(if water clarity is less than 2' id use junebug or junebug red) with 3/16.oz weight and 3/0-4/0 hook a try    

[Crookedneck]

If you have a Duhnams Sports around you the have Abu Garcia combos in the silver max or black max reels for around $60-80. The rods are mediums to m-heavy. Good starter set ups.

[TorqueConverter]

Im up in upstate New York and I'm looking for a baitcaster for 100 bucks between both the rod and the reel. Thanks

 

The best bang for your buck baitcaster that is also available at a store (i doubt you have a credit/debit card for online purchases) is the Pfluger Templar.  6 pin centrifugal braking, coated level wind and decent bearings for a cheap reel for a $60 at Walmart.  That leaves you with $40 to spend on a rod at Walmart. 

 

Bass pro has some combos in the $100 price range, but they may only be available in store, as that is where I have seen them.  The Pro Qualifier reel and rod combo looks good although the rod is very moderate in action.

[Wbeadlescomb]

OK

Enough safety.

I would pick a

Hold it !!

You can carry a LONG regular rod on the bike . NO sweat. I used to carry a roll of Electricans tape with me . I taped the rod onto the pipe under the seat to front post. Butt faced foward tip under the seat & cleared the rear fender. I used tape in 3 places. Never damaged a thing.

I did a spinning reel only because I could swap from 4# test to about 30# test in about 2 minutes For Catfish or Carp.

Your call

One of my buddies had a 250 ninja crotch rocket when he was 15 and he would strap two rods to that thing and ride It to my house so I would take him fishing. Funny as crap seeing him ride down the highway like that