New To Bass Fishing

[baileyjs]

Hi all. I'm a "newbie" to both this forum AND bass fishing.  I didn't do a lot of fishing growing up but got hooked last year when my brother inlaw got a little boat and we found a nice little lake full of bass.  We pretty much stuck to weightless texas rigged senkos all year and didn't find a reason to change....had a blast!

   Here's my question:  I'm up in Minnesota so our bass don't get as big as down south, but I'm looking to upgrade a little so I'm not using the same rod/reel as when I was 15.  I want to stick with a spinning reel but does anyone have any suggestions for a weekend warrior? rod, reel, type line and lb test.....

thanks!!

Jim

[porkleaker]

Bought a Pfluger President 6930 for $60 recently and a Shimano Convergence for $70, couldn't be happier and was at the advice of members here, personally I spooled it with 20lb sufix 832. 

[RipSomeLips]

Try searching the forum over in the rod, reel, line etc section. Lots of good info and opinions there.

I use bait caster's primarily and am not the best to give you solid advice on spinning combos because my favorite combo is an ultralight 6 foot combo...weird I know but tons of fun.

[boostr]

Ooh boy, you done it now. Welcome to the world of lake crack, and the forum.

[plumworm]

Tell us how much you wish to spend and we will turn you over to the " bait monkey" 

[baileyjs]

thanks all.

I was thinking around $100 to $150.  I've read a lot of good things about the president, there's just SO many options!

[F14A-B]

Decisions, decisions... Part of the fun!!

Welcome and good decision already on Bass

Fishing and joining the forums here.

[CDobber]

Go to a large store (Cabela's, Bass Pro, Dicks, etc) and look/play around with a lot of different choices for reels and rods to get a feel for what your eyes and hands like.  It is daunting, and I'm not too dissimilar from you.

 

I ended up settling on a Shimano Compre rod, 6'6" in a 2 piece model as I like the ability to break it down to fit it in a full SUV.  I love it, though I still struggle to land bass like I'd hope.

For reel, I decided to narrow the field down to Shimano to keep things simple and not mix/match brands, though did read very good things on the President line.  I went with a used Stradic 2500FJ off the flea market here to get a great upgrade in reel, and ended up getting a brand new one from my family at Xmas.  One is seated on the Compre (the used one), the other is on a Convergence 6'8" worm and jig rod that I have dedicated as a drop shot setup.  

 

I chose to go braid for line as I fish from shore frequently and deal with a lot of debris and such, and for me, the piece of mind on line tension/strength makes sense.

 

Figure out some way to narrow down your field (needing a 2 pc model, liking the aesthetics on another, going on a recommendation from a buddy, etc...) and then read reviews on just that brand or two...it will help you from being overwhelmed.

[bigbill]

First welcome to the forum. Welcome to the world of bass fishing. To me it's one of my best hobbies.

I would suggest you read everything here in the articles and watch the videos with our gurus of bass fisherman we have here in our educational videos.

 

To pick a bass rod can be tough without touching it in person. If your looking for a rod and reel setup for one lure and presentation the guys here can help you out. If you want a setup that can handle a few different lures and presentations that's possible too.

[hoosierbass07]

Hi all. I'm a "newbie" to both this forum AND bass fishing.  I didn't do a lot of fishing growing up but got hooked last year when my brother inlaw got a little boat and we found a nice little lake full of bass.  We pretty much stuck to weightless texas rigged senkos all year and didn't find a reason to change....had a blast!

   Here's my question:  I'm up in Minnesota so our bass don't get as big as down south, but I'm looking to upgrade a little so I'm not using the same rod/reel as when I was 15.  I want to stick with a spinning reel but does anyone have any suggestions for a weekend warrior? rod, reel, type line and lb test.....

thanks!!

Jim

 

 

 

 

  You sound some what like me.  I got into bass fishing last year too and ever since I love it!  I really didn't know much about it because one of my brothers that does fish only goes for blue-gill.  So I had to learn from Youtube and forums like this one.  I ended up making a couple of videos on my favorite reel and favorite way to fish - Texas rigged plastic worms!  

 

 

 

[hooah212002]

Bought a Pfluger President 6930 for $60 recently and a Shimano Convergence for $70, couldn't be happier and was at the advice of members here, personally I spooled it with 20lb sufix 832. 

 

The Presidents currently have a $10 mail in rebate making them only $50. You cannot go wrong here.

[porkleaker]

Well there you have it. Not going to find a better reel for that price.

[macmichael]

Welcome to the board. You'll find the right answers on here. Plan on going to next years road trip. You'll learn a tremdious amount of info. I know  I sure did. The members are great. Good luck.

[tcbass]

New Cabelas opening in Woodbury next week. I'm sure they will have some sales.

I think if you stick with any of the big name brands, Abu Garcia, Shimano, and others you will be fine. Cabelas Tournament ZX rods were on sale for $69 each from $100 and they are supposed to be great rods. Won Outfoor Life's best rod award in 2013.

[JGBassinAL]

I have never used the President but have never read anything but good reviews on it. If I were you, I would get a *** *** Black 6'7" Medium or 7'1" Medium, depending on your preference. And if you could stretch that to $180 I would get a Shimano Sahara 2500. Then I'd throw some 16 lb Sunline SX1 braid on there and whatever fluoro or mono leader you want!

[Arv]

Throw a Pflueger President on one of the many many rods in the 100 range and you'll have yourself a nice combo for getting after them on the weekend, or any other day for that matter. Keep your eye open for sales and you might be able to save a little bit more money. I believe the Abu Veritas rods are around 80 bucks right now. Might be worth considering. Good luck and welcome to BR!

[baileyjs]

The Presidents currently have a $10 mail in rebate making them only $50. You cannot go wrong here.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys.  I think I'm going to go with the President....how about a rod?  Can I get away with a two piece?  Bass up here aren't typically real big.  The state record is around 8 but most I've caught are around 2-3.

[new2BC4bass]

2-piece will be fine.  That is all I fished with 50-60 years ago.  Caught plenty back in those days.

[Cgrinder]

Memorial Day sales will soon be upon us. It will be a good time to buy. In the mean time, you should give Valley Sports a call or PM and see what Ron can do for you within that budget. He's a good guy to deal with and his prices are very competitive.