JackW8 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 So I would like to take up bass fishing but there are some things I would like to know first. What is a good starting reel/rod? I have only caught one bass before and that was on accident while fishing for bluegill. So I really don't know much. Also what is a good strength line to be using? I live in the Northern California area and the people I have been talking to are saying its mainly Largemouth around here. Anyways thanks for the help. (Also I don't have a ton of money to spend but I can invest some) Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted July 13, 2015 Global Moderator Posted July 13, 2015 Are you looking for a spinning or casting setup? Also, welcome to the site! Quote
JackW8 Posted July 13, 2015 Author Posted July 13, 2015 Are you looking for a spinning or casting setup? Also, welcome to the site! I'm leaning towards casting. And thanks for the warm welcome Quote
travis23 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Get you a 7 ft medium heavy rod. That will cover just about everything. Reels these days are all pretty good, so just pick something you like. if you go to your local tackle shop, they will be happy to help you. Then start reading all of the articles on the page, use the search tool at the top, and go through all old topics! Don't get overwhelmed with all of your choices with lures. You can catch bass on just about anything. I'm sure someone will come through and list the, all for you! Good luck and welcome! 1 Quote
d-camarena Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Go to cabelas, get a cabelas tourney trail and pflueger president combo for around $100 and go slay them. It was my first combo and i still love it. Id recommend spinning while you get good at bass fishing. It will save you some headaches, and as you get better you can look into a casting set up Quote
Flippin4Biggins Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Welcome buddy Yea I started with a 7ft basspro tourney special and its light with great sensitivity for being 50 bucks. And then I put that together with a kvd reel a friend gave me and I started catching fish but it was. 5:1:1 and that ration sucked for me so I got a Abu Garcia pro max reel and I never looked back. Read articles man, practice and enjoy. Here's a few hints to help. 1. Vary your retrieves on each cast and let the fish tell you what they want. 2. When you catch a fish pay attention to what you were doing and recreate it 3. Was there a specific kind of cover where you caught it? 4. Don't crazy with colors.... You'll Boggle your mind keep it simple. 5. If you don't have a boat like me. Fan cast but concentrate more on being perpendicular to the shore... This keeps you in the strike zone longer and you'll increase the chance of a fish. Have man and feel free to ask more questions. A lot of info and articles on here. I've been reading the forums for almost two years before I joined and I've stepped up my game so much. This is a great group of people Quote
Brnnoser6983 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 welcome to the site! You have so many options out there, but it comes down to what is right for you. Lews, and Abu Garcia are great options and they aren't going to drain the wallet. Imo get something around 6:4.1 with a MH or H rod. And focus onto one maybe two techniques. Crank and jigging are some good starting points, but there are so many more. As others have said, check out the forums and search topics. There is a plethora of information on this site from some great anglers. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 13, 2015 Super User Posted July 13, 2015 I grew up with spinning reels. Got into baitcast reels in 2009. My spinning rods hardly ever get used anymore. However, I will be the first to admit that a spinning reel is much easier to learn with and is versatile. Also a spinning reel is much easier to cast when surrounded by trees and bushes....as is a shorter rod. Is your spinning rod (or rods) suitable for bass? You can use an ultralight, but it isn't going to be very versatile. Your spinning rod should be at least a Medium power. There are quite a few options these days for good inexpensive baitcast reels to learn on. The PQ always gets recommended and the best time to buy one is when it is on sale. Lews makes some inexpensive reels that get high marks. Check out this article. http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html Look for Tackle Reviews under Fishing Articles at the top left hand side of the main page for other reviews. I've got the Primmus which is also reviewed in another article and absolutely love this reel. The Abu Black Max and the H2O Mettle at Academy Sports are both highly rated for their price. Also check out the Flea Market and other For Sale forums on other fishing sites. Some excellent deals can be had, and you wind up with a very good rod or reel at a much lower than new price. The older gold colored BPS Carbonlite is an extremely capable reel and one in good to very good condition should be in the $55-$65 neighborhood. A 6'6" or 7' Medium Fast or MH Fast makes for an excellent all-around rod. I'd go with the MHF if buying a casting rod. One with a 1/4-1 oz. lure rating. The Berkley Lightning is a very nice rod for the money. Academy Sports sells their line of H2O rods that also get great reviews. These are in addition to the rods already mentioned. If you don't mind spending a bit more money, the *** Black and Fenwick HMG are really good rods at their price point. The older *** handle is a bit too thin for some. No idea about the new model. Good luck and keep us posted on what your final decision is. Quote
Super User HoosierHawgs Posted July 13, 2015 Super User Posted July 13, 2015 What is the top end of your budget Quote
RyanFishing Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Welcome to the site! My pick would be a St. Croix Triumph casting 7ft Medium Fast. I'd pair it with a Pflueger Echelon and you'll be set. It totals at 160 but you definitely get what you pay for. Quote
hawkoath Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 Welcome, welcome. How experienced of a baitcaster are you and what is your budget? Also, what type of technique/structure will you be fishing in (i.e. flipping/pitching weeds, throwing crankbaits, alabama rigs, etc...). In general, if you want a line that can probably do it all then get some 30-40lb braid and it will last you a year or two but if you have something specific in mind there are definitely better options. As for the rod and reel though it really depends... Quote
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