New to bass fishing

[ecarriel]

I want to get into bass fishing however I don't have the money to buy 3+ setups. What would you recommend starting off with? I want to do large mouth fishing, any help would be greatly appreciated. I read on article on setups but didn't really say what do begin with. 

[Caia326]

Its tough to say as reel types are a personal preference. Spinning reels seem to be easier for people to learn to use but most people eventually migrate to a bait caster.  There are some techniques that are better suited to spinning gear and some that are better suited for bait casters so you may need to make a choice between spinning and bait casting before you decide anything else.

 There are several threads on the boards regarding best reels and rods under $100. I personally prefer bait casters and if I could only choose one setup it would be a 7' Medium Heavy, fast action rod paired with a 5+ ball bearing 6.4:1 reel.

 

[Outdoor Zack]

35 minutes ago, ecarriel said:

I want to get into bass fishing however I don't have the money to buy 3+ setups. What would you recommend starting off with? I want to do large mouth fishing, any help would be greatly appreciated. I read on article on setups but didn't really say what do begin with. 

I started on a medium heavy spinning rod about a year and a half ago.  It is, in my opinion, simple and versatile.  You may want to look into a combo from Daiwa, Shimano, or Pflueger.  They are all good names and make nice budget gear too.

[Bruceallmgty]

16 hours ago, Caia326 said:

Its tough to say as reel types are a personal preference. Spinning reels seem to be easier for people to learn to use but most people eventually migrate to a bait caster.  There are some techniques that are better suited to spinning gear and some that are better suited for bait casters so you may need to make a choice between spinning and bait casting before you decide anything else.

 There are several threads on the boards regarding best reels and rods under $100. I personally prefer bait casters and if I could only choose one setup it would be a 7' Medium Heavy, fast action rod paired with a 5+ ball bearing 6.4:1 reel.

 

 Lol that's exactly what I have. I'm a weekend warrior, getting  back into it myself. I went  with that and spinning rod/reel. I went too light on power it's suited for crappie, bream etc., but most advice i read said to have a finesse setup so I have that covered.

Edited April 5, 2016 by Bruceallmgty
Grammar

[Fish the Mitt]

I suggest starting slow. No use spending big money until you're 100% certain passion is there for the sport.

I started with a MH/Med Action GX2 w/ Lews SS spinning reel. It is versatile and can fish almost anything you want to do with minor adjustments. As you advance, you will realize that certain setups are better for certain types of fishing (different rods/reels/etc). But, don't worry about that right now. Start with the basics. 

So, some quick input from me. Largemouth fishing... Right off the bat, I will tell you that LMB are generally found more in the weeds/cover than their cousin (the smallmouth - who likes open water more). So ensuring your setup can handle heavy weeds/cover if needed, is probably a good start. I would start with a Medium or Medium Heavy rod (depending on where you live and what size LMB you have).

As for the reel, go to the store and try some out. Find one that's comfortable. As for gear ratio, I don't know. Your retrieve preference is probably not established yet so I would suggest starting with a middle of the road ratio. Not super fast, and not super slow. 

From there, the more you learn and the more you practice, you will develop a sense of whats working good with that setup and whats not. From there you will dive into other setups thoughout time that have a more focused purpose. 

Just remember, no one starts out by buying 10 different setups. We all start with the basics and a basic setup and as we learn, we grow... as does our equipment

P.S. I also suggest filling out your profile and sticking around. This site is a great resource!

[roadwarrior]

Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning combination

 

[new2BC4bass]

Yup.  I prefer baitcast, but if you are fishing from shore with any kind of cover around, a spinning reel is a better option as roadwarror suggested.  For me a baitcaster requires more room for casting unless you plan on pitching or flipping every time trees, bushes, high grass, etc is around your fishing spot.

[Poolshark]

I wanted one rod and a small  handful of lures to keep in my truck at all times to catch bass at any random spots in my travels, drive to and from work etc. I just wanted one rod and enough lures to stash on my pocket while I hit the bank. I chose a rod that was a fast action rated for 1/4 to 3/4 ounce lures it doesn't matter wether you choose spinning or baitcast. This lure rating and fast action is good place to start. 

[aprilbass101]

2x Road Warrior advice....Medium/Fast rod with a decent real If you enjoy upgrade in the future!

[new2BC4bass]

You didn't mention a budget so as a beginner I imagine less is going to be better for you.  If you won't be fishing in much cover, here is a good option for a decent rod at about $40 is a Berkley Lightning.  I prefer the standard over the Shock.  Have had one for 35 years or so.  Now we are talking about $80 total.  Or step up to the Pflueger President for another $20 more.  A highly rated reel.

My personal preference for a spinning rod is Medium power or less.  That is what I grew up with and am the most comfortable with when it comes to using a spinning rod.  I have two MH spinning rods, but much prefer throwing anything these rods would be used for on a baitcast rod.

[lmbfisherman]

If you're going to have one, go with the spinning.  The above recommendation are spot on.   Especially if you're new to bait casters.