Bass noobie, please advise on Rigging

[Bassachussetts]

I fished as a kid and always loved it. Recently I decided to get back into it as I want to get my family more into the outdoors life.

I did some homework and wanted an outfit that would be versatile. I bought a 6'6" Berkley Lightning Rod, I believe a Medium Light model. I paired that with a Pfleuger Trion 35X spinning reel, and some 6# test mono. I want to get into bass for starters as it seems like they are likely easier to locate in my central MA location than most other species.

 

So I started reading about different techniques, rigs, etc. I like simplistic approaches and don't want to spend a ton of money on fancy lures, etc. So the Texas and Carolina rigs seemed fitting for me, but the more I read about them, they all seem to recommend much heavier test line, like 10 and 12#. 

 

So my question is, will my outfit be able to fish the texas and carolina rigs effectively, or is my lightweight line going to hinder me?

Any and all feedback and suggestions are welcome. Keep in mind, I'm strictly shore/bank fishing mostly small bodies of water as that is really the only thing local to me in northern/central MA.

[MichaelCopeland]

41 minutes ago, Bassachussetts said:

I fished as a kid and always loved it. Recently I decided to get back into it as I want to get my family more into the outdoors life.

I did some homework and wanted an outfit that would be versatile. I bought a 6'6" Berkley Lightning Rod, I believe a Medium Light model. I paired that with a Pfleuger Trion 35X spinning reel, and some 6# test mono. I want to get into bass for starters as it seems like they are likely easier to locate in my central MA location than most other species.

 

So I started reading about different techniques, rigs, etc. I like simplistic approaches and don't want to spend a ton of money on fancy lures, etc. So the Texas and Carolina rigs seemed fitting for me, but the more I read about them, they all seem to recommend much heavier test line, like 10 and 12#. 

 

So my question is, will my outfit be able to fish the texas and carolina rigs effectively, or is my lightweight line going to hinder me?

Any and all feedback and suggestions are welcome. Keep in mind, I'm strictly shore/bank fishing mostly small bodies of water as that is really the only thing local to me in northern/central MA.

You should be ok with the 6# line. Wouldn't hurt to have some 8# and 10# though. Texas and Carolina rigs have worked for me. I use a heavy braid, however the diameter of it is of 12# test. So it's stronger but thinner for the poundage. I'm still new to this though. Hopefully will gain some more knowledge, I can contribute, this coming week while on vacation. Good luck!

[scaleface]

Use lures and line within  the ratings of your rod . You can still use almost any type of lure . They will catch bass .

[Bassachussetts]

19 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Use lures and line within  the ratings of your rod . You can still use almost any type of lure . They will catch bass .

 

well my outfit is balanced, but everything I've been reading makes it sound like texas rigs are more for "heavier" outfits.

 

[scaleface]

Just now, Bassachussetts said:

 

well my outfit is balanced, but everything I've been reading makes it sound like texas rigs are more for "heavier" outfits.

 

 

You can use 1/8th to 1/16th  ounce weights , 4   inch worms with a 1.0 hook . You could texas rig tubes too . Guido Hibdon won Bass Angler of the year titles by utilizing spinning gear and lightweight lures .

[Bassachussetts]

2 minutes ago, scaleface said:

 

You can use 1/8th to 1/16th  ounce weights , 4   inch worms with a 1.0 hook . You could texas rig tubes too . Guido Hibdon won Bass Angler of the year titles by utilizing spinning gear and lightweight lures .

 

Thanks! I planned on 1/8 ounce weight, but I think I bought longer worms, should be alright I suppose. I also bought offset EWG 3/0 hooks, are those too big?

[scaleface]

1 minute ago, Bassachussetts said:

 

Thanks! I planned on 1/8 ounce weight, but I think I bought longer worms, should be alright I suppose. I also bought offset EWG 3/0 hooks, are those too big?

 

I think they are too big , others may not . The lighter wire hooks will go through the worm and bassees mouth easier .You can easily turn a six inch worm into a four or five inch worm , I bite them off shorter all the time . Theres a lot of videos on this forum and a section for finesse fishing , you ought to check them out . They are real informative .

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Bassachussetts said:

I fished as a kid and always loved it. Recently I decided to get back into it as I want to get my family more into the outdoors life.

I did some homework and wanted an outfit that would be versatile. I bought a 6'6" Berkley Lightning Rod, I believe a Medium Light model. I paired that with a Pfleuger Trion 35X spinning reel, and some 6# test mono. I want to get into bass for starters as it seems like they are likely easier to locate in my central MA location than most other species.

 

So I started reading about different techniques, rigs, etc. I like simplistic approaches and don't want to spend a ton of money on fancy lures, etc. So the Texas and Carolina rigs seemed fitting for me, but the more I read about them, they all seem to recommend much heavier test line, like 10 and 12#. 

 

So my question is, will my outfit be able to fish the texas and carolina rigs effectively, or is my lightweight line going to hinder me? Any and all feedback and suggestions are welcome. Keep in mind, I'm strictly shore/bank fishing mostly small bodies of water as that is really the only thing local to me in northern/central MA

 

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

When it's all said & done there are three basic factors that you'll need to address regarding the gear you have & the techniques you want to fish with it. 

1. Can you effectively / accurately cast the rig with it ?  The weight you use plays a role here.

2. Can you effectively detect a strike AND then set the hook ?    ML spinning gear spooled with Six pound test is often a solid rig for reel setting a small, exposed drop shot hook but you may find it a bit inadequate driving a beefy worm hook through plastic (if you Tex-pose the bait) and then into the bass; especially on a long cast.

3.  Can you effectively fight & land the big bass you're undoubtedly hoping to catch,  up & over or through the cover you're fishing (if any) ?

 

My experience here says that you'll have some problems.  But I think you already know that. 

So like many of us did in the early stages of our fishing, you can try what you've got.  Perhaps catch a few and perhaps lose a few along the way.  Eventually, you may end up making some modifications to either your gear or your baits so that the above factors are less of a concern which would probably improve you're overall success and satisfaction quite a bit.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[Darren.]

Good advice/questions above. I'll just welcome you to

the forums where you'll learn and become a better fisherman!

 

Do read the articles here and watch Glenn's videos, as well.

Lots of good stuff there, and of course, among the savvy, 

smart (most of 'em, anyhow) peeps here  .

[MichaelCopeland]

Hello and welcome aboard! Can't believe I forgot to say that in my earlier comment. @Darren. knows what he's talking about. The articles and Glenn's videos have helped me quite a bit. I still have lots more to read, watch and learn though.

[NiX]

I still use the same spinning combo that I started out bass fishing with, a medium light 6'6" 2 piece spinning combo. It's actually the same combo I have had since I was 6 years old ( I am now 26 ). I started off throwing weightless senkos 4", 5", and 6" was what I would use. T-rigged them weightless and I wacky rigged them. 

 

I then progressed to trying out ribbon tails, tubes, and drop shots. Once I was comfortable with those I started throwing spinner baits and crank baits on it. Obviously not the best setup for those lures but I did it anyway and I caught fish. I eventually bought a bait casting combo so I had to 2 rods. 

 

TLDR: I would suggest just start out with worms and 8lb mono..

[MIbassyaker]

Yes, you can fish weightless and light texas rigs just fine with your setup. Where you are likely to have problems is in heavy cover and with heavy weights (over 1/4oz) , and heavy-wire hooks. Just keep things relatively simple and light, and you'll be fine.

 

Three more things to look up that are incredibly effective and should shine with your setup:

--ned rig

--slider fishing

--split-shot or mojo rig

[Bassachussetts]

9 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

Yes, you can fish weightless and light texas rigs just fine with your setup. Where you are likely to have problems is in heavy cover and with heavy weights (over 1/4oz) , and heavy-wire hooks. Just keep things relatively simple and light, and you'll be fine.

 

Three more things to look up that are incredibly effective and should shine with your setup:

--ned rig

--slider fishing

--split-shot or mojo rig

 

Thank you for the advice on additional rigs for my setup! I will read up on those.

 

Also, thank you everyone for the warm welcome, I can tell this is a great community already.

[fishnkamp]

Welcome to the site.  Everyone one of us has been the newbie. The benefit here is there are lots of us old farts with decades to make mistakes.. oops I meant to become the PROS we are. LOL

 

I take a definite approach with new anglers. Instead of making them think they need to own a Bass Pro Shops worth of tackle I always suggest an approach that says lets own a simple group of lures that catch fish everywhere  and learn how to fish it as many ways as possible.

I believe a rod like yours is a great tool.  There are many finesse bass baits that will be deadly on that rod.

I believe a 6'8 to 7 foot medium spinning rod is the most versatile tool to own next.

Once these two rods are in your arsenal a 6'8 to 7'3" medium heavy baitcasting rod makes your next weapon of choice.

 

Those three rods can fish baits that run from tiny to 3/4 of an ounce and catch a lot of bass,

I fish with 3 spinning rods and 12 baitcasters on board most times.

My spinning rods include a ML and medium rods. I fish different baits on each one and they account for a lot of fish caught.

 

I was trying to attatch an article I wrote to another new angler on this board. I think you will find it helpful. I guess I can not send it for some reason here. Give me an

email at   fishnkamp @comcast,net and I will send you as copy.

 

Using this technique of deciding to buy a specific bait like say a tube bait from Strike King Coffee Tube.   These can be rigged weightless with just a hook, they can be rigged on a hook like an Eagle Claw Shaw Grigsby HP hook and use their small weights. This rig is more weedless and falls slowly since it is so lightly weighted.  A tube can be rigged using a simple 1/8 or 1/4 ounce texas rig or carolina rigged using a few split shot.  They can also be rigger using a jighead inside, this way they can be fished with an exposed hook or with one that has a wire weed guard.  All of these different rigging options can make the bait act differently and the body of water helps to determine how to best rig them.  How fast is the current, are you pitching them under docks, or grass etc.

I hope this help make you think a little more and I can help you pick some baits and go over rigging options.

 

 

 

 

[Pikeman12]

You will be fine with your texas and carolina rigs.  As said up above, heavier weights is where it might be tougher in which case you can move up. I used to use 6 lb a lot, had no problem throwing senkos. The heavier line will help if you want to throw it into cover. Now I am at 10 lb mono just so I can cast bigger baits and I find it to be perfect. Some good cheaper lures for that are the blue fox inline spinners. You can get a kit of them between 5-10$ at walmart and they work great for bass and crappie. 8 lb would be better, but if you are set on 6 it should work fine too, just remember to have your drag set correctly in case you hook a hog! 

[LCG]

I think you would be best to use that set up for drop shot, ned, and neko rigs. All of which are very easy to learn and highly productive. Bass resources has some awesome videos to explain these rigs, YouTube has also helped me immensely. 

[the reel ess]

I have the exact same combo. I use 20# PowerPro braid. I use cheap mono as backing line to lower cost. I just think 6# mono is almost too light for bass if this is your only combo. There will be lures that you need to get a good hookset on and that 6# is going to stretch. You usually have a good bit of line out when you use a C rig. You're going to have to lighten your drag to avoid breaking line and it will eventually cost you a big fish. If you feel the need to go light for visibility, you can use a mono leader. I do this when I make a light C rig for this combo. I use an 1/8 oz. bullet weight and 10 lb. low vis green Trilene leader below the swivel. Then I'll use a 4" Zoom Finesse Worm.

 

I would only ever use 6 lb for crappie or if I was in a place with extremely clear water. And I never fish a place like that. well, I also have a light combo I take to a pond with stunted bass and good bluegills that has 6 lb on it and I miss some bites because of the stretch factor.

 

If you think braid is prohibitively expensive, consider that it lasts longer than you'll want to keep it on your reel. You can use cheap mono as backing to fill half your spool. Then if you reel it from one reel to another, the other end will be like brand new. It also has less line memory and less twist issues.

[Choporoz]

Welcome to BR! 

 

Sounds like you haven't yet been introduced to my "friend" below....he welcomes, you, also: