Equipment Recommendations - Oregon Bass/Trout Fishing

[PNW Persistence]

Hello! Newbie here so go easy...

 

I live in Oregon and I have really taken to fishing this year. I started teaching myself late last summer but didn't have a ton of luck. I have a learned a lot and I am starting to have some luck this year. Now that I am getting more comofortable with a lot of the basic techniques, I want to be sure that I am using the right equipment. 

I only have 1 rod right now, 1 6'6 Medium GX2 Ugly Stick. I have been using mostly 6lb to 8lb line, fishing for bass and trout. I've been fishing ponds, lakes and rivers. 

• Does anyone have any recommendations on my equipment? I am open to getting another rod. Should I have a lightweight or heavyweight rod as well? What are the factors that I could lean on to determine what type of rod I plan to use. 
• If I am fishing in heavy cover or weeds with lightweight lures, should I be going with heavier line?
• Should my line weight vary depending on where I am fishing? Most of the fish I am targeting will be under 6lbs - but not sure if there are other factors at play. 

I appreciate any input - it's hard for me to gather and organize all my questions. I have been using the search function but there is just so much information so I thought I would ask here. Self taught but having a TON of fun. 

 

 

[The Short Fisherman]

If your fishing with the reel that came with the ugly stik i would get a new reel. Do you have any steelhead in your local rivers?

[Hawkeye21]

A Medium-Heavy powered rod with fast tip will handle the majority of bass fishing techniques so I recommend that.  You can stick with the Ugly Stick brand if you want.  Using around 16 pound test for fluorocarbon and 20 pound for braid will also cover most applications as well.

[PNW Persistence]

This is somewhat of a steelhead sanctuary - but I have never fished for Steelhead (yet). I am using the reel that came with the Ugly Stik - might take a trip to Cabela's to talk to an employee about some potential options for me.

 

 

[MartinTheFisherman]

@PNW Persistence

Welcome to Bass Resource! 

 

I also started off with a 6'6" Medium Ugly Stick! First off I would recommend you change the line to some 10lb Spiderwire Stealth braid in Moss Green, remember to use a leader which is tying the main line (braid) to the leader (mono or floro). I would also recommend a 6'6" Med Light or Light spinning rod paired with some 6lb-4lb mono or fluro for some trout and a size 1000 reel. I am just starting to use baitcasters after 3 years fishing, some are quite expensive. I would go with a 7' Med Hvy or Hvy spinning rod with a 4000 size reel with 20lb or 30lb braid to start fishing texas rigs, jigs, small swimbaits, etc...

 

Hopefully this info helps!  

[J Francho]

For now, I'd say you are just fine.  I wouldn't over complicate the system, or change anything until you've become familiar enough with a few techniques that you want to try another type of line, a  new reel or rod.  I caught a TON of fish of all species using a 7' Ugly Stik and Penn reel spooled up with 6# Trilene.  If you get a chance to fish with others, see if you can try their gear, to get a feel of more specialized setups.

[JustJames]

I hate to agree with this ^^^^ but he is right. I think you should concentrate more on Technique than new setup. There are plenty that you can learn and fit to your gear.

[LCG]

I went through quite a few rods and reels before I realized what I was really looking for. I would keep using what you have until you feel it doesn't have what you want, based on the techniques you prefer. I had the exact same rod, it will catch you plenty of fish and take a beating. 

 

I would probably up the line strength or better yet use braid and a leader. It will offer better line management, stronger line, and the sensitivity will be greatly improved. 

 

The learning never stops and its a lot of fun. Good luck and enjoy. 

[garroyo130]

3 hours ago, J Francho said:

For now, I'd say you are just fine.  I wouldn't over complicate the system, or change anything until you've become familiar enough with a few techniques that you want to try another type of line, a  new reel or rod.

I would only add that if you're simply trying to catch fish, try throwing a #2 or #3 mepps spinner. IMO the easiest lure to accidentally catch fish on. 

[J Francho]

Mepps are well made spinners.  There's nothing accidental about catching using them.  If you're working fish in current, and casting upstream or making quartering casts, Panther Martins spin better at slower speeds.  Steelhead are goofy for rainbow trout pattern.  Go figure.

[Mr.C in Texas]

I'm born and raised in Salem so I'm very familiar with the fisheries.  My advise is to keep it simple, quality over quanity and don't buy anything unless you know why you need it.  Once you fish more you will understand when you need something more sensitive, reliable, stronger ect. More expensive gear can make the experience more enjoyable.

[PNW Persistence]

A little update for all of those that helped me out this week. I had a really successful weekend. Caught 3 largemouth on the pond and 2 rainbow trout in the river in about 1.5-2 hours of fishing. Had a blast! 

 

Thanks everyone