Simplest Lures for New Bass Fishermen ?

[ChrisD46]

For youngsters new to bass fishing (using decent spin cast outfits and #6 lb. to #8 lb. co-poly line)  who want to learn casting  and retrieving from the bank or from docks - what lures do you recommend to tie on where bass will “practically hook themselves” ? Difficult rod / lure manipulation , hard hook sets and lures which may hang up a lot are not good for youngsters just starting out . Your thoughts , suggestions and experiences for the above ? 

[Gera]

I taught my daughter using tiny swimbaits on ultralight tackle. I bought them at mule fishing and she had a blast. like you say fish basically hooked themself, she caught tons of bass and bluegill. 

just throw and reel back in. 

 

[Jig Man]

Beetle spins and rooster tails

[Bird]

Beetle spins , small poppers and nightcrawlers thrown weightless.

I have my wife throwing the above and she does well.

The weightless nightcrawler never hangs simply because something is gonna eat it.

[Mobasser]

3" twister tail grub. White, Smoke, Chartreuse and black. 1/8 oz jig head- sharp hook.

[softwateronly]

47 minutes ago, Gera said:

I taught my daughter using tiny swimbaits on ultralight tackle. I bought them at mule fishing and she had a blast. like you say fish basically hooked themself, she caught tons of bass and bluegill. 

just throw and reel back in. 

 

Totally agree. I’ve had good luck with my nieces with a  1/8oz jig head and 3” swimmer on a light spinning rod.  The cast and reel hook set all happens naturally. The challenge is putting them on fish without heavy cover. 
 

scott

[WRB]

I am not a fan of Zebco 33 spin cast reels for kids with small hands. I know it’s very popular. 

I made up a 5’ light power spinning rod with Zebco Omega 144 trigger spin outfit that can be 2 handed to cast and perfectly balanced.

Start with a practice casting plug no hooks. After the kid has the motion down then put on a lure with a single hook.

Small Keitech and jig or a split shot small 4”-4  1/2” curl tail worm works great for all ages of new anglers.

Tom 

[tholmes]

1 hour ago, Mobasser said:

3" twister tail grub. White, Smoke, Chartreuse and black. 1/8 oz jig head- sharp hook.

That's my prescription for "kid tackle". Maybe throw in a couple of Rooster Tails and tiny spoons.

 

Tom

[Bankc]

Honestly, I'm a big fan of teaching kids to fish with minnows, an aberdeen hook, and a Zebco 33.  It's probably the easiest way to learn.  Start off fishing at the dock.  Move up to fishing on the bank with a bobber.  Then move on artificial baits, like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigged worms.  

[OmegaDPW]

1 hour ago, Jig Man said:

Beetle spins and rooster tails

100%. I started with them over 40 years ago and still love to fish them. 

[A-Jay]

I learned 'how to fish' with spin cast tackle.

Mostly by hanging a cricket under a bobber for panfish.

Taught me to cast.

Taught me how to set the hook , play & land fish.

Taught me to bait a hook (which teaches 'rigging'.)

Even taught me a little patience, although most all of that is long gone.

The Bass deal came a little later but the above stuff sure set me on the right path.

A-Jay

 

[GaryH]

Mr. Twister/ bettle spin, cast master.

[king fisher]

Live worm ,and bobber, inline spinner, floating Rapala, crappie jig under a bobber.   While you are buying tackle for your kids, don't forget to buy them something you really want to try, this can be a great way to get the glide bait monkey off your back.

[PaulVE64]

4" texas rigged worm

 

[Southernbasser]

The first fish that ever caught was on a 4” grub that I was swimming. I believe the grub is a good choice to start with. 
I also believe that the ned rig is a good choice beginners. 

[JGD]

My girls were older when they started, about the early to mid teens. I started them on spinning tackle and crank baits. The bass usually hook themselves when they hit. Told them to keep the rod high and don’t let the line go slack. They have been pretty successful in hooking and landing their fish. Good luck with your young ones.

 

John

[papajoe222]

Over the years, I've introduced many youngsters to this great sport. Without exception, they started out with a spinning combo (some of them still have it years later).  I kept it simple; A weightless straight tail worm (Senko) either nose hooked, or wacky rigged with a circle hook, or a Beetle Spin.

The circle hook is a plus when starting out because teaching hook setting is all but impossible to an overly excited little person. All they need to do is keep the rod tip up and reel. That is the retrieve to begin with for the Beetle Spin and it is a great choice for teaching hook setting as, more often than not, the fish will hook itself. A repeated, gentle reminder to set the hook builds their confidence in doing so.

One last thing; Don't fish yourself. Give them your undivided attention and don't be surprised when you see that they're just happy to be chucking and winding. Like us, catching is a bonus.

[RRocket]

13 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

 I kept it simple; A weightless straight tail worm (Senko) either nose hooked, or wacky rigged with a circle hook,

I agree. Nothing easier than deadsticking a worm. Wacky or maybe even downsized Ned.

 

I've used the same for kids, but included numbers.

 

For example, have them cast out. Now count to 10 (or whatever number). After they reach 10,  then wind handle for 5 revolutions. Then wait 10 seconds. Repeat.

 

They get it very quick.

[NorthernBasser]

As others have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Beetle Spin. Another great option is a pre-rigged 3 hook worm like the Bass Stopper Lures Rigged Worm.

[OmegaDPW]

3 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

As others have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Beetle Spin. Another great option is a pre-rigged 3 hook worm like the Bass Stopper Lures Rigged Worm.

 

 You have unlocked a memory. The Creme pre-rigged worm with propeller may have actually been my first lure and not the Beetle Spin. 🙂

[ChrisD46]

Great replies - more and better ideas than I expected  ... My granddaughter said she wants to leave 1st grade and go to "fishing school" (lol !)

[greentrout]

^^^

Creme Rigged Worm -- They still catch fish. 

[scaleface]

I dont remember what lure I caught my first bass with but I would say either the pre rigged Creme worm or Beetle Spin.

[Bankbeater]

Rooster tail, small marabou jig, or a live worm under a floater.

[Fishin Dad]

10 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

Over the years, I've introduced many youngsters to this great sport. Without exception, they started out with a spinning combo (some of them still have it years later).  I kept it simple; A weightless straight tail worm (Senko) either nose hooked, or wacky rigged with a circle hook, or a Beetle Spin.

The circle hook is a plus when starting out because teaching hook setting is all but impossible to an overly excited little person. All they need to do is keep the rod tip up and reel. That is the retrieve to begin with for the Beetle Spin and it is a great choice for teaching hook setting as, more often than not, the fish will hook itself. A repeated, gentle reminder to set the hook builds their confidence in doing so.

One last thing; Don't fish yourself. Give them your undivided attention and don't be surprised when you see that they're just happy to be chucking and winding. Like us, catching is a bonus.

I very much agree with this!   The other thing I would add that I haven’t seen yet is a small chatterbait.  Newbies can feel the vibration and when it stops, fish or weeds.  A lot of feedback to help them.