New to Fishing

[softballcrew31]

I just started fishing last month (Feb. 2024) and I can't get my enough. I haven't caught anything just yet. I'm using a spinning combo I bought from a box store. I'm watching tons of videos on youtube and everything has been great. I'm fishing from the banks here in Arizona on a rod that 6ft-6in. I'm just wondering if I should buy a better rod and reel? Please help... 

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

Perhaps direct your question(s) in the rod & reel forum.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/forum/12-fishing-rods-reels-line-and-knots/

A-Jay

[GreenPig]

Welcome to the forum. The answer to your question on buying new gear is "YES". Just kidding. No I'm serious. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! 🤙

New gear is always fun, but not always necessary.

[Brian11719]

2 hours ago, softballcrew31 said:

I'm just wondering if I should buy a better rod and reel? 

Hard to say without knowing what rod / reel you are using currently. If it were me I'd try throwing a green pumpkin senko or a fluke or a ned rig and maybe try a new fishing spot if you still don't catch any. Rod and reel might be fine but hard to tell if that might be part of the issue without knowing what you are using.

 

....also hi

[SpellCaster]

Welcome to the forum and the ancient sport. 

 

Anytime I find a new hobby I have a tendency to want to dive in and buy way more than I need or know what to do with, and I've learned over time that I'm better off using what I have until I see that it can't achieve the results I want.

 

What I recommend is to fish with what you have already - and knowing exactly what you have will help others give more specific advice. 6'6" rod length is what I started with (Medium Light Berkley Cherrywood HD and a cheap Shakespeare reel) and it served well for a variety of species - particularly crappie and trout). It wasn't until I started specializing in certain techniques that I realized I would be better equipped with different setups. For bass I default to a 7' Medium Fast spinning rod (13 Fishing Blackout - I have 3 of them) combined with a decent Lew's or 13 Fishing reel for 95% of the time. Of course some lures/techniques will be ill-suited if you actually do have a Medium power and slower action rod (don't go throwing an A-Rig or frogs). Fish what you're able, such as swimbaits on jigheads, wacky rigs, drop shot, in-line spinners, etc.

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, the rod is the most important factor of your setup. It plays the biggest role in terms of casting distance, casting accuracy, good hooksets, etc. The next most important element is your line. Mono is great. I prefer braided main line with a mono leader for better sensitivity and castability. In third comes your reel. I feel that as long as your reel has a decent drag and it holds enough line very little else matters. 

 

I think for you to determine what you want to buy next (let's just be honest, it's probably going to happen) you should try getting a good grasp of the basics first and figure out what YOU enjoy fishing - which techniques, lures, styles. I LOVE fishing weightless flukes, drop shot, and top water. But I didn't start with any of those. I found out through experimenting and spending a lot of time on the water and many days getting skunked. 

[GaryH]

Welcome aboard… I agree with @SpellCaster fish awhile with what you have, you’ll soon find out what you need. There’s a ton of good advice on here and plenty of help with any questions you might have. Enjoy the journey 

 

[WRB]

We have a regional forum for western members to ask about there specific location.

The salt river chain of lakes are all good bass fishing but shore access is limited I target the marina areas.

With your spinning tackle without knowing what you have my suggestion is for us using soft plastic worms rigged drop shot and slip shot.

You may need to change the line to a premium mono like Sunline Super Natural 8 lb test.

Hooks use sharp Gamakatsu or Owner size 1 drop shot or Mosquito, weedless hooked use size 1/0 worm hook.

Suggest Roboworms oxblood lite red flake and MMIII in 4 1/2 & 6” straight and 5 1/2”* curl tails. Drop shot weight and mojo (cylinder in 3/16 0z from shore.

This will catch bass everywhere in the west. Simple cast and slowly drag back on the bottom.

Welcome to bass fishing and BR.

Tom

* for slip shot rig

[whitwolf]

Welcome!

[Jmilburn76]

Welcome to Bass Resource!

[Log Catcher]

Hello and welcome to the forum. 

 

There is this creature called The Bait Monkey that will be coming to see you soon. It will have you buying a lot of new rods, reels, and lures. You have now been warned.

[softballcrew31]

First off, Thank you all for your input. It's all great information and directions. My rod and reel are the Daiwa Legalist LT (G662ML) spinning combo, 6ft 6in Medium Light. I have 10 lbs braid with 6 lb monofilament leader at the direction of the store. They informed me that it would be better to cast with the braid line. I've been fishing with a crankbait and a Texas Rig.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WRB]

Try the rigs and worms suggested, you rod/reel and line are well suited for drop and slip shot rigs plus the Ned rig.

Tom

PS, Slip Shot is a finesse C-rig;  1/8 & 3/16 oz Mojo cylinder weight, Carolina Keeper to adjust weight to hook length and Owner # 5133 or # 4107 hook. Start with the weight about 24” above the hook.

Enjoy your bass fishing now before it gets too hot in AZ,

[riverratryan]

Welcome from Kentucky!

[GRiver]

Hi from the Sunshine State of Florida. 

[Glenn]

Welcome home! We're glad you're here.

[Swamp Girl]

We are glad you're here! Let us know when you catch your first bass and post a pic so we can celebrate with you.