Help the old guy please!

[Mike L]

Guy's

Please give me your advise about how to mate the equipment I have to cover as many applications as I can.

I just joined my first Bass club (at 60 yrs old!) as a co-angler after thinking about it for years.

If the concensus is to dump everything and start over then that is what i'll do.

This is what I have now, do you agree or should I mix it up,

change the line type, wgt ??

1) 6'6" Med Heavy rod, size 30 spinning reel with 12 lb P-Line co poly for worm, jigs, tubes etc in cover.

2) 6'6" Med Heavy rod, size 30 spinning reel with 20 lb braid for top water frogs, spooks etc.

3) 7'0" Med Action/fast tip rod, size 30 spinning reel with 20 lb braid for ??

4) 7'0" Med Action rod, size 40 spinning reel with 10 lb Vanish Floro for spinners, crank baits, carolina rigs.

I know I should learn how to use a baitcating reel but I just got up the nerve to join a club in my old age...All things in thier own time :}

So what do you think?

Am I ok the way it is, should a reel with one line be changed to another rod and used a different way??

I know I'm very new to this board, but I'd appreacite it VERY much for any advise you can give me.

Thanks

Mike

[rat-l-trapper]

You defenitly need to learn to use a bait caster. There are many techniques that you will be able to do with a bait caster that you couldn't do with a spinning rod. It seems intimidating at first, but bait caster's really aren't hard to use. Another thing, I wouldn't be fishing crainkbaits, spinnerbaits and carolina rigs on the same rod. For cranks you need a rod with a soft tip. You want it to flex very easily. I also wouldn't use the rod with braid for spooks. I would suggest using all baits with treble hooks on a cranking rod.

[florida strain]

7'0" Med Action/fast tip rod, size 30 spinning reel with 20 lb braid for ??

i would set that up for flippin..its a good trend this time of year here in florida..if your draw partner decides to flip you will be ready. yes its possible to use a spinning reel for that.. just not prefered and its more work and its slower and time consuming.... you should get more of an idea off what you need after a few meetings ..,and a tourny or two.

[fishermantony]

The 10lb flouro might not be enough for the Carolina Rig application depending on the weight you are using.  Normally you're looking at a heavier weight, like 1oz or heavier.  The 10lb flouro might be good for your leader after your swivel, with your main line being a braid or a little heavier mono.  That 10lb or lighter flouro might be good for something called a split shot rig, that is similar to a c-rig but more of a finesse presentation.  Anyway, congrats on joining the club and just have a blast!

[gobig]

All though your equipment may not be the highest percentage option for certain applications. It will catch fish. Go have fun. See where it takes you.You may out grow what you have. Most of the guys I have met that are in clubs are willing to help. In many cases will let you try out their gear.You will find out pretty fast what works for you and what doesn't or you may feel totally comfortable with what you have.

[0119]

I get my but kicked all the time by a buddy who only fishes spinning outfits. You dont have to have a baitcaster, I was flipping and pitching with a 30 size spinner long before I got a baitcaster.

[Mike L]

Thanks fella's for your advise.

I do plan on learning to use a baitcaster very soon, I guess at this point its just a confidence thing.

I just wanted to make sure that I match what I have now correctly...rod, line etc. the best way I can to maximse my chances to be successful, and I guess not to embaress myself.

Rat l Trapper...I do have a 7'6" med/light rod that I'll use now for cranks, thanks for the tip.

Mike

[roadwarrior]

This might help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

This is something to consider as you build your

collection over time:

Technique specific rods are for "enthusiasts".

Almost all your fishing can be done with just

one rod. Beyond that, you only "need" three rods:

Spinning: 6 1/2' or 7', M or MH, Fast Action

(soft plastics and light lures)

Baitcasting: MH or H, Fast Action

(jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and all single hooks)

Baitcasting: MH, Moderate Action

(all treble hook lures)

[LAO162]

Buying & experimenting with equipment is fun   But before you get addicted to buying gear, be more concerned about learning various techniques and learning to find fish.  Being part of a club, you have a great opportunity to talk to members and actually watch to see what is working in your area.

That said...  I would use the MH rods for heavier cover and heavier baits.  The Medium power rods for lighter cover and lighter lures, or baits that need a more forgiving rod (i.e. treble hooks)