your input please

[madjake]

Hello all,

Great forum!  I'm no stranger to saltwater fishing, but I've never caught a bass in my life (shameful).  I'm about to hit 40.  Other guys want a fast car, new girlfriend etc....I just want to catch a d**n bass.  

So, I'm wondering if some of you might chime in and help me get equipped.  Your thoughts on an all around rod reel combo and  suggestions on a variety of lures to fill a small tackle box (I do alot of kayak fishing).   I fish in Central and South Florida.

Your replies are most appreciated.

thanks

Mike

[The Rooster]

I don't know about Florida but around here in Kentucky I wouldn't be caught out fishing without at least 10 Worden's Roostertails in white, chartreuse, black, firetiger, glitter frog (green with glitter), and pumpkinseed (brown). Many think of them as a trout lure but I've caught some decent bass on them, up to 15 inches long, which here in my lakes makes them keepers. About 1 1/2 pounds at that length. I know, not huge but still fun.

Of course there's a LOT of other lures you'll want but if I could only go fishing with one thing it would be those Roosters. I'll let some of the others tell you what else you'll want.  Maybe somebody will put you on to some 5 pounders instead of the runts I usually catch. ;D

[zellamander]

To be honest with you, there is a decent rod and reel combo at Walmart. It is a quantum tournament series baitcast reel and a quantum tournament trail rod. It's like $60 and it lasts for ever. I've had mine for probably 5 years. As far as baits, I have never fished in Florida, so i'm not sure there, so i don't want to tell you anything wrong. This forum is filled with amazing information, and amazing guys and gals that know what they are talking about!

[Gatorbassman]

Welcome, One of the best things about this site is our very extensive library of bass fishing articles. We have a section specifically for beginners. I know some of the information will be familiar to you but they will help you to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and get you of to a fast start.

To find them go to the top of the page and click on Fishing Articles and look for the on for beginners.

[Sam]

Welcome.

By the time you are 45 you will be an expert.

Just read, read and read some more.

And check out the articles on this site.  Excellent.

Have fun and let us know how you do.  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Once you realize you want to get to that next level, you are in a great location to hire a guide for 1/2 day.  There are many down there whop can also relate to your saltwater experiences and will use that in his teachings.

Good Luck and Welcome Aboard!

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Equipment:

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

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229

Tackle:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1199915688

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139

Technique:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137

Good luck!

8-)

[wagn]

Welcome to the greatest forum on the web.  

[jrhennecke]

Welcome!

[Bad Fish]

I too have noticed this in the summer months,,,my theroy is that the fish are most likely suspended and hitting the bait on the fall,,,,I could be wrong just my .02

[skillet]

The articles mentioned are well worth your time and the links that RW gave will help that much more. While looking and reading all this keep notes on things you want explained and that way you can ask specific questions that will get you better answers. Also there are quite a few members in FLA that will be willing to help.  WELCOME to the forums!!!

                           As Ever,

                            skillet

[bassbanger]

You definately dont need a bunch of rod reel combos for just starting out.. I started with a 6 6 medium  with a 39 dollar abu garcia reel and even though i traded the rod out for a gander mountain bass tournament rod its still my fav setup.... I have a 7 ft med heavy fast action rod with a daiwa procaster rojo and the cheaper spinner setup is still my go to baby! Its been more about bait, location and time of day to me so far but def read all the articles i have learned so much  GOOD LUCK !  I caught my first bass couple months ago, and its gets better everytime out and i have not looked back!

-Randy

[fivesixone]

Hey dude, I'm like the opposite of you. I haven't fished the salt in like 4 years... Once they finish rebuilding the pier I used to fish (which got destroyed by a hurricane) I'm gonna try to get out there some more. If you're ever in the 561 holler at me!

[Certified Public Angler]

I think that plastic worms are the easiest bait to get started with.  I just started really getting into bass fishing recently and this forum has been a great source of information.  Welcome.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Welcome to the best fishing site on the net.

With all the Florida members we have, you'll be hooked-up in no time.

Falcon

[Eddie Munster]

Do you have a specific body of water picked out yet? If so, what's the make up of it? Does it have lily pads, hydrilla, etc......Structure will dictate alot of what lures you throw and how to fish them.

[GonzoFishing]

I'm also a saltwater fisherman that just recently really got serious about freshwater fishing, mostly LMB and Peacock Bass. I use my inshore saltwater gear for bass fishing and have been doing really good. All my setups are spinning reels, 7-8 foot rods and I mostly use power pro with a floro leader if need be. So far my largest LMB weighed a little over 5lbs. Not bad considering it came from a small lake in a local park. I've also caught some really nice peacock bass. Start out with some worms, topwater frogs and jigs and you should do pretty good. Shiners always work too! Anyways, good luck!

[avid]

I would say two rods will do fine.  A medium power and medium heavy.   The medium would be for treble hooked lures.  The ratLtrap in chrome/blue/orange belly is a Florida standard. I know guys who catch plenty of bass, including big ones who only use ratltraps. Wider wobbling crankbaits like series 4 strike kings work well.  Of course you need a couple of topwaters.  Chug bugs are another Florida standard. and a jerk bait like a pointer or rogue.  The medium should also work well for spinnerbaits.For the MH buy a bag of watermelon/black senko's and some dark colored horny toads for fishing right in the grass.  No kit would be complete without some plastic worms.  They all work at one time or another, but you will need some light, say 3/16th bullet sinkers.

If I could only buy one rod and one bait, I would get a  6 1/2 foot MH baitcaster, some quality worm hooks, and some senko's.  I will sometimes walk a bank or launch a canoe for an hour or two and can usually catch a few doing this and nothing more.  

[JShrock07]

I started out bass fishing using small baits to get my confidence up. Now I fish huge baits for huge fish. But I would start out with some senkos.. If you are unfamiliar with this bait here is a link on them...

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1121527643/all

also i would buy spinnerbaits they are a great bait. If you do not like a bait caster then use a spinning reel they are what I started out on and I just upgraded to bait casters this last year, and I am still learning them. Bass fishing can be the most fun you have evr had and it can be the most difficult thing you have ever done.

Good Luck to You!!!

[tiger11]

During the summer, popR bait works like a breeze.  It's a top water bait that mimics a small fish breaking the surface for insects.  This attracts bass to bite it.

While I go fishing I bring my lunch in a FoldTuk container.  Once I'm done, I fold it up and get it out of my way.  Instead of carrying a bunch of stuff, I can place it into my tackle box and be on my way.  You can find it online.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

8-)

[MichiganFisherman]

I'd go for a 6'6" or 7' Medium Heavy power, fast action rod with a spinning reel...  a few bags of worms (Powerworms, Zoom trick worms, Yamamoto Senkos), some 3/0-4/0 EWG worm hooks, 1/8oz bullet weights, spinner baits, crankbaits, topwaters (chug bug, jitterbug, rebel popR...just to name a few.), and that should get you a pretty good start in the right direction.  I don't know what kind of waters you'll be fishing but, there are plenty of fishing articles on this site at the top of the page and you will learn a lot from reading them.  

Oh yeah, welcome.  8-)

[madjake]

Wow,

Thank you all very much.  This is -bar none- the best website/forum I've been on.  Funny how bass fishermen always seem to be the most approachable, friendly people out there.

Thanks again!

Mike

[KevinH]

I'm also a saltwater fisherman that just recently really got serious about freshwater fishing, mostly LMB and Peacock Bass. I use my inshore saltwater gear for bass fishing and have been doing really good. All my setups are spinning reels, 7-8 foot rods and I mostly use power pro with a floro leader if need be. So far my largest LMB weighed a little over 5lbs. Not bad considering it came from a small lake in a local park. I've also caught some really nice peacock bass. Start out with some worms, topwater frogs and jigs and you should do pretty good. Shiners always work too! Anyways, good luck!

What he said!!  I live in South Florida and use my inshore spin gear for LMB and peacock fishing in small residential lakes.  I generally will use a 7ft fast medium with a 3000-series spinning reel.  I also use a 7 foot inshore baitcaster (MH action).  Honestly, either one will work just as well in an urban canal or residential lake situation for LMB and peacocks.

Good luck.

[KevinH]

Also, many of your plugs and soft plastics that you might be using for redfish and snook will also work for LMB and peacocks.  I have had good luck with both of the latter with the DOA terroreyez (in root beer usually) that we all use down here for reds and snookies.