How to start bass fishing?

[Black Bass]

If you were setting up a program to get people started bass fishing reservoirs in the south, what would you recommend they use to start?

Lipless crankbaits

Topwater

T-rigs

Carolina rigs

Jigs

Spinnerbaits

Crankbaits

Finesse worms

[simplejoe]

Your in the south so it might be different for you. I got one of my friends to start bass fishing without a bobber and worm. ;D

I  took him to Dick's sporting goods where he got a few crankbaits to match the forage. He got a wake bait, a 2-4 ft running crank and then 6-8 ft. running crank. Then, he got some top water baits one was a buzz bait the other was Heddon torpedo. Last thing I got him was a bag of black senko's since we all know bass love'em.  

[bassinri]

Out of the choices you have listed I would go with a Spinner Bait or a lipless crankbait as I think most here would agree. As you know they are high yeild baits and can cover a ton of water. Once they found them I would teach them to fish with a rubber worm like a Senko or 7 inch power worm. Even though you dont have it listed and I personally havent used them since I was a kid, I would go with shiners (live baitfish) with hook and bobber or nightcrawlers, especially if they are kids. Good Luck!

[Catt]

Plastic  

[Jig Man]

Plastic

X2

[Sam]

Depends on the individual people.

If some are "Type A" and need action, then throwing a light crankbait on a spinning rig is a good selection.

If they have patience and understand that bass fishing can be slow, then plastics on a spinning rig is a good selection.

Why a spinning rig?  Easier to use and no backlashes.

Senkos have good weight for casting and you can fish them both Texas and Wacky riged so they have two techniques with one bait to try.

Shaky Head is another good plastic presentation.

Pitching and flipping, mostly pitching, is good with a spinning combo and he can throw all types of plastics, from worms to creature baits and all inbetween.

Keep it simple and use a spinning rig and go out and see what happens.  

[Grey Wolf]

Sam pretty much hit it on the head.

[Cravin]

I would more than likely choose the body of water first and rig them with a bait that I felt has had the most success. Hopefully the fish will do the rest.

[BassinBoy]

If the person has a good attention span then plastics will work, if they need to be kept occupied then give them some spinnerbaits and crankbaits.  Thats what my buddy did who always needs to be moving.