Spare Baitcast Reels

[seamen]

I've recently gotten into bass fishing through a friend, and now I can't stop! We mostly fish at a decent sized pond that is no deeper than 15 ft, (mostly because there is no where else to fish around here!), and I've been primarily using wacky and texas rigged senkos. I use an Abu Garcia spinning combo I bought at academy for $60, its a 6' 1/8 - 3/4 lure weight, and it is perfect for what I do. I ran into two Abu Garcia 5600AB baitcast reels that my grandpa has, one is brand new and one is slightly used. I'm trying to figure out what sort of set ups i should use with these reels. I've recently bought some lizards, brush hogs, culprit worms, and a few poppers and shallow crank baits to add some variety to my tacklebox, so I'm not sure if the spinning rig can use these new cranks. I would like to be able to use a very wide variety of baits, so suggestions on two baticast set-ups would be much appreciated! I'm fairly new to the world of fishing, so explanations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

seamen

[Red]

You could use your spinning rig for your senkos and other light plastics. The two baitcasters could be maybe a 7' MH and a 7' M. The MH could be used for your texas rigged worms, brush hogs, jigs etc. Use the Medium rod for all your treble hook lures...cranks, poppers etc. Your spinning rig could also be used for smaller treble baits like the popper that may be a bit harder to cast with a baitcaster.

You might also search the articles section of this sight, I do believe there is some good stuff related to beginners.

Good luck!

Cliff

[seamen]

Thanks for the suggestions! Also, are there any other bait suggestions anyone could have for the relatively shallow pond I am fishing? We often just fish near a large area of bass beds on one side and under many of the felled trees along the edge. there is also a spot where a pipe drains water into the pond that is a crazy good spot for bass. Anything that runs along the bottom works pretty well.

[Red]

I would add a couple good spinnerbaits and buzzbaits to your collection. Maybe some smaller sized paddle tail swimbaits. You said you like wacky riggin, try a zoom trick worm instead of a senko sometime. I think your bait choices are pretty good, before you know it you will have more crap than you could ever use, trust me I know from experience!!!

Cliff

[figure8racer]

Assuming since your new to the fishing game that you aren't looking to spend a weeks pay for rods to match your reels. My suggestion for lower end rods would be to go to walmart and buy a 6'6"-7' medium lightning rod and a 6'6"-7' medium heavy lightning rod. Should be around $30 apiece and In my experience they are super tough and sensitive enough to do the job. Best part about wal mart is that you can fish a rod for 5 years and if it breaks they will exchange it for a new one no questins asked. Agree with the suggestions above for techniques for each rod. And once you are blinded by the fishing bug in a few more months you can do like me and start slowly upgrading you gear (rods/reels) to higher quality equipment one at a time as you can afford it. There is nothing that makes me happier then buying a new higher end rod and reel and heading out to fish it! (Ps if ur married start stockpiling excuses for needing to spend a pile of cash on new fishing gear, and all extra money you find in ur pocket at the end of ur day in a special fishing account) good luck and enjoy!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

1. Med Hvy/Fast for jigs, plastics etc 1/2oz>

2. Med Hvy/Mod for trebel hook lures

3. Med/Fast spinning for light jigs, plastics <1/2 oz (already have)

as for baits, try the Yamamoto Fat Ika rigged weedless skirt forward on a 3.o EWG hook on your spinning rig. Cast it let it sink and drag slowly along the bottom. If you dont get bites on either a senko or Ika, move to a new spot.