New To Bass Fishing And Baitcasting

[crazymofo]

So I got back into fishing this summer and picked up an Abu Garcia Orra SX kit with their rod for $129 at dicks sporting goods. The rod is a OSXC70-6, 7' medium heavy, 10-20lb, 1/2-3/4 lures. I really like the setup and have learned to cast without too many backlashes on it. I am using it with plastic worms for the most part although sometimes I'll throw a spinner on it. right now I am using 20lb. Berkley Pro Braid with a mono back, but no leader. Just braid uni knotted to my hook.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is this setup appropriate for worms and spinners? What about crankbaits and frogs?

2. Would it make sense to return this setup and spend a couple more $$ on a separate rod and reel for more bang for the buck?

3. Should I keep the reel and just upgrade the rod?

4. How is my choice of line? The salesperson at Dick's seemed to know as much as me with regard to line choice.

I'm reading ALL I can on bass fishing on this forum and others.

[Packard]

1. It can be used to T-rig for sure. It is a little on the heavy side for spinnerbaits but it should work.

2. It's not a bad combo or anything but the rod is not the best.

3. I might upgrade the rod later on but you're really getting the rod for $30 and Abu doesn't sell it seperate.

4. I don't like how the Pro Braid handles but if you like it that will do. If not I would recommend Power Pro or Sufix 832.

[crazymofo]

1. It can be used to T-rig for sure. It is a little on the heavy side for spinnerbaits but it should work.

2. It's not a bad combo or anything but the rod is not the best.

3. I might upgrade the rod later on but you're really getting the rod for $30 and Abu doesn't sell it seperate.

4. I don't like how the Pro Braid handles but if you like it that will do. If not I would recommend Power Pro or Sufix 832.

Thanks Packard.

[bigbassctchr101]

I personally do like a stout rod for spinnerbaits so I can set the hook and horse the fish out of cover. So, in my opinion its a good rod for that. It may be a little light for heavy frog fishing, but it can be done if its all you have. I wouldn't mind a bit the throw any shallow or med depth crank on it either. I don't put as much money in my rods for moving baits (topwaters,s-baits,squarebills-mid divers, etc.) because I don't personally feel that I need to feel every tick of grass in the places I fish so sensitivity is not as much as a factor. I think you have a good set up that I would keep for a good while. When you can I would buy a more sensitive rod for t-rigs and jigs and other types of baits where sensitivity is most important.

I'm not sure how much quality the rod is made with, so I would just keep an eye on my braid and guides to see if the guides don't get grooves and start fraying the line. The reel is a great reel. I look at it as a heavier revo. I've got 3 that I swap out from time to time and they can cast long, handle braid, decent drag, and can take abuse.

[Senkoman12]

sounds like you did good for $130. i would try upgrading the rod soon it should suit you fine

[crazymofo]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I caught one LMB and one smallie this week. Here is the pic of my first ever LMB

[FD.]

So I got back into fishing this summer and picked up an Abu Garcia Orra SX kit with their rod for $129 at dicks sporting goods. The rod is a OSXC70-6, 7' medium heavy, 10-20lb, 1/2-3/4 lures. I really like the setup and have learned to cast without too many backlashes on it. I am using it with plastic worms for the most part although sometimes I'll throw a spinner on it. right now I am using 20lb. Berkley Pro Braid with a mono back, but no leader. Just braid uni knotted to my hook.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is this setup appropriate for worms and spinners? What about crankbaits and frogs?

2. Would it make sense to return this setup and spend a couple more $$ on a separate rod and reel for more bang for the buck?

3. Should I keep the reel and just upgrade the rod?

4. How is my choice of line? The salesperson at Dick's seemed to know as much as me with regard to line choice.

I'm reading ALL I can on bass fishing on this forum and others.

1. Great all around setup. worms, spinnerbait, frogs, really anything with a single hook. I would recommend a medium rod with 12lb mono for baits with treble hooks. You need the soft tip and stretch from the mono to keep the hooks from pulling out.

2 & 3. Keep it and upgrade with your next setup.

4. As a general rule for lines. Power Pro is my choice for braid. 40 lb for worms, 65 lb for frogs, 20 lb for my light weight plastics rod. The smaller the diameter braid, the easier to birdsnest. Berkley Big Game for mono. I use 12 lb for most things and occasionally use 20 lb.

Only use a palomar knot with braid. I only use a leader when I am fishing gin clear water, and then I only use it for worming.

[new2BC4bass]

Only use a palomar knot with braid.

Why? I use a Uni Knot. I've straightened out hooks a couple times with 30 lb. braid. Haven't had a knot fail yet. I've watched "Knot Wars" a few times. I'm quite certain there are a few other knots that also do very well.

[FD.]

Why? I use a Uni Knot. I've straightened out hooks a couple times with 30 lb. braid. Haven't had a knot fail yet. I've watched "Knot Wars" a few times. I'm quite certain there are a few other knots that also do very well.

First of all, you need to use superline hooks if you are going to use braid. I prefer the Gamakatsu EWG Superline but any superline hook will do.

Cinch, Improved cinch, and Uni are great for most applications. I use a double uni to tie braid to my backer line. A palomar will not slip on braid if it gets wet. Other knots can.

http://www.netknots.com/html/palomar_knot.html

[endless]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I caught one LMB and one smallie this week. Here is the pic of my first ever LMB

Congrats on the catch!! I like the block wall, what is this place you fishing at?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I find a palomar a little difficult to tie with braid. You're right it doesn't slip, but it's also hard to cinch down. I use a uni knot, sometimes as a snell.