Beginning Basics

Basics &Tips,
Febuary, 2010

To get started, you don’t need to spend a lot of money, just a little time researching things, such as a fishing rod and reel. There are many types, sizes and brands of rods and reels, don’t let this frustrate you. Stay with the basics, a spinning rod and reel is usually the easiest for people to start with, you don’t need to worry about the technical stuff. You just flip the bell open holding the line with your finger and cast the bait, then closing the bell by reeling a couple of times. This set up is great for fishing worms, tubes, grubs and sometimes crank baits. To get started I recommend a 6’6” medium heavy rod, that means you have more back bone for a good hook set, its an all around good length and strong rod.

A bait casting rod and reel are more technical and they take practice to learn how to use them. I prefer bait casting rods and reels , but I have been using them for a lot of years, they are great for reaction baits, such as spinner baits, crank baits, jerk baits and top water baits. After you are comfortable with them, you can use them for just about anything.

Fishing line: I use 8lb and 10lb mCcoy fishing line (monofilament) for most on most everything. The brand of fishing line is all a preference, if you like another brand use it.

Weights: Using bullet weights are one of my most used weights, a bullet weight looks like a bullet tip, if it is not very windy, most often I use a 1/8oz or 3/16oz. For a windy day use a 1/4oz. to a 1oz.

Hooks: So many types of hooks, for different types of applications, but the basic use is for plastics are worms, tubes and grubs. An offset hook in a size # 1 or #2 is the most versatile, the top of the hook is off set and the sharp point is more straight, than round, to rig your bait so it is rigged straight, and not more natural looking.

Plastic Baits: There are thousands of baits on the market, but if you stick to the basics you will be successful. I like to use 4” plastic worms, tubes and 3” grubs.  You should stay with the natural colors such as browns and greens.  White will work good while bed fishing.

This time of year fishing can be very exciting, the bass are getting ready to spawn, and reaction baits become very effective.  Top water, crank baits, spinner baits and jerk baits are great to use. If you throw them up tight to the structure and shore lines.