Getting Started Bass Fishing

When I was just beginning to fish seriously, I remember that it was daunting to find where to start. Are you in in that spot? You know you want to give fishing a try, but there is just so much out there to learn and not enough time in the world to go try everything. If that's the case, here is a set of specific tackle which will get you started catching bass.

Getting Started

The tackle I suggest isn't the kind of tackle a tournament fisherman would use, but that's because the starting fisherman doesn't have a boat, high tech sonar, or years of experience which help a tournament fisherman know exactly where fish will be. Tournament fishermen want something that catches fast. They want fast catches because they know where the fish are and they just need to see if the fish will bite or not. Tournament fishermen move quickly because they are on the clock.

On the other hand, the starting fisherman doesn't have those advantages or the same time constraints, so he needs something that will entice less interested bass. If the fish are there, the starting fisherman doesn't want to rely on precision, he just wants a fish to bite. The tackle and lures I recommend for him are slow, but very enticing for fish.

The Tackle

In my book of fishing, the least important part of your tackle is the rod and reel. After you look past the plastic fantastic reels that will break after the first few uses, there isn't a lot of reason to buy something more expensive. Many of my $30-$50 rods and reels have held up well to the test of time and are just as smooth and almost as light as the $400 combos also on the market. If I were on a budget, I'd put money on other parts of the tackle and settle for a rod and reel that works well but isn't expensive. For my suggestion, I've chosen a flexible-use value-priced combo from a premium brand: Quantum Valiant 6' 6" Medium-Light Spinning Combo



Next up is the line. For a starter fisherman, I recommend the most popular fishing line in the world, Berkley Trilene XL. There are newer, more advanced lines, but Trilene XL is still being improved, and you can't beat it for the price: Berkley Trilene XL in 8 pound test
 

On the end of the line, you need a hook. There are many different kinds of hooks, but the most flexible kind is a short shank octopus hook. With just this one hook a fisherman can present in many effective ways. I'll even describe two highly effective ways in this article. I recommend a hook made with as thin wire as possible, in black color, and in #1 size: Lazer Sharp #1 Octopus Short Shank Hooks

There are many varieties of specialty weights, but sometimes simple works well too. The split-shot style is flexible and will work well for many different styles of fishing. I recommend a split-shot assortment that has completely round weights (the usual tabs catch on vegetation), and a biggest size of around 1/4 oz: South Bend Round Split Shot Sinkers
 

The Lures

Artificial lures are what experienced fishermen use not just because they can be stored for years, but also because they enable a fisherman to be more consistent. The extra consistency enables a fisherman to deduce more information while experimenting with styles and locations, which allows him to build experience faster.

The artificial lures I recommend for a starting fisherman focus on being easy to use and their ability to catch fish in a wide variety of conditions. Where most lures and presentations have to be used selectively, whether only in shallow water, only in open water, or only when the bass are very active, these lures catch bass anytime anywhere.

The Stickbait

The stickbait is a lure made popular in the 90s when the Gary Yamamoto Senko made a big splash in the tournament scene. The most common way to fish this type of lure, which looks kind of like a floppy cigar, is to put the hook right through the center and use no weights. This way of fishing a worm, especially a fat worm like a stickbait, is called a "Wacky Rig".

To fish a wacky-rigged stickbait, simply cast it as far as you can. Once it hits the water, wait 15 seconds and then reel it in at a moderate speed for about 5 seconds. Repeat the process until it is all the way back.

The stickbait I recommend is a less expensive but just as effective option to the Senko. Pick the Watermelon Gold Flake color to start: Yum Dinger Lure

The Finesse Worm

A starting fisherman might ask, "Why are there so many kinds of worm lures?" The answer to that question is that artificial worms are more than meets the eye. In addition to the subtle ways a worm acts while submerged in water, there are also unsubtle differences like buoyancy. For example, where the stickbait sinks, a finesse worm floats.

Finesse worms are extremely effective because they are designed to stay in front of the fish for longer. The most common way of fishing a finesse worm is by placing a weight on the end of the line, with a hook 6-18" further up the line. This way of fishing is called a "Dropshot Rig".

You fish a drop shot rig the same as the wacky rig. Start by casting out as far as you can. Once it hits the water, wait 15 seconds and then reel it in at a moderate speed for about 5 seconds. Repeat the process until it is all the way back.

A starting fisherman might ask, "Why fish two different ways the same?" The answer is that the dropshot and the wacky rig target different depths. One starts on the top of the water and the other starts on the bottom. In shallow water it won't matter, but in deeper water the wacky rig is better for warmer months while the dropshot is better for colder months.

The finesse worm I recommend is a staple across the country. Try the Baby Bass color:  Roboworm Straight Tail Worm Lure

Putting It All Together

Alright, so you have your tackle and are ready to attach everything together. There are still more options on how to do this. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Spooling Line

1. Start by tying an overhand knot at the tip of the new line. Trim the end of the line to 1/4 inch. 
2. Make a second overhand knot about 12" up the line and put the first knot through the loop of the second knot. When you cinch the second knot, you should now have a 12" loop.
3. Open the bail of the reel and "lasso" the loop around the reel's spool. Tighten. The two knots should slide against eachother and allow the lasso to tighten.
4. Place the new line's spool on the ground. If the reel spins clockwise, insure the the line comes off the spool clockwise.  If the reel spins counter-clockwise, insure the the line comes off the spool counter-clockwise. Flip the new spool over to switch the direction the line turns.
5. Close the bail and hold the line against the rod near the first eye.
6. Begin reeling, insuring you are keeping the line taught by holding it against the rod.
7. You are finished when the line is 1/4 inch from the edge of the reel's spool.

Overhand Knot

One Good Knot

If you're going to learn one knot to tie hooks, the Double Palomar (AKA Nanofil knot) is it. It's easy to learn, can be used to tie "in line", and is among the strongest knots.

Tying the Dropshot

The dropshot has a hook tied on up the line. To do this, use the Double Palomar Knot to tie the hook on, but simply don't trim the end.

Keeping Splitshots In Place

To ensure a splitshot stays where you want it, loop the line around the splitshot a couple times before crushing the weight on.