Basic beginners bass fishing setup?

Discussion in 'Hunting and Fishing' started by chorpie, Apr 30, 2017.

  1. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    So... I'm starting to realize that my trips for trout fishing aren't realistically going to happen often since its 4-6 hours to the mountains... so onto bass...

    Anyone have suggestions on a beginner setup that won't make me poor?

    I know @Mudman and @Flex and many others have posted their rigs before... spinning reel? Baitcaster? Rods? Line? It's all new to me (bass fishing specifically...)
     
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  2. Dagwood

    Dagwood Member

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    Can't go wrong with a good old fashion Penn and ugly stik
     
  3. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    X2
     
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  4. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Times 10,000 on the ugly stick. Shakespeare open faced reels are cheap and will last a season or two. I have not had any issues with them.
     
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  5. Flex

    Flex Moderator Staff Member

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    How much are you looking to spend?
    A spinning reel and medium action rod will be very versatile.

    I'm a big fan of Shimano and Gloomis but it gets pricey going that direction.
     
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  6. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    I actually ended up getting a baitcasting outfit. Abu Garcia rod 7', Medium Heavy, and an Abu Garcia Pro Max baitcaster reel with 14lb mono. I know that the reel isn't the best, but it's just something for me to learn on.

    I've got a Shimano Sojourn 7' medium action rod with a Daiwa Regal 3000 XIA and I think 8lb flouro spooled on, it's what I usually lake fish with when i'm not fly fishing. Sounds like maybe I didn't *need* to get a new set up at all... :)
     
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  7. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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  8. AddictedToSteel

    AddictedToSteel Member

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    Where I grew up the biggest bass I caught was an 18 inch, 4 lb smallmouth and I only ever caught one of them. The rest were all under 15 inches
     
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  9. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    The next bass I catch will be the biggest, because i've never caught one :D
     
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  10. AddictedToSteel

    AddictedToSteel Member

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    Well, the largemouth bass were usually right around 7 inches. Carp, suckers, northern pike and the occasional walleye with a few perch and other panfish thrown in for variety.
     
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  11. SEMO

    SEMO Member

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    Sounds like you are set. 14lb test might be a bit heavy, depending upon where you are fishing.
    Those are nice photos of your rod/reel setup.

    Are you fishing top water? Crankbait? Soft baits?
    Lake, river, pond, or?
     
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  12. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    That's a really good question.... lakes/ reservoirs is what I'm going to target sincce those are what's close to me.

    I think i'd like top water more just because you can see it, but I guess it will just depend :)

    Found out that my son's scout den leader used to bass fish professionally so i'm going to pick his brain!
     
  13. SEMO

    SEMO Member

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    Sunrise, Lilly pads or grass, and a buzz bait are awesome for top water.
     
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  14. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    Part of the problem is learning all of the terminology!
     
  15. Mountainmistwanderer

    Mountainmistwanderer Member

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    Wish I seen this sooner. I got 3 ugly sticks that I don't use.
     
  16. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    There's plenty of fishing in Monterey :) Even just off the pier at the wharf
     
  17. Mountainmistwanderer

    Mountainmistwanderer Member

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    Yes but these whips aren't for ocean fishing. These are sized for mountain lakes and streams
     
  18. Zeek

    Zeek Member

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    Just be sure to practice your release method.;)
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  19. chorpie

    chorpie Member

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    What kind of release are we talking about here?w
     
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  20. Mountainmistwanderer

    Mountainmistwanderer Member

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    Does it matter which one it is?
     
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