You don’t have to own a fancy boat in order to be a good bass angler. However, you will need the right equipment. This can mean the difference between actually catching a fish, and simply casting. It can be difficult to choose the right equipment for a beginner, especially with so many choices available. Fishermen’s Source has put together this overview of bass fishing gear to help you choose the right equipment for your first trip.
You don’t have to own a fancy boat in order to be a good bass angler. However, you will need the right equipment. This can mean the difference between actually catching fish or just casting. It can be difficult to choose the right equipment for a beginner, especially with so many choices available. Fishermen’s Source has put together this overview of bass fishing gear to help you choose the right equipment for your first trip.
Bass Fishing Rods
When choosing a fishing rod, sensitivity is a key factor. Bass fishing rods are stiff and have high modulus, which makes them good for hook sets. They are available in fiberglass or graphite, with graphite usually being the more sensitive material.
Reels
Consider the gear ratio when choosing your reel. High-speed reels (7 to 1) allow for faster retrievals for rapid-fire casts; slower-speed (5 to 1) reels are best for situations where you want a long retrieve, like crankbait fishing.
The thumb bar on most bait-casting rods allows the reel to be switched into free spool, allowing for longer casts. To prevent overruns and to keep the reel from slipping, high-quality reels are equipped with a magnetic anti backlash device.
The narrow-spool Bait-casting Reel is recommended for almost all applications because the smaller spool makes it less likely to cause backlash.
Lines for Bass Fishing
Many bass fishermen use different types of fishing lines. These include nylon monofilament and fluorocarbon. Lighter lines allow for better lure action. Fluorocarbon is a great choice for fishing near rocks, weeds, or brush. Soft lines (monofilament), are good choices when using spinning reels to fish in clear waters. A braided line may be the best choice in cases where water clarity is low.
Lures for Bass Fishing
When asked which lure they prefer, many pros will choose a plastic soft lure. Plastics are effective due to their realistic appearance and movement in the water. You can also use them for jigging, or to float over shallow cover. Start with the basics, such as some spinnerbaits and a few plastic worms.
Plastic lures are available in sizes ranging from 3 to 10 in. They can be used for clear water, or to attract bass that are not biting as hard (such as after a cold front). Giant plastics (10 in.) could be used by anglers who want to catch trophies through thick cover.
Next, you need to choose the colors for your lure. Bass have been caught on green and black plastics in all kinds of water. Choose bright colors like red or fluorescent to attract attention when fishing in murky water.
This post was written by a professional at Salty Fresh Fishing Charters. Embark on extraordinary inshore, offshore fishing charter and snorkeling adventures near you with Salty Fresh Fishing Charters, where booking with us guarantees an exceptional experience on the pristine waters of Miami, South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys, and all of Southern Florida. Our seasoned Captain Charles boasts over 30 years of fishing and snorkeling expertise when it comes to Tarpon, Snook, Jack Crevalle and the coveted Peacock Bass.
