Bass Fishing Ain't All About The Benjamins
The other day a guy came up and started asking me some questions about fishing. He explained that his 11 year old son has taken to watching fishing shows on TV and really wanted to give it a try.
The father didn’t have any idea as to how to get started since he had never fished for anything in his life and said that the boy has now saved $200.00 and was itching to spend it on gear so that he could go out and catch some bass. He also asked me if I had any suggestions that would allow his son to utilize this money in such a way that he could get enough gear to give it a try.
After talking with him a bit more about his sons expectations, I gave him a list of potential products that he could look at that would be easy for his son to use, allow him the most flexibility and still have the opportunity to use his equipment to target species other than bass if he wanted to. I figured that there are probably more folks in this same or similar circumstance that are looking for a little guidance so here are the suggestions that I gave him.
The Rod And Reel
Obviously, the first two pieces of equipment you need to start fishing are a rod and reel. There are several good choices out there but, in the interest of narrowing things down, getting gear that will be durable as well as inexpensive, I’m going to limit my recommendations to those products that have the reputation of being sturdy and long lasting.
For the reel, one of my favorites is the Quantum PT Accurist Spinning Reel. These reels retail for about $80.00, feature a ten bearing system, are very smooth casting and retrieving and have a drag that is easy to adjust and strong enough to handle some decent sized fish. The AC20PTI has a line capacity of 140 yards of 6 pound line which is more than enough for the shore-bound angler but will allow for higher or lower test pound lines according to your needs.
Pair this reel with a Berkley Lightning Shock Spinning Rod in a 6’6” medium action and the combo is light enough for a child but will last them for several years. The Shock has recommended line weight of 4-12 pound, can handle baits from 1/8-3/4 and features some nice cosmetics including a split rear cork grip. If one chooses, re-spooling your reel with 4 pound line turns this combo into a viable trout rig or can be used for other panfish. The Berkley Lightning Shock retails for just at $50.00 which now brings out total to $130.00.
Tackle Box And Baits
To complete the more expensive items, the Plano Soft Sider Gear Bag is only about $23.00, comes with two 3600 utility boxes and plenty of pockets for soft plastics or other items you might need. It is compact, easy to carry for little people and gives them a place for all of their stuff.
Next we have to get some line on that reel. My choice here is P-Line Voltage in 8 pound test. 300 yards will set you back about $8 and I gotta’ tell ya’, this stuff is tough! You really have to work to break it off but it is sensitive enough to allow you to feel even subtle bites.
So now we are at $161.00. We still have $39.00 to spend for some lures. Considering the time of year, late August-early September, let’s get some soft plastics, hooks and some weights and we’ll be ready to go out fishin’ for bass.
You have to have some stick baits so pick up a couple of colors of Big Bite Bait Trick Sticks for $3 and you’re covered there. While you’re at it, grab a couple of packs of their jerk minnows, again about $3, and you’ve got another very productive lure class covered.
Now add a couple of packs of the Berkley Havoc Craw Fatty that are $3 each and you’re almost done. Two packs of the Havoc Bottom Hopper in 6.25 in will complete the slow moving soft plastic requirements. These will, like the others, set you back only about $3 a pack and will work for very well for bass.
Now all we need are some hooks and sinkers and we’re ready to fish! I like the Eco Pro Tungsten Worm Weights in various sizes. For the new angler, 1/16 and 3/16 are very versatile. These two weights will work in most situations and will cost about $5.50 per pack.
Now all we need are some hooks. Pick up a pack of Gamakatsu Superline Offset EWG hooks in 4/0 and 5/0. These will cost about $3.50 per pack and will handle all of the baits that we have suggested. So our total for baits is $36.00 bringing our grand total to $197.00 to get this young man started on a wonderful past-time that with some luck, he will be able to pursue for the rest of his life. And, I’d be willing to bet that since dad is going to take him, he will inevitably end up learning how to use the equipment and of course, have to get some of his own.
But that’s what fishing is all about. Spending time with family and friends away from any electronic gadget to distract from each other.
See ya’ on the water …
Resources Mentioned In This Post
If you would like to get more info about the products mentioned in this post, this list will be helpful to you.
So appreciate the simple information; the line on my spinning reel was too weak and I kept loosing fish. Finally my husband changed out the line today and guess what ,,,,,the P-Line voltage with a 8 pound test worked great. You are magic!!
Hey Bev, I’m so glad it worked out for you. We do try to keep it simple around here so that people can concentrate on the important stuff like catching fish! We’re not magic, just interested in folks having the info they need to make their time on the water productive and fun. Look forward to hearing from you in the future and as always, See ya’ on the water …