New bass fisherman looking for advice 2024
Clark1409 reply :
Hey guys,
So I am completely new to bass fishing. I’ve dabbled in fishing before but never learned the real techniques so recently I’ve been trying to learn everything about fishing from scratch. So far I’ve learned knots, got a spinner pole(for now), and bought some tackle. My question for you guys is what are the basic techniques for bank fishing. What techniques should I try to learn and “master” first. There is a lot to learn before and it’s pretty overwhelming so I want to learn the basics first and go from there. If there is already a thread for this already please send me that way I’m new here so I’m still learning the ropes.
Thanks guys!
A-Jay reply :
The Bass Resource Articles section has everything you need to know & more; so much more !
That makes it a Great Place to Start.
https://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/
A-Jay
WRB reply :
Can you better define your rod, reel and line? Rod and reel make model number, line type with # test.
Tom
haggard reply :
A great starting point that catches fish is a 6'6 to 7 ft medium power, fast action rod and a spinning reel (or baitcasting reel if you prefer, check the youtube for the differences and tradeoffs). $50 to $100 should buy you a decent rod, and same for a decent reel. Put 10 lb mono line on it, tie on a 1/4 oz bullet weight followed by a 3/0 hook and a Texas rigged 4 inch soft plastic worm. Bring needle nose pliers in case you need help removing the hook and, if you can, foreceipts (in case you deep hook one, you can go through the gills to remove the hook). Set the hook fast. If you wait too long you risk deep hooking the fish (harder to release).
Darren. reply :
I second @A-Jay's suggestion of the articles on the site.
Found many very helpful over the years either as a refresh or for
a new technique I hadn't tried yet. Avail yourself and enjoy 
.
Mike L reply :
Hello and Welcome!
Trying to learn anything you've never done before can be a little overwhelming at first. Bass fishing is no exception.
We've all be there.
After you've done some research and your head stop's spinning come back and ask anything large and small.
Thats why we're here.
Mike
diversity210 reply :
On 6/26/2019 at 5:30 AM, Clark1409 said:Hey guys,
So I am completely new to bass fishing. I’ve dabbled in fishing before but never learned the real techniques so recently I’ve been trying to learn everything about fishing from scratch. So far I’ve learned knots, got a spinner pole(for now), and bought some tackle. My question for you guys is what are the basic techniques for bank fishing. What techniques should I try to learn and “master” first. There is a lot to learn before and it’s pretty overwhelming so I want to learn the basics first and go from there. If there is already a thread for this already please send me that way I’m new here so I’m still learning the ropes.
Thanks guys!
Getting into bass fishing these days can be really overwhelming and complicated. That is due in part to all the companies and sponsored anglers trying to sell product. Making you feel as if you need a specific everything to do anything. It really doesnt have to be that complicating. You said you picked up a spinning rod. Thats a good start. 7ft to 7'2 medium fast action spinning rod would be my go to for bank fishing. You also said you have been learning to tie knots thats good as well. Id spool my reel up with 10-15 pound hi viz braid and tie on an 8-12 pound flouro leader. As far as baits since you are just getting started a Trig is a must. Id say Trig with a 7-10 inch worm this time a year. Wacky rig senko or yum dinger would be a must have for me bank fishing. I would also carry a few top waters with me bank fishing whopper plopper, buzz bait, super spook. You could also carry a couple crank baits. I think lipliss crank for bank fishing would be best option but a square bill wouldnt be a bad option. Keep you colors simple. Green Pumpkins, watermelons, june bugs, black and blues for the plastic worms and senkos. Whites, Chartreuses, clear, for the others I mentioned. You dont have to go crazy and get them all, But that selection of baits will go a long ways bank fishing and you can have a couple of each one to keep your tackle light.
Boomstick reply :
Like A-Jay mentioned, this site offers a lot of information.
Also this video series is a pretty good starting point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNSQ7cWQXFA&list=PLP4RmY1AWIS6lRHI3e2iB2Tu5J5njfWx0
Rip_lipz reply :
Don't open a Cabela's credit card. I speak from experience, its dangerous.
Clark1409 reply :
Thanks guys! Now I have some direction to start with.
I’m using a 7’ Medium power/fast action, spinner reel, and have 8-10 lb test to put on it. I’m guessing I’ll start with trigs and go from there. I’m really trying to see what rigs work best for what situation since there’s so many to use and I’ve never used 90% of them haha
stepup reply :
Definatly start with a T-Rig with a Zoom Finesse Green Pumpking worm. Fish with it and you will be like 90% of fisherman and that will be the first thing you have confidence in. I haven't fished a T-Rig very much in a long long itme but if someone put a gun to my head and told me you have 1 hour to catch a fish on a unknown body of water I am tying on a T-Rig with a finesse worm. Then start branching out form there. Fluke's, Brushhogs, Senko's, Pop-R's any of these will be good baits to dip your feet into other realms of fishing. The one thing I wish I would have started 10 years ago is a fishing log. I have just started it but I know that if I would have did it a long time ago I would have quite alot of valuable information.
roadwarrior reply :
"Just Getting Started"
Guaranteed To Catch Bass
I just cant catch bass
Learning to fish on your own
scaleface reply :
Describe the area you will be fishing . Stream , pond , lake , ditch... depth , clarity , vegetation , logs , rocks...The more info you provide the better advice you will receive .Be precise . All lures catch bass .
WRB reply :
On 6/27/2019 at 9:14 AM, Clark1409 said:Thanks guys! Now I have some direction to start with.
I’m using a 7’ Medium power/fast action, spinner reel, and have 8-10 lb test to put on it. I’m guessing I’ll start with trigs and go from there. I’m really trying to see what rigs work best for what situation since there’s so many to use and I’ve never used 90% of them haha
8 to 10 lb line put on it, mono or braid?
Glenn just put up a video on fishing plastic worms, watch the vedio and start there.
We can't even agree what a T-rig is, that should give you an idea how complex bass fishing can get with terminology having multiple meaning, we can agree on what a soft plastic worm is!
Good luck ( watch the video),
Tom
diversity210 reply :
On 6/27/2019 at 9:14 AM, Clark1409 said:Thanks guys! Now I have some direction to start with.
I’m using a 7’ Medium power/fast action, spinner reel, and have 8-10 lb test to put on it. I’m guessing I’ll start with trigs and go from there. I’m really trying to see what rigs work best for what situation since there’s so many to use and I’ve never used 90% of them haha
Not really sure what kind of line you mean when you say 8-10 pound test. Braid, Mono, Fluorocarbon? I would highly recommend spooling your reel up with a hi-viz 10-15 pound braid and tying on a 8-10 mono or flouro leader. Something like PowerPro or suffix 832. Those are 2 really popular brands of braid. You can find them both just about any place that sells fishing gear and most people seem to be fairly please with either or. I think you are on the right track. A Texas rig is a good place to start. You can fish all kind of soft plastics on it and it doesn't have to just be a bottom bait. I have been known to swim creature baits through and over grass lines and have caught fish doing it.
As far as what works best for you is all up to you. Know one will be able to tell you that. People can give you a general idea of what might work in a particular situation, but what works in your situation on the waters you frequent is something you will have to figure out.
schplurg reply :
As others have said, this site has so much info. I especially like the videos.
I've barely fished a year and I'm catching them better than my friend who has fished - though not much for bass - for decades. I've watched most of the vids here and many more on Youtube. Hundreds.
I think I know where to find them better because of all the help I got on the internet. I am totally addicted to this so I spent a lot of time learning everything I could.
I'd say learning to bass fish is actually easier these days due to the availability of information at your fingertips. There is no substitute for time on the water, but learning bass behavior and the basics of where, when and why they go where they do can be learned at home as well. Take that knowledge and apply it on the water.
You don't need expensive gear. My first rod/reel was a Bass Pro Shops $25 dollar thing. I still have it. It has caught me 5 lb stripers, and many bass. Was my only rod for 9 months. I use cheap baits, even Walmart stuff. They catch fish! I have some brand name stuff too.
tl;dr
Learn bass behavior and watch at least 300 videos. Glenn here at BassResource will teach you a lot. Learn the Texas Rig, get some rubber worms, some flukes maybe, and get a few crank baits and go for it. I like the little grub spinners at Walmart too for tough times.
Clark1409 reply :
Thanks y’all this advice gives me confidence that with some practice and patience I can get a handle on this.
The Bassman reply :
It's all about the journey, not the destination. I keep learning all the time.
bazzelite19 reply :
Try starting off using spinnerbaits. Wal-Mart sells them for $1 and they will catch some hawgs despite the price. With a spinnerbait you can get used to feeling the blades thump which will develop your sense of feel. A crankbait is also excellent for this. If youre bank fishing go buy some strike king kvd 1.5 cranks. Spinnerbaits will come through more varieties of cover cleaner most often though. If you aren't sure about getting strikes try a topwater so youll know for sure. Once you catch some fish on a spinnerbait try a jig or texas rig. When you get a bite just start reeling fast and pull back. You dont get as much power setting on a slack line which id natural instinct to wanna do. Only when you reel the slack and stretch out then set do you gain driving power. Consider using braided line so you can feel bites and set the hook easier. Get a good braid though so it won't dig in itself as bad
stratoliner92 reply :
X3 on the Texas rig. A 3/16oz bullet weight, 4/0 Gamakatsu ewg light wire hook and Zoom 6.5" trickworm has caught me more fish than any other(Google texpose it will increase your hookups).
The second technique I'd learn is a Zoom super fluke on 1/8oz bellyweighted Gamakatsu hook(use a twitch-twitch-pause on retrieve) to mimic a wounded baitfish.
This is a tough time of year so don't get discouraged. Pre spawn is a few months away but worth the wait. Around Mississippi when water temp hits 58* it's like magic. Your alot further North so someone from your area could help with that????
FishinBuck07 reply :
My best advice would be, don't get trapped in the thought that you need the latest and greatest of anything to be a bass fisherman! We have all made this mistake over the years and wasted lots of money. Pick one or two techniques and one or two baits for said techniques and fish them till you figure them out, then Branch out from there!
Angry John reply :
I'm going to go a total different direction. Learn to spot fishy areas, the yearly migration patterns and your local food items. This will guide your bait choices, presentations and where you want to be on the lake. You can have a billion dollar tackle box and still catch nothing if your casting to empty waters. These skills are free and are the keys to repeated success. It's the gold of the fishing world that people want to buy.
Plottman1974 reply :
Have fun....don't get caught up in the "keeping up with the jones's"...
put 6-8 pound mono on that spinning reel. Invest in good extra wide gap worm hooks (4/0 gamakatsu). Get a pack of Yum Dingers of the green variety for 3-4 bucks and a pack of of zoom super fluke white color for 3-4 bucks.
When bank fishing, don't automatically walk up to the bank. Often, you are scaring fish away. While standing 10 feet or so from the water, throw in the area you expect to stand a few times then walk up to the water. While standing at the water, throw your bait to the left, left center, center, right, right center, and then right. Then move on down the bank a little and repeat that process...you will catch fish.
Fish those baits slow with little twitches....then real a crank or two, twitch twitch, repeat and make sure to set your hook very good...bass have a tough jaw!
That will get you catching fish any season on any pond that i have ever fished and all I fish is from the bank.
good luck and the main thing is to have fun. it's not a competition, it's a good way to relax and enjoy this short life.
Using those simple baits and techniques you will catch fish, learn about habitat, and have fun...then you can branch out to other techniques but always keep it simple...
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/2/2019 at 5:22 AM, FishinBuck07 said:My best advice would be, don't get trapped in the thought that you need the latest and greatest of anything to be a bass fisherman! We have all made this mistake over the years and wasted lots of money. Pick one or two techniques and one or two baits for said techniques and fish them till you figure them out, then Branch out from there!
This how I did it. Re-started four years ago with three old rigs I'd had for decades. After year one, replaced those with newer rigs, after year two, added a couple more rigs, added two more during year three and this year added a seventh.
Build up slowly as you add experience and new techniques to your repertoire.
reb67 reply :
I would say take everything that you have right now for bass fishing find a really good looking spot sit it all on the ground turn and run, run as fast as you can the other way ???????? in all seriousness
This sport is and can be very addictive and expensive if you are not careful.
You are in the right place for any questions you may have everyone on here seem to enjoy passing on information and advice. The only thing I would suggest is, although there is many baits and techniques that bridge the gap across the nation pick the brains of the anglers in your region to fine tune when and what time of year to use what baits and techniques. Always keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try something new.
I'm about 8 years into this sport and I'm going fishing Sunday and will be trying a technique that I have never done before and I would be willing to bet there's guys on here with more years in then I do that are still trying new things.
Welcome aboard and keep us updated on your progress.
Alex from GA reply :
Before I started using plastic worms I used night crawlers T rigged and caught many bass. Today I use finesse worms with 6 lb line and a 1/16th oz sinker for most of my bass fishing. Last week.
soflabasser reply :
Find someone who is very good at bass fishing, become their friend, and go fishing with that person as much as possible. Have an open mind and do your best to learn from every fishing trip. You do that and you will do just fine in bass fishing.
LionHeart reply :
2 things:
This is a tough time of year generally for bass fishing. Bass are deep, and less active. If you go out for hours and catch nothing, it may be your fault but it's likely also the time of year. Don't get discouraged.
Second, if you know nothing about bass fishing it can be like drinking from a fire hose. Find a legit youtube channel and spend copious time watching and learning. Stay away from the channels by kids trying to start their own rod company. They don't offer much useful material, only comedic relief.
Tactical Bass'n is really good, also what is the channel Gene Jenson (spelling?) has? It's pretty decent for basic info
Boomstick reply :
Well here's a decent Youtube series -- along with the articles and videos on this site which should help you.
As for lures to stat with, this video series actually does a pretty decent job listing them. I would say if you have weeds in your fishing spot, go with a medium heavy fast casting rood and reel and start with weighted texas rigs, spinnerbaits (3/8 and 1/2oz), chatterbaits (3/8 and 1/2oz) and swim jigs (3/8 and 1/2oz), and get a 3/8oz pitching jig and net bait paca craw trailers for the jigs and keitech fat impact 3.8" or 4.3" for chatterbait trailers. Use 15lb monofilament line.
If most of your fishing spots don't have many weeds, you can try a medium power fast action rod with weightless t-rigs, wacky rigs (Glenn did a video of how he fishes them, get a 1/4oz jig head and do the same), 3/8oz spinnerbaits, 1/4oz or 3/8oz chatterbaitsm square bills (size 1.5 and 2.5 alike), jerkbaits, poppers and spooks. Use 12lb monofilament line.
related General Bass Fishing Forum topic
previous topic
most viewed General Bass Fishing Forum topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.