🎣 Why Choose Sea Bass Fishing Equipment? 🌊
Welcome, avid anglers and fishing enthusiasts! 🐟 When it comes to sea bass fishing, having the right equipment can make all the difference between a good catch and going home empty-handed. But why should you specifically invest in sea bass fishing equipment? Let’s dive right in:
✅ Tailored for Success: Sea bass equipment is designed specifically for the habits and habitats of sea bass. This means increased chances of a successful catch! 🏆
✅ Durability: Unlike generic fishing gear, sea bass equipment is built to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. 🌊💪
✅ Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While the initial investment might be higher, quality sea bass gear lasts longer, meaning less replacement and more fishing! 💰🔄
✅ Outperform the Competition: Specialized equipment gives you an edge over anglers using generic gear. Stand out and reel in the big ones! 🎣✨
🔶 In a vast sea of fishing gear, choosing equipment tailored for sea bass can dramatically enhance your fishing experience. 🚤🌅
Full Fishing Equipment & Fishing Gear & Supplies & Fishing Apparel
Hello everybody! I’m Sergio Smirnoff. I am fond of fishing for 12 years old. My family traveled a lot around the world and I managed to fish in different parts of the globe. Reading various articles on the Internet about fishing, I wanted to write about it in a simple accessible language and give information to beginners and experienced fishermen.
When it comes to fishing, having the right equipment is essential. This is especially true when targeting a specific species like sea bass. As one of the most sought-after game fish in the sea, sea bass can be quite elusive and require a specific set of gear to successfully catch. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of sea bass fishing equipment and cover everything from rods and reels to lures and lines.
From the type of line to the size of the hook, every aspect of your gear can make a difference in your catch. So, if you’re ready to up your sea bass fishing game, let’s dive into the world of fishing equipment and discover the best tools to help you reel in your next big catch.
I want to share my little experience of hunting sea bass in the Atlantic Ocean so that you come home after fishing and always bring your family caught fish for dinner. To make fishing more successful and enjoyable, I provide the most complete equipment for the fisherman with explanations. Years of experience suggest that all accessories must be of good quality, functional, and durable. In my first article, I will provide field-proven equipment for coastal fishing, and publish tips from my friends and experienced fishermen, whom I met on the ocean. In the blog, I will present reviews of the best fishing rods, reels, woods, bait, and much more so that you can catch sea bass like a real pro.
Fishing equipment for sea bass includes various tools, gear, and accessories specifically designed for catching sea bass. This type of equipment includes fishing rods, spinning reels, fishing lines, lures, and hooks, which are all crucial for successful sea bass fishing.
In addition to the basic equipment, anglers may also need additional items such as fishing gloves, shoes, and headlamps. Fishing gloves provide protection against the sun, wind, and water, while fishing shoes offer better traction and protection while wading in the water. A headlamp can be useful in low-light conditions, especially during early morning or evening fishing trips.
💎 Here is the basic thing you need:
1# Keep Your Fishing Trips Sustainable with These Plastic Fishing Bag Alternatives
The plastic fishing bag is an essential item for any fishing trip. Made from durable plastic material, this bag is designed to protect your catch from the elements while keeping them fresh for later use. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry in your fishing gear bag, backpack, or tackle box.
The bag features a secure zip-lock closure that keeps your fish inside and prevents any odors or fluids from leaking out. It is also transparent, so you can easily identify the contents of the bag without having to open it. This is especially useful for anglers who are catching multiple fish and need to keep them separate for the identification or legal purposes.
The bag is not only ideal for storing fish but also other items that need to be kept dry, such as mobile phones, wallets, and keys. Its waterproof design ensures that your items stay dry and protected from water, sand, and dirt. Moreover, the bag can be easily washed and reused for multiple trips, making it an environmentally friendly option for anglers who want to reduce their waste.
⭐ Plastic bag for fishing. The main useful characteristics: places for installing 2 fishing rods – this is protection against sand from entering the reel, it is convenient and simple to remove fish from the hook, as well as change gear, has an external pocket for a towel. It is easy to wash, handles, and cases are made of durable plastic. Cloth backpacks are less convenient.
Such a plastic bag is a durable and versatile option: it is possible to store and transport fishing equipment (tackle, bait, tools), catch, foodstuffs in it. It’s good to put a lightweight backpack with additional spare parts and a plastic bag for fish in the box, which can be thrown away after fishing. Full review and buying guide: read our article – TOP 23 Best Fishing Buckets.
2# From Twilight to Sunrise: Headlamps for All Your Fishing Adventures
The headlamp for fishing is a versatile and reliable lighting tool that offers great illumination during any fishing trip. It has been specifically designed to cater to the needs of anglers who require high-quality lighting while fishing during low-light or dark conditions. The headlamp is made of durable and lightweight materials, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Its adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit for any head size, while its tilt function allows for flexible positioning of the light.
The headlamp features a powerful LED bulb that delivers a bright, white light that is perfect for night fishing. With a range of up to 50 meters, the light can easily illuminate your surroundings and help you spot any fish in the water. It also has multiple light modes, including high, low, and strobe, which are easily adjustable to suit your needs.
The headlamp is powered by three AAA batteries, which are long-lasting and easy to replace. Additionally, it is water-resistant, ensuring that it can withstand any wet conditions while fishing. The Headlamp for Fishing is a must-have for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience, whether you’re fishing in the dark or need extra light for your tackle box.
The lantern helps the fisherman in the dark when solving any issues from the movement of the fisherman along the beach to replacing the gear, to removing the fish from the hook. Headlamps for fishing make your hands free and there is nothing stopping you from twisting the handle of the spinning reel. They have a small size and weight. Take it with you to your backpack without any problems. Impact resistance is much better than portable lamps due to their low weight and more durable housing. For a full review and buying guide, see our TOP 16 Best Headlamp for Night Fishing article.
3# Find Your Perfect Match: Choosing the Right Spinning Fishing Rod for Your Needs
Spinning fishing is one of the most active types of fishing. You need to animate the bait, and constantly emit its movement, creating the illusion of live bait on the hook. Make frequent and distant casts, conduct wiring, and try to keep the fishing line constantly in tension so that it is possible to hook the fish. Due to these features, manufacturers are developing special rods that are allocated to the spinning class. Compound rods are produced, as a rule, with two knees. They have the highest durability, reliability, and the smallest weight.
Spinning is highly durable, unlike a conventional fishing rod. and the total weight is many times lower. Sensitivity plays an important role, the signal during biting is transmitted directly to the rod and felt by the fisherman. A variety of techniques and lures are used: spinners, wobblers, and silicone.
Fishing rod – only a light spinning rod for catching sea bass, a fishing rod telescope is used only when necessary. It is advisable to buy a spinning rod, consisting of two knees with a total length of three meters to 3.8 meters. Long rods provide longer casting, it is easier to fish out with them, but such rods are a bit heavier and more inconvenient to transport. The test is approximately 30/90. The material is preferably carbon.
4# The Thread That Connects Us: A Comprehensive Guide to Fishing Line
A fishing line is a key element of any fishing tackle. It combines all the elements of the equipment into a single unit and withstands heavy loads when casting and pulling fish from the water. Bite signals are transmitted along the fishing line to the top of the rod. The fishing line must withstand the declared load, be subtle in water, not confused and not deformed, have the same diameter along the entire length, and be resistant to abrasion and other mechanical stresses.
The main fishing line must be wound on a reel at least 150 meters long. The diameter of a braided cord is up to 0.25 mm.
Fluorocarbon – Used as a leash on our gear. The leash is at least one meter long and up to two meters long. Fluorocarbon diameter from 0.18 to 0.22 mm. It is durable and not noticeable in the water.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines have different structures. They are more rigid and practically invisible in water. Most often they are used as leader material. They do not spin like that and remain level throughout fishing.
5# Smooth Casting Ahead: The Benefits of Using a Spinning Reel for Fishing
The spinning reel must be selected based on the best balance of reliability and functionality. Tackle should be practical, but also meet generally accepted criteria: be lightweight, equipped with durable components, and have an easy and soft ride. We use lightweight coils with a ratio of 1: 4000, right and left. The coils of well-known brands Ryobi, Daiwa, Shimano, Okuma, and others are reliable and durable. They have sturdy bearings for a smooth ride. The spinning reel is the main element of gear, without which the spinning fishing process itself is impossible. The right choice of reel for spinning allows the fisherman to put together a convenient, working, and harmonious tackle, with which you can not only fish but also enjoy fishing.
6# Silicone Bait: A Versatile and Durable Addition to Your Tackle Box
A silicone bait is a type of fishing lure made from silicone material. It is designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real baitfish, insects, or other aquatic creatures that fish feed on. These baits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to attract different species of fish.
Silicone baits are soft, flexible, and durable, making them a popular choice among anglers. They have a realistic feel that fish can’t resist and are often used for bass, trout, walleye, and other gamefish. They can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing and are effective in various fishing techniques, including drop shotting, jigging, Texas rigging, and Carolina rigging.
The silicone material used to make these baits is non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly. It is also resistant to heat and cold, ensuring that the bait remains intact and usable in different weather conditions. Silicone baits are also easy to clean and store, making them a convenient and low-maintenance fishing accessory.
Silicone baits can be rigged with a hook, weight, or a jighead to create a lifelike swimming action. The soft and flexible material allows for a natural movement that entices fish to bite. Additionally, the use of scent attractants and fish attractant sprays can further enhance the bait’s effectiveness and entice fish to bite.
Soft lures from 5 to 8 cm in size are well suited for this sea bass fishing. The bait must be attached strictly parallel to the forearm of the hook, and so that the tail of the artificial fish hangs freely. The movement of the fish should resemble the movement of a real fry.
7# Casting Farther and Catching More: The Advantages of Using Fishing Bombardas
If you’re looking for a float that’s great for long casting, you should definitely consider using a bombard. One of the things that make bombards so special is their buoyancy, which can be divided into three types: floating on the surface, sinking in water, and slowly leaving underwater.
Floating bombards are great for surface fishing and are very convenient to use as they do not cling to stones, can be easily replaced, and do not scare off fish. Sinking bombards are ideal for fishing in deeper waters and can be used with heavier bait to help it sink to the desired depth. Slowly leaving underwater bombards are perfect for those who want to fish in between the water’s surface and the bottom.
I’ve found that bombards are incredibly versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are also great for catching a variety of fish species, including carp, trout, and roach.
Bombard is a special float that is great for long casting. In accordance with such property as buoyancy, bombards are divided into:
- Floating on the surface;
- Sinking in water;
- Slowly leaving underwater.
Such floating floats are convenient for this type of fishing: they do not cling to stones, are easily replaced, and do not deter fish.
8# Protect Your Hands and Catch More Fish: The Benefits of Using Gloves for Fishing
The gloves for summer fishing are made of breathable fabric. They get wet in the rain, however, they do not lose their anti-slip properties. Gloves are very good to use in sunny or windy weather. They are velcro fixed on the wrist. Gloves for fishing protect hands from sea bass spikes located on the back, under the abdomen, and on sharp gills. Fingerless gloves for cycling can suit us as well.
9# From River to Sea: How the Right Fishing Shoes Can Make All the Difference
Footwear for coastal fishing is presented in 3 types: ordinary plastic bathing slippers, rubber with a dense sole against slipping, and neoprene boots that allow fishing even on rocks and basalt stones. They are stable, hold the ankle well, and are stable on sharp stones.
Water Shoe
I use it especially in the summer, when the water is warm, here are fishing shoes on sandy beaches.
There are no trifles in fishing. Comfortable shoes that do not slip, do not rub the foot, do not give cooling when wet, easy to clean – very important.
Marine Fishing Boot
These special fishing shoes are versatile. It is suitable for both stones and sand. The rubber outsole gives good stability and mobility to the foot.
Neoprene Boots for Snorkeling
I immediately bought the most modern model, which has a revolutionary and effective sole. Plus a good and famous manufacturer.
Neoprene diving boots are designed so that with a heavy backpack or balloons behind you, you can still steadily and confidently move on rocky ground. In this case, the foot is fixed in the boot and does not twist the leg. And additional suction cups keep the fisherman on slippery stones. In hot weather, the foot sweats and overheats.
10# Cap For Fishing – Cap From The Wind
The body of a fisherman should be protected from external factors, and the head is no exception. The fisherman’s summer cap or baseball cap is made of breathable membrane material that does not allow water to pass through. Demi-season fishing hats are insulated with a special fabric. They are made of membrane material, impregnated with a special tool that repels water. Such a hat usually has ears. They can be raised if it is too hot and lowered when the cold comes or rain begins. Such a fishing cap with earflaps provides protection from wind gusts, frosty air. A curved visor of large width closes his eyes from the rays of the sun, and frost. Breathable fabric prevents the head from sweating, creating comfortable conditions for fishing.
11# Surf Shorts
Fishing shorts:
- Water-resistance – high-quality water-repellent fabric reliably protects the body from moisture, dries quickly, and does not lose its shape.
- Convenient cut – do not constrain movements, have enough pockets to accommodate small accessories.
- Unpretentiousness in leaving – are easily cleared of pollution, quickly dry, and do not crease in any operating conditions.
Short shorts for swimming in seawater are well suited. They dry quickly and allow the angler to go knee-deep into the water. This is important when the ebb and flow.
12# Shirt for Fishing
For summer fishing, you can choose a comfortable shirt that will not hamper your movements, protect you from the sun, and take away evaporation from the body. The design of many shirts has a stylish appearance and allows you to wear them not only for fishing but also in the city. Comfortable shirt with sturdy deep pockets. Well ventilated.
13# Sports Sackpack
A light backpack is needed for ease of movement along the shore, while the bag of fish is in place without movement. A good backpack holds the accessories needed for fishing, as well as replaceable clothes and a water tank. Another important requirement is lightness and comfort.
14# Fishing Towel
Athletes catch fish for several hours, which must be removed from the hook and packed in a bag. After picking up the fish, you must either wash your hands or wipe them on your clothes. Grabbing fishing rods with dirty hands is very bad. A thick towel that helps to remove fish safely from the hook. You need to towel to grab the fish by its body closer to the head, with your left hand, press the hook a little forward. The hook itself is released. And it will be easily removable from the mouth of the fish. Many do not appreciate the benefits of a towel for the fisherman, which is desirable to attach to the side belt with a small carabiner, to wipe dry the hands and that part of the rod where greasy and dirty spots form during fishing.
15# Fishing Kit Spare Parts for Various Types of Fishing
Fishing tools – are a very important component of the equipment of the fisherman. They will come to the rescue if suddenly you need to change the hook on the wobbler, compress the weight, or remove the deeply swallowed bait from the mouth of the fish.
16# Jar for Bait
Capacity for a natural bait, you can choose any plastic jar with a tight lid or a plastic container for food. Here the requirements are minimal. They can be disposable and reusable.
17 # Scissors for Fishing is Required for Any Fisherman to Replace Gear
The main requirement for scissors is corrosion protection. Household scissors will immediately become worthless, so it makes sense to immediately buy them worthy and durable.
18# Fishing Scales
Compact electronic small scales easily fit in your pocket and will bring a lot of pleasure when weighing your trophy. Just for the pleasure of weighing your trophy and telling your friends about it.
19 # Fishing Knife Helps Cut and Clean Fish on the Shore
I prefer folding knives – they are extremely simple and safe to transport. The blade is easily cleaned in the handle and they take up very little space, which allows you to carry them with you in the pocket of your trousers or jacket. I hope that my personal tips on choosing the best seabass fishing equipment will help you and you won’t waste your time running around the shops and buying a lot of unnecessary things. I showed archival photos of my personal equipment, which has already been tested over time.
Casting Like a Pro: Mastering Your Sea Bass Fishing Equipment
🔷 Tips for novice anglers when it comes to fishing equipment for sea bass:
- Start with the basics: Invest in a good quality spinning rod and reel combo with a medium or medium-heavy power rating, fast action, and a smooth drag system.
- Choose the right fishing line: Use a braided fishing line with a test strength of 20-30 pounds for optimal sensitivity and feel.
- Pick the right lures: Experiment with a variety of lures, including jigs, soft plastics, and topwater baits to see what works best for sea bass in your area.
- Check the weather conditions: Make sure to check the weather conditions before you head out to sea bass fishing, as strong winds and waves can make it challenging to catch fish.
- Wear appropriate gear: Wear fishing gloves, shoes, and sunglasses to protect your hands and feet from the sun, wind, and water and to improve your grip while casting.
- Research fishing locations: Research the best fishing locations for sea bass in your area, including reefs, jetties, and rock piles.
- Practice patience: Fishing for sea bass requires patience and persistence, so don’t give up if you don’t catch anything right away.
- Learn from experienced anglers: Talk to experienced anglers in your area and learn from their tips and techniques to improve your sea bass fishing skills.
❓ FAQ ❓
Conclusion
In conclusion, fishing for sea bass requires specific equipment to make the most out of your trip. Choosing the right equipment will make your experience more enjoyable and fruitful. From rods to reels, fishing lines, and lures, each piece of equipment plays a vital role in sea bass fishing. It’s also important to consider additional items like gloves, shoes, and headlamps to ensure your safety and comfort while out on the water.
Remember, the right equipment for you may vary depending on your experience level, fishing style, and location. Don’t be afraid to do your research, consult with experts, and experiment with different options to find what works best for you. Investing in quality fishing equipment will not only help you catch more fish but also provide you with an enjoyable and memorable fishing experience.
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.org sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.org free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!
I believe that the best all-around fishing combo for sea bass would be the Daiwa Steez SV TW paired with a high-end Evergreen rod. However, there are also several other high-end rod options from brands like St. Croix, G.Loomis, Daiwa, Shimano, Megabass, Zenaq, and of course, Evergreen. Although, I find the Daiwa Steez to be the best high-end reel option out there, as I personally prefer it over the Shimano Antares and other manufacturers’ alternatives. It’s always best to do some research and choose the gear that works best for you and your specific fishing needs.
Buying high-end fishing gear as a gift can be tricky. While expensive gear may seem like the way to go, it’s important to remember that the most expensive doesn’t always mean the best. Experienced anglers typically have a specific need in mind when adding gear to their collection, so it can be challenging to select the perfect item.
To avoid disappointment, focus on selecting an “all-around” setup that can be used for various applications. For example, a Dobyns Xtasy 7’2″ MH paired with a Shimano Metanium would make for an excellent all-around setup that covers many fishing scenarios.
Alternatively, consider a high-end accessory such as a Yeti cooler or a pair of Van Staal titanium pliers. These tools are used regularly by every fisherman and are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Engraving the pliers with a meaningful date or message adds a thoughtful and personal touch.
I completely agree with the previous comment, especially when it comes to reels. In my experience, Daiwa, Shimano, and Abu Garcia are all great options. I personally recommend spending around $200 for a quality reel. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Lew’s also makes some great reels in the $100-$150 range. I have a few Lew’s reels myself and I love them.
When it comes to high-end rods, I highly recommend St. Croix. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$200+ on a quality rod. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great quality, Lew’s is also worth considering. One thing I love about Lew’s is their customer support, they really go above and beyond for their customers.
One thing I would add is to learn how to properly maintain your gear. I have a Shimano reel that’s been going strong for over 15 years now because I’ve learned how to take it apart and clean it. It’s also important to rinse your gear off after saltwater fishing. There are plenty of resources online for how to properly care for your equipment, so take advantage of those.
If you’re asking me, I do plan on sticking with catfishing and pan-fishing for the most part. As for bait versus lure fishing, it really depends on the day and what I feel like doing. Sometimes I’ll spend all day using lures, and other times I’ll stick with bait.
If you do plan on bait fishing and chucking cut baits, I wouldn’t recommend going too expensive on at least one reel. It’s going to take a beating from the bait fishing and you don’t want to risk damaging a high-end reel. Plus, a larger capacity is definitely recommended if you plan on going after flatheads or large blues/channels. Personally, I wouldn’t spend over 100 dollars on this type of rod and reel combo. I’d recommend an Ugly Stik paired with a Laguna LT-C in the 5000 sizes or a larger size Pflueger President.
For bass fishing, that’s where you can get fancy and start picking out dedicated outfits. You could go super high-end with a G Loomis rod or Megabass and pair it with a Chronarch or similar Daiwa or Revo. You could even kit yourself with a dedicated spinnerbait bait caster, a dedicated worm and drop shot spinning reel, and maybe a glide bait/swimbait kit (bait caster as well). It all depends on how specialized you want to get and how you like to fish.
Personally, I’m a fan of Shimano, Daiwa, and St. Croix. I’ve never had a St. Croix rod fail on me, and I’ve broken Fenwicks and had Ugly Sticks pick up a bend/warp. I’ve even busted one or two Bass Pro rods in my time.
As an avid fisherman and an employee at Cabelas, I can offer some great suggestions for an all-around spinning setup. For me, a 7-foot medium rod with a 2500-size reel is perfect. Going bigger than that can be too clunky, and the extra line capacity is not always necessary. I suggest going with a medium action because it’s versatile for multiple tactics and maintains good sensitivity. However, if you want a specific drop shot rig, then go with a 2000-2500 size reel with a 6-9 to 7-foot medium light action rod for good sensitivity and action combined with a strong backbone. Depending on your budget, I can give you some recommendations.
For the rod, if you have the money, go for a St. Croix. The one that’s around $139.99 is what I have, and it’s fantastic. But if you want to spend a little less, the Bass Pro Fish Eagle rods are also excellent, and I’ve sold many of them with nothing but good reviews, especially at their price point of $69.99.
For the reel, I don’t see the need to spend a lot of money, but if you want to break the bank, the Shimano Stradic is a great option, priced at around $210.00. It’s the smoothest reel you’ll ever feel. However, I think the Diawa Regal is a great option for a better price of $60.00. It offers similar features and is the absolute bang for your buck. Another option is the Johnny Morris Signature Series, priced at $99.99, which is a great compromise between the two.
If you want to save money, you can also consider buying a combo. Keep in mind that with combos, you have limited options when it comes to the rod, but you can save money by buying them together. I highly recommend the Johnny Morris Carbon Lite Combo, priced at $169.99. The rod alone is $119.99, and the reel alone is $79.99, so you’re saving a lot of money. If the combos are not available at Bass Pro/Cabelas, we can make them for you, so don’t hesitate to ask. Another great option is the Lew’s Mach Smash combo, which I personally own and have been using for about 4 years. It’s held up nicely and is priced at $79.99.
I can tell you that while there are a ton of decent, cheap combos out there, it’s important to keep in mind that the cheaper you go, the higher the chances of things going wrong. That’s why I recommend staying in the $100 range for combos.
In terms of an all-around spinning setup, I personally prefer a 7-foot medium-heavy, fast-to-moderate-fast action rod. While you can go cheap on soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, sinkers, swivels, tackle bags & boxes, and tools, I would advise against skimping on your hard baits. That’s not to say you have to buy expensive brands like Megabass and Lucky Craft, but the bargain bin hard baits often lead to frustration.
One crucial piece of advice I have is to buy quality hooks and lines. You can have a $1000 combo and throw a $400 Roman-Made swimbait, but if your hooks and line are subpar, it won’t matter because your fish is going to come off. I’ve never understood guys who drive around in $10,000+ boats and use $300 rod and reel combos with cheap hooks and lines. It’s not worth the risk of losing a big catch.
I highly recommend going with a spinning rod combo and upgrading the line to the latest Power Pro braided line. I use the 20 lb test and it casts incredibly well. The line is a bit pricey at around $20 for 150 yards, but it’s well worth the investment as it lasts a long time.
My go-to rod is an inexpensive Ugly Stick combo by Shakespeare, and I have a few of them ranging from 6″ – 7″. I’ve switched out the reels as needed with inexpensive ones from Walmart, like the $30 Mitchell & Abu Garcia. The most important thing to look for in a reel is that there’s no backlash. Cheaper reels will allow the line to move back a bit, but a good reel will lock and not move at all.
A decent Ugly Stick Combo like the GX2, paired with the Power Pro line, will probably set you back around $80 or so. This will leave you with plenty of money for baits. The 7″ version is incredibly versatile and can be fished in many different ways.
I love using plastics, as they’re the #1 fished bait. I typically use offset wide gap hooks for all of my plastics, like Zoom Bullfrogs, Yamasenkos in Green Pumpkin, Baby Bass, & Green Pumpkin/Watermelon, 4″ Salted Green Flipping Tubes, and various Junebug (my favorite color) Worms & Lizards. The Senko style of worm is my most fished lure, as it can be fished in so many different ways. I also enjoy fishing with crankbaits, mostly from Rapala, which are the only premium lure I’ll buy, along with Gary Yamamoto Senkos. I prefer suspended crankbaits.
One tip for switching baits quickly is to tie on a good snap swivel but be careful not to buy the cheap ones as they’re a weak link and I’ve had many fail on me over the years. I prefer to tie a good knot instead, as it takes a few more seconds but it’s a more reliable option.
Good luck and keep your line tight! You never know, you could end up catching a big one like the ones in my pictures. The first one is typical for our pond at around 4 lbs, but the second one is my personal best. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a scale or tape measure with me, but that croc was 10.5″ long so I believe it was over 24″!
I highly recommend using a reel with a 7:1 gear ratio for your fishing needs. Paired with a 7.5-foot medium-heavy composite graphite/glass rod, you’ll have the perfect combination of backbone, sensitivity, and give for throwing heavier baits, finesse techniques, and fast baits with treble hooks.
For fishing in dirty water or weeds, I suggest using 30lb braid backing. But, when fishing in clearer or open water, adding a 10lb fluoro leader will increase your chances of success. For tying on fluoro leaders, I recommend using the FG knot, and for tying on hooks and lures, the Jimmy Houston knot works wonders.
To get started, I recommend using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jerk baits in clearer or open water. These three lures are incredibly effective and consistently catch fish, including larger ones. Check out some videos with Kevin Vandam to learn how to fish them properly.
Once you’re comfortable with those lures, move on to finesse techniques like drop shots and ned rigs with soft plastics. And remember, in dirty water, use bright colors like chartreuse or neon orange/blue. But, in clear water, go for natural colors like white, green pumpkin, or watermelon.