Member Profile: Bass fishing for beginners
We have a new member here, Ricky Acred, who runs a website
www.BassFishingForBeginners.com
I'm not sure if he's going to grow his website into one where he provides guiding services, or something else, but he's just starting out, and I wanted to give him some publicity.
Some of his links and pics have red X's. All that means is he needs to re-download them, or work on the code. Please bear with him as he's a new website owner.
In the communication I had with him, he seemed sincere and knowledgable. Whatever direction he takes his site in, I will try to help him and wish him luck simply because it appears to me he initially put his site up to genuinely help the newcomers.
I thought that was pretty admirable, and hope he can fill us in on developments and new things as he grows his site.
Welcome to the site, Rick! :HappyWave:
Bass fishing for beginners
About
This website was first published in March of 2009 by Bass Fishing for beginners founder Ricky Acred. Ricky enjoys bass fishing and has done extensive research to bring the beginner bass fisherman valid and up to date information about his or her favorite past time.
The user of this site must keep in mind that bass fishing can be as simple or as complicated as one wishes. It can also be as cheap or as expensive as one wishes. This site gives information on the basis of getting someone who is not very familiar with fishing to the fishing hole and catching fish as soon as possible. Therefore, you may not find more advanced techniques on this site. However, you will find all the information you will need to give you the confidence to make that plunge into bass fishing.
How to choose a Rod and Reel
http://www.bassfishingforbeginners.c...silhouette.jpgChoosing a Rod and Reel
Walk into any sporting goods or department store and the beginner can be immediately intimidated by the vast selection of rods, reels, or rod and reel combos. The next few paragraphs can ease some of that anxiety and the give the beginner the necessary information to choose that first rod and reel.
Rods
First consider the rod. Rods come in various lengths, stiffnesses, actions, and types. Information about the rod is normally found on the rod itself, near where the reel is attached.
When the rod information refers to a length, it is quite simple stating the rod's length usually in feet and inches. Bass are usually caught on lengths from 5'5 to 7'. A shorter adult may choose the lower of the range and a taller person may choose from the higher of the range. Also, a shorter rod casts shorter generally but gets into tighter spaces. A longer rod will generally cast farther, but is hard to get into tighter spots (such as around tree limbs.) Don't make this decision a hill to die on. If you just can't be sure about which length you need, get a 6'6 rod, which is the most common.
When you see information regarding stiffness, this simply refers to how stiff the rod is ranging from ultra light to heavy. I am sure there are rods above and below this range, but the average bass fisherman will choose a rod in this range. As for the beginner, choose a medium or medium heavy stiff rod. There are arguably many advantages to a slightly less or more stiff rod. The most unarguable difference is you can put heavier test line on a heavier rod, which means less breaks. Again, if you just can't decide, you may have to just get a medium which is very plentiful.
When the rod information section refers to action, it is letting the user or buyer now where the rod tip flexes. A slower action bends more toward the reel and a faster action bends more toward the tip. This is no standard to measure action against, and the average bass fisherman uses a fast action rod, which is in high supply. There are also various advantages to certain actions, but that information will be reserved for a more advanced fisherman. For the beginner, like the average bass fisherman, choose a fast action rod.
Finally, when choosing a rod, you need to decide what type reel you will use. Basically, a spin casting, bait casting, and spinning reel each have their own type of rod.
Reels
That begs the question, what's the difference between the three common beginner bass fishing reels? Reels are much more complicated than rods and the information on this site will be limited to what the beginner would need to know. As a matter of fact, the information below will only detail spin casting and spinning reels as these are the most appropriate for the beginner fisherman.
First consider the spin caster. This is the reel you used when you were a kid (most likely). It has a closed face configuration (meaning you can't see the string spool.) It has a thumb button which releases the line and a rewind crank which locks (keeps it from going forward) and rewinds the line. This type of reel is great for a beginner, especially a child.
Another type of reel is a spinning reel. This reel showed up on the fishing scene around the 1950's and quickly became a favorite for bass fishermen. The spinning reel has a open face configuration. It has a half loop stiff wire called a bail that is lifted to release line and brought back down to lock and rewind the line. Also be aware that this reel is designed to operate from the opposite side (using your left hand to reel instead of your right) as you would normally operate a spincaster. This does take some getting used to but nothing extraordinary (my son picked it after about two casts.) This is the preferred reel type for the adolescent or adult beginner. For really small children (up to age 7) I would choose a spincaster. The reason I prefer a spinning reel is the more time you have your line in the water, the more fish you can catch. A spinning reel has an open face which allows you to correct backlashes much quicker. Also it's just plain fun to operate one.
Combos
Combos are rod and reels that are sold as one unit. You can still change the rod or reel of a combo, but the purpose is to provide a novice fisherman a decent rod and reel that work well together. This is definitely the best option for a beginner for a couple of reasons.
First of all, it takes some decision making out of the process. You can use the criteria for the rod and reel you want and most likely find it in a combo.
Secondly, it is usually much cheaper to buy a rod and reel this way. There are definitely some great things on expensive rods and expensive reels that you won't generally find on a combo. However for a beginner, a combo is a nice choice.
A Final Word About Rods and Reels
Keep in mind, that if you get hooked (pun intended) on bass fishing this will be only one of about 3 - 4 reels you might purchase in the next couple of years. With that in mind, don't fret too much over your first purchase, just buy something to get your hook in the water. Keep in mind when you purchase subsequent rods and reels or combos that a $40 - $60 combo will reel much more smoothly than a $15 - $30 combo. Also keep in mind that you can find great deals on combos right after fishing season in the fall and right before stores get their new fishing stuff in the spring.
www.bassfishingforbeginners.com