Probably an offset worm hook, I saw a guy in a video putting senko in it so that the straight part of the hook lines up with the body of the senko.
Seems right, now I just need to know what size I need, right?
Seems like a good combo, I don't know which option to choose in the drop-down menu on amazon though..
First, all the information can be overwhelming. Also, you can throw a lot of money at trying to catch fish, but that won't necessarily make you any more successful at it.
I would go to a store with staff that should be knowledgeable, such as Bass Pro Shops or Dick's Sporting Goods, so they can help you and hopefully make recommendations as necessary.
As far as the rod, reel and line:
I would spend about $40 - $60 on a spinning combo with a 6'6" medium action 2 piece graphite rod and a reel with 3 or more bearings. The reel will probably be specified to hold about 140 yards of 8lb monofiliment line. I would have them spool it up with 8lb monofilament line. If a protection plan is relatively inexpensive I would get it too, as you will most likely break the tip off the rod in a screen door or trunk, and it’s cheaper than buying a new rod. I wouldn’t worry so much about brand.
Are Ugly Stiks good rods? Yes, I own a couple, and have caught many fish on them. However, they do have soft tips, and that is not so great for fishing worms etc.
Do I prefer braid over monofiliment? Yes, but fishing monofiliment is more forgiving when tying knots, grabbing with your hands, and setting the hook. You can cheaply and easily switch to braid down the road.
As far as tackle:
I'd buy a bag of 3" stick baits, such as senkos, (watermelon orage with flecks has been my best producer), and some #1 extra wide gap worm hooks. A couple of Mepps agila #2 spinner baits (or similar in line spinner baits). A floating minnow lure or two, about 1/8 to 1/4 oz in size. Finally, some #2 non-lead split shot. Split shotting soft plastics is a simple and effective technique. Senkos catch bass, and in my experience 3” senkos catch bass big and small. In line spinners and floating minnows are easy to fish and produce also.
You'll also need some clippers to cut line, and needle nose pliers to remove hooks etc.
I’d also buy a plastic utility box to hold this stuff. As you get more stuff, and you will, you can get a tackle bag.
A good resouce that I found for bass fishing information , besides this board is, http://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/.
I would keep this all in your vehicle (why I suggested a two piece rod). This way you can fish when you get an hour or so. I find I make few fishing trips, but fish mostly before work, after work, and an hour or two here and there. The more you fish the better you’re going to get at it.
You're going to spend about $100 on all this gear, so if you don't have the cash, you could always get a kit such as a Shakespeare Catch More Fish-Bass - Spinning kit. Are they ideal? No, but they're cheap, all inclusive and will work. However, if you get serious you'll end up replacing it pretty soon.
I’m far from an expert. There are many people that are more knowledgeable than me, but I have been in your shoes, and this is my 2 cents.
Good luck and tight lines,
Patrick
http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/beginning_bass_fishing.html
Patrick AKA "Thread killer"
I was in your shoes about a year ago, so I would like to give you my thoughts.
First, all the information can be overwhelming. Also, you can throw a lot of money at trying to catch fish, but that won't necessarily make you any more successful at it.
I would go to a store with staff that should be knowledgeable, such as Bass Pro Shops or Dick's Sporting Goods, so they can help you and hopefully make recommendations as necessary.
As far as the rod, reel and line:
I would spend about $40 - $60 on a spinning combo with a 6'6" medium action 2 piece graphite rod and a reel with 3 or more bearings. The reel will probably be specified to hold about 140 yards of 8lb monofiliment line. I would have them spool it up with 8lb monofilament line. If a protection plan is relatively inexpensive I would get it too, as you will most likely break the tip off the rod in a screen door or trunk, and it’s cheaper than buying a new rod. I wouldn’t worry so much about brand.
Are Ugly Stiks good rods? Yes, I own a couple, and have caught many fish on them. However, they do have soft tips, and that is not so great for fishing worms etc.
Do I prefer braid over monofiliment? Yes, but fishing monofiliment is more forgiving when tying knots, grabbing with your hands, and setting the hook. You can cheaply and easily switch to braid down the road.
As far as tackle:
I'd buy a bag of 3" stick baits, such as senkos, (watermelon orage with flecks has been my best producer), and some #1 extra wide gap worm hooks. A couple of Mepps agila #2 spinner baits (or similar in line spinner baits). A floating minnow lure or two, about 1/8 to 1/4 oz in size. Finally, some #2 non-lead split shot. Split shotting soft plastics is a simple and effective technique. Senkos catch bass, and in my experience 3” senkos catch bass big and small. In line spinners and floating minnows are easy to fish and produce also.
You'll also need some clippers to cut line, and needle nose pliers to remove hooks etc.
I’d also buy a plastic utility box to hold this stuff. As you get more stuff, and you will, you can get a tackle bag.
A good resouce that I found for bass fishing information , besides this board is, http://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/.
I would keep this all in your vehicle (why I suggested a two piece rod). This way you can fish when you get an hour or so. I find I make few fishing trips, but fish mostly before work, after work, and an hour or two here and there. The more you fish the better you’re going to get at it.
You're going to spend about $100 on all this gear, so if you don't have the cash, you could always get a kit such as a Shakespeare Catch More Fish-Bass - Spinning kit. Are they ideal? No, but they're cheap, all inclusive and will work. However, if you get serious you'll end up replacing it pretty soon.
I’m far from an expert. There are many people that are more knowledgeable than me, but I have been in your shoes, and this is my 2 cents.
Good luck and tight lines,
Patrick
Thank you for all the wise words and good tips.
I plan to harass the staff at a bass pro shops location soon for information.
I am definitely going with Senkos and I'm going to buy and try different gear over the coming months. I already have pliers and clippers and a kit to put all my stuff. My arms are itchin' to cast! Thanks again for all the great advice,
-Leo