Sept 6-Beginner Bass Fishing tips

[Mike Cork]

We have a lot of members that are very new to bass fishing, with that said....

Tonight's Contest is about Beginning Bass Fishing

Post things that you would tell, teach, or show someone that is brand new to bass fishing. Imagine you have someone or a child that has either never held a rod or has no experience with bass fishing.

Think about things like which way to hold the various types of rods and reels, how you would set up the casting drag and/or fighting drag, how do you cast, how you determine which type of line to use when.

Think about a person standing in a tackle store wanting to get into bass fishing, but doesn't have a clue what to buy. List things like what kind of baits you use for different season, water conditions, and types of cover. Keep in mind that they are a beginner so what baits would you recommend that would prevent frustration!

What are some ideas on how to get more information, how do you get better at techniques, where should they start?

Think about the basics, just because it seems very simple you to, it might be very complex or involve very confusing terms or ideas to someone that is new to bass fishing.

Don't forget the more seperate posts you make the more chances you have to win one of the great products the site sponsors have supplied

[cable guy]

first thing i would teach them is your basic rod and reel combos and what purpose each one serves

[cable guy]

i would teach them a few basic knots,

[cable guy]

i would try and teach them how to throw a bait caster, if not we use a spinning reel

[cable guy]

i would tell them the lines i use and what size works for what

[cable guy]

i would try and teel them that in the springtime you have a better chance of catching a big fish so how to concentrate on the lures to catch them

[Pferox]

First thing - I would make sure they had a fishing license.

[Pferox]

I would show them how to pick out a rod and reel they are comfortable with.

[Pferox]

I would suggest (this is a regional thing) they look at a 7ft, Medium heavy rod  to start out with, it is a good all around bass rod down here, especially for beginners.

[Pferox]

Probably before taking out a person to do anything, I would let em try a few of my "Loaner" rods, this is a good way for a person to decide what kind of rod they would be interested in.

[Pferox]

"Hey you wanna go fishin?"...... then show up at their house with boat, rods, bobbers, weedless hooks, and shiners, and take em to catch fish. Usually if the first fishing experience isn't successful, it is difficult to keep em interested.

[Pferox]

Remember not to shoot down any idea the new person has about lure presentation, or rigging, etc. Let them learn what works and doesn't on their own.

Thats how Sharon developed the swingie under the dock thingie, presentation. 

[Warpath]

Well, Just yesterday I explained the entire baitcaster to someone who was having difficulties with backlashes.  I told them how to set the drag, the casting controls, and the brakes.

Eric

[Warpath]

I have actually taught one of my neighbors how to texas rig a worm so he woiuldn't get hung up in the apartment complex's pond. 

Eric

[Warpath]

I would teach them all about the different rigs: texas rig, carolina rigs, drop shot, crankbaiting, spinnerbaiting, topwater, and jigs.

Eric

[Warpath]

I would teach the person about the different presentations:  pitching, flipping, casting, skipping and so on.

Eric

[Warpath]

I have had many conversations with new bass fishing people about the behaviors of bass, especially how the are "edge" creatures, the seasonal movements of bass, and how the are like a freshwater shark.

Eric

[Warpath]

I wwould try and cover as many of the knots that I use to tie lures on and attach line: arbor knots, trilene knot, palomar knot, and the world famous Buzzman Special....The uni to uni knot!!!!!

Eric

[Warpath]

I would try to explain to them the different types of lines and thier specific application: mono, fluorocarbon, braid.  I would explain nhow they have different stretch, sensitivity, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Eric

[Pferox]

Although it may sometimes be hard to do  I keep saying to myself, APR , Abnoxiously Positive Reinforcement.

Something like "With a little parctice you will be doin it better than the pros"

[Warpath]

I would explain to the new person the effect of weather on a bass and fishing in general: cold fronts, warm fronts, rain, SNOW, high and low pressure, etc.

Eric

[Warpath]

I would try to explain all the safety equipment that is necessary on a boat like fire extinguishers, PFD's, kill switches, etc.

Eric

[Pferox]

I would explain how a bass is a predator, and uses cover to ambush fish, and how to look for cover to find the fish.

[pegleg]

Ive got some experience with this topic. Ive been teaching my grandson to cast. Most of the trees in the yard have sinkers and practice plugs snarled in the branches.
I would start a newby with a spincast outfit and take them to a place with lots of hungry bream so they can realy catch a fish. If they catch that first fish the rest is a lot easier for them to learn. Keep it fun.

[Warpath]

I would explain how the seasonal patterns also helps determine what type of bait that is prevalent and available for bass to eat.  Craws in the early spring, changing over to panfish (and other fish) in the summer and shad in the early fall through wintering.  I'd explain how this can help determine what type of bait to throw.

Eric