| The fishing rod is the first basic piece of | | | | drag in the back of the reel. For me these |
| tackle the average bass fisherman needs to | | | | drags are easier to adjust. Other people |
| consider. I recommend a medium or medium | | | | prefer the drag to be in the front of the |
| light action graphite spinning rod. I advise | | | | reel on top of the spool. I consider this a |
| buying a rod six foot long. This rod can be | | | | matter of personal preference. Try both and |
| used in a variety of different fishing | | | | go with what feels best to you. |
| conditions. As you become more experienced | | | | |
| you will see the need for more specialized | | | | When you purchase a reel you will see a term |
| rods at times. | | | | "gear ratio". They affect the power of the |
| | | | reel. The higher the gear ratio the more line |
| I have always used Berkley or Fenwick rods | | | | that will be retrieved by each 360 degree |
| and found them to always be up to the task at | | | | turn of the handle. |
| hand. You should purchase your rod and reel | | | | |
| simultaneously. I advise mounting the reel | | | | For line I recommend monofilament line with a |
| on the rod and holding it before you make a | | | | test of 8-12 lb. This is as close to an all |
| choice. The rod and reel combo should feel | | | | purpose line that you can get. Again as you |
| right. Hold the rod direct above where the | | | | become more experienced you will see the need |
| reel is seated. If you point the rod | | | | for lighter and heavier lines. I use Berkley |
| perpendicular to your body it should balance | | | | Trilene line but have tried all the major |
| in a straight line. If it does not the reel | | | | brands and found them to be good. |
| may be too big or heavy and need to be | | | | |
| replaced with a lighter one. | | | | They key is to match your line to the reel |
| | | | you have chosen. I like to keep 150 yards of |
| Your next consideration is the reel. For the | | | | line on my reel. If your reel holds 150 |
| average fisherman I recommend an open faced | | | | yards of 10 lb line then I advise using that |
| spinning reel. The key here is to match the | | | | weight. You should always keep an extra spool |
| reel to the line you will be using. I like a | | | | of line on hand. You should also constantly |
| reel that holds approximately 150 yards of 8 | | | | check your line for nicks and other |
| lb fishing line. I also like a reel with an | | | | imperfections that can cause a fish to be |
| excellent drag system. You have two choices | | | | lost. |
| regarding drag. I prefer reels that have a | | | | |