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