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