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