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Jeff Furber · 04-07-2004, 05:35 PM

Since you have a boat of some kind, you have a good start. If you are a novice fisherman, I think a decent quality spinning gear would be a good start.
A visit to a local walmart can get you on the water for very little money and once you get the hang of it and the species you are after you can go from there.
A 6ft or 6.5 foot one or two piece rod is good, Rapala, if your local WallyMart has them make decent rods. A good brand of reel , Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum costing more than $25 should do you well, you should have them install line on it too, if they can. 8lb test monofiliment for starters.
There are also good tackle shops around Winnie and perhaps they may be more expensive in general as its tough to compete with WallyWorld. They can also explain how to set your drag correctly.
If your bass fishing you need , some of the following, Rapala 3-5" floaters in gold/white, black/white, Bomber Long A's in Gold. These are basically surface floaters that will dart under the water maybe 6-8". These should be thrown near boulders on or near the shoreline. They can be left sitting for a few moments and then twitched back to the boat.
Surface floaters, lures called Pop R's , when worked make a popping sound, used around the same areas as Rapala's. Also a lure called Tiny Torpedo, which has a propeller on it.
Sub surface lures or crankbaits should be limited to 1/4 -3/8 oz , anything heavier will over power your rod and are generally made for baitcasting equip.
Again Rapala and Bomber made good diving lures.
Spinnerbaits, same size as crankbaits, 1/8-3/8th , colors white and chart, Winnie type spinnerbaits, all chartuese. They come in various blade type willow or round , either is good.
Now if you want to get to the bottom, where smallie often are or there not biting on top, tubes and grubs, again ask your local tackle shops, anything that resembles crawfish color for tubes is good, pumpkin etc. Grubs silver, white, pumpkin should do.

Some hints , get a good winnie map(Bizer) pick an area that you want to fish, choose a stretch of water perhaps 200ydrs and fish it hard with all the different types of lures you have bought, trying to determine what THEY , the fish want on that particular day.
When you find out what they want stay with it. The best times to fish are when you can get out to do it, earlier is better than later,in general. Dusk is good also, smallmouth favor low light conditions.
If you want to use live bait, remember that the fish often swallow the bait and make it hard to get the hook out with out damaging the fish. Bass love crayfish and shiners.
Catch and release is the way to go. Bring a camera so you can take a picture of your catch.
I have only scratched the surface here, but I hope it gets you started in the right direction.
If you can afford better equipment the better the experience, in my opinion but I am not a casual fisherman. Buy what your budget will allow.
If you would like more advice or you can let me know what you have bought, its ok with me. Good luck Be sure to wear your life jacket (PFD) while operating you boat.

04-07-2004, 05:35 PM	#2
Jeff Furber Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hopkinton, Mass Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Casual fishing Since you have a boat of some kind, you have a good start. If you are a novice fisherman, I think a decent quality spinning gear would be a good start. A visit to a local walmart can get you on the water for very little money and once you get the hang of it and the species you are after you can go from there. A 6ft or 6.5 foot one or two piece rod is good, Rapala, if your local WallyMart has them make decent rods. A good brand of reel , Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum costing more than $25 should do you well, you should have them install line on it too, if they can. 8lb test monofiliment for starters. There are also good tackle shops around Winnie and perhaps they may be more expensive in general as its tough to compete with WallyWorld. They can also explain how to set your drag correctly. If your bass fishing you need , some of the following, Rapala 3-5" floaters in gold/white, black/white, Bomber Long A's in Gold. These are basically surface floaters that will dart under the water maybe 6-8". These should be thrown near boulders on or near the shoreline. They can be left sitting for a few moments and then twitched back to the boat. Surface floaters, lures called Pop R's , when worked make a popping sound, used around the same areas as Rapala's. Also a lure called Tiny Torpedo, which has a propeller on it. Sub surface lures or crankbaits should be limited to 1/4 -3/8 oz , anything heavier will over power your rod and are generally made for baitcasting equip. Again Rapala and Bomber made good diving lures. Spinnerbaits, same size as crankbaits, 1/8-3/8th , colors white and chart, Winnie type spinnerbaits, all chartuese. They come in various blade type willow or round , either is good. Now if you want to get to the bottom, where smallie often are or there not biting on top, tubes and grubs, again ask your local tackle shops, anything that resembles crawfish color for tubes is good, pumpkin etc. Grubs silver, white, pumpkin should do. Some hints , get a good winnie map(Bizer) pick an area that you want to fish, choose a stretch of water perhaps 200ydrs and fish it hard with all the different types of lures you have bought, trying to determine what THEY , the fish want on that particular day. When you find out what they want stay with it. The best times to fish are when you can get out to do it, earlier is better than later,in general. Dusk is good also, smallmouth favor low light conditions. If you want to use live bait, remember that the fish often swallow the bait and make it hard to get the hook out with out damaging the fish. Bass love crayfish and shiners. Catch and release is the way to go. Bring a camera so you can take a picture of your catch. I have only scratched the surface here, but I hope it gets you started in the right direction. If you can afford better equipment the better the experience, in my opinion but I am not a casual fisherman. Buy what your budget will allow. If you would like more advice or you can let me know what you have bought, its ok with me. Good luck Be sure to wear your life jacket (PFD) while operating you boat.