Bass Fishing for Beginners: Gear, Lures and Techniques That Work

Largemouth and smallmouth bass hit hard, jump, and live almost everywhere. Here is everything a beginner needs to start catching them.

The setup

• Rod: 7 foot medium or medium-heavy spinning or casting rod with a fast action.
• Reel: 2500 size spinning reel, or a 7:1 baitcaster once you are comfortable. Smart digital-brake baitcasters make learning much easier.
• Line: 10 to 15 lb fluorocarbon, or 30 lb braid with a fluoro leader.

Short on time? A matched rod and reel combo takes the guesswork out.

Five lures to start with

1. Soft plastic worm (Texas rig or wacky rig): the most reliable bass bait ever made.
2. Crankbait: cover water fast and bump it off rocks and wood.
3. Spinnerbait: great in wind and stained water.
4. Topwater walker: unbeatable at dawn and dusk in warm months.
5. Jig: big bass love it around cover.

Find them all in bass fishing gear and lures and baits.

Where bass hide

Bass relate to cover and structure: docks, fallen trees, weed edges, rocky points and drop-offs. Fish the shady side on bright days.

Seasonal game plan

• Spring: bass move shallow to spawn. Soft plastics near flats.
• Summer: topwater early, then deeper structure midday.
• Fall: bass chase baitfish. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
• Winter: slow down with jigs and suspending jerkbaits.

Beginner tips

• Set the hook with a firm sweep when your line twitches or moves sideways.
• Change lure color with water clarity. Try our lure color picker.
• Use sonar to find drop-offs and bait on new lakes.