knuckledragger

I have never fished for bass before (fished for bream when I was young) I have no boat (fishing from the bank only) and a zebco 33 rod & reel. So much of the info I find on bass sights is so technical and I need the dumb downed version for beginners. What would be your best advice for start up equipment and tactics? I read roadwarrior's post on the "secret of my success" and found it helpful, but I am looking for input from as many people as possible. Please remember KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) you'll lose me with a bunch of technical jargon.