BassOnKlinger

I just recently got into bass fishing and the first techniques that I turned to were the crankbait and T-rig. I fish a lot of ledges so I think that's why the crankbaits were more appealing to me. I've had some luck, but it could be just that...luck. I still have a lot to learn about it. The T-rig, however, I think I have the most confidence in right now. I feel like every time I drop it in the water, I'll pull in a fish. My least confident at the moment is probably top water. I never know when to throw them, how to retrieve them, etc. People say it's a blast and one of the funnest ways to fish, but I have never got a fish using top water...ever. Soft plastics, whether it be a swim bait or worm, are my go-to. It's time I branched out and began learning the other techniques.

Went fishing last weekend in southern Michigan on Klinger Lake. I don't have any gps/fish finder equipment. But I do know where a few drop-offs are that generally produce some bass. I fished a deep crank, a shallow crank, and a T-rig right along that line and around some weeds. Caught 4 one-pound Lg Mouth, a pike, and a 9" blue gill. I'm heading back up there later today and I'm wondering if any of you have any suggestions for fishing those same ledges. The lake is pretty developed, so there isn't much as far as cover. Docks, drop-offs, and submerged weed beds are pretty much all there is. Is there a certain lure I should try out? Thanks.

I had a 9" bluegill hit a little square bill crank this past weekend. Also had an 18" northern pike hit one of my deep cranks. Everything else was all largemouth.

Speaking of power/action, does anyone have some advice on the KVD medium light/moderate cranking rod? I need a shallow crank bait setup and I thought maybe this one in the 6'6" - 7' range might work. I already have a 7' M/M for my deep cranks. Will this rod work for shallow too? The deep crank is paired with a Lews Speed Spool 5.4 and I was thinking about a Lews Speed Spool 6.4 for the shallow crank rod. The KVD was my first time hearing about a ML/M rod. Didn't know much about it.

I'm glad this thread got started. I just started looking at the Lews Speed Spool. For only $100, people seem to love it. Good reputation too. I got the 5-gear and 6-gear so far. Might just go ahead and rig all my combos w/ Lews Speed Spool since it's so in-expensive compared to other higher quality reels.

Thanks guys. The tutorial helped. I guess I just need to get one and start using it.

Wasn't sure where to start this thread and didn't see one like it when I did a search... We have a little 12' aluminum boat at my cottage. Definitely not anything fancy, but it gets the job done. I was thinking about getting a cheap, portable depth/fish finder for it. I came across the Humminbird portables and actually really like the 120 model. Does anyone have any experience with these? It seems pretty basic, which is all I need. I don't have any experience with these but hear a lot of people benefit from using them. What is a good website or video I could read/watch to learn about using depth finders? For example, how do I go about finding a weed bed and figuring out which direction to cast the bait so it runs along side it? Thanks.

As in, too heavy for fishing deep cranks? Should I have gone with a M/M and not the MH/M? Is it a good overall rod? I actually just bought one, but I have time to return it for a different one if this isn't a good option.

The Lews Speed Spool has caught my eye. Seems to be a good introductory baitcaster. And for only $100, it seems pretty solid. I've yet to read a bad review on it. Anyone have experience with this reel? I noticed a couple people mentioned Lews above. The BB1 is in my price range, but I'm hesitant to go all out for my first combo. I have experience w/ baitcasters, but this is really my first summer getting serious about bass fishing.

I feel like all I've done lately (since getting into bass fishing) is research different combos. I have to agree that it seems a 7' MH/F is a all-around universal rod. However, if I understand correctly, one rod will not suffice for all lure types. Mainly because the type of line is dependent on the style of lure. I don't believe there's a universal line that's good for everything. I can get 4 of the same rods, but each will have different line on them for different lures. That's my understand anyways.

Ebay listed "new" (I think they're last season's, but still haven't been used) 7' MH/M Quantum KVD composite rods for less than $100. I think it's actually $107 w/ shipping, but still.

Thank you all. I don't know much about equipment yet so your advice is greatly appreciated.

Just got a 7' KVD composite MH/M casting rod. Need to add a reel to complete the setup. This setup will be primarily used for fishing deep cranks. At the moment, the new Smoke 5.3:1 has been recommended. Price range: $150-$250 I'm new to bass fishing so any additional cranking advice is appreciated (lure types, line, etc). What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for starting this thread. It's exactly what I've been looking for. I'm new to bass fishing as well and these are exactly the same questions I kept asking/researching. Luckily, my own research hasn't lead me too far astray as my setups are pretty much right in line with what's been proposed. I do have one question though concerning reels. I keep hearing the new Quantum Smoke 150 casting reels are phenomenal. Is this the case? Also, I'm constantly hearing Scott Martin talk about Okuma Helios casting reels and have read decent reviews on them as well. Are either of these a good, long-lasting reel? At $200 each, I'd sure hope so.

New to bass fishing, Looking for information on rods (and reel combos): In trying to follow along with the original post, can someone point me in the direction of getting my first few combos together? Sounds like the *** Black is a good place to start. How many sets do you think is good for a beginner? I'm kind of overwhelmed with the different types that are specific to each lure, etc. Right now I figure a deep crank setup, a shallow crank setup, a spinner/buzzbait/topwater setup, a worm/plastics setup, and a frog setup. Do you think 5 poles is ok to start out? It seems like every article I read or video I watch, someone is recommending a different setup. Here's the 5 I'm looking at. Please feel free to tweak my list if you feel any of my setups are wrong for the type of lure I'm using: 1) 6'7" MH/F, 6.3:1 Casting, 17# Mono for my topwaters and buzz/spinner baits 2) 7'6" MH/M, 6.3:1 Casting, 12# Fluoro for my deep crank baits (is a graphite/glass rod recommended for cranks, or does it matter?) 3) 6'7" MH/M, 6.3:1 Casting, 15# Fluoro for my shallow crank baits 4) 7'3" H/F, 6.3: 1 Casting, 60# Braided for my frogs (and also for flippin) 5) 7'3" H/F, 6.3:1 Casting, 15# Fluror for my worms, jigs, and other plastics *Also, is the Quantum Smoke casting reel good? Or Okuma Helios? I've heard both are good, but wanted your take.