I recently went fishing with a buddy of mine for the first time who has be begging me to go for a long time now. I'm new to the world of artificial lures and could use some advise to gain some knowledge. I've fished with live bait before, and this is a totally different world. So many rods and lures to choose from, where do i start? Id like to have maybe 2-3 combos with one definitely being a spinning setup. I can cast a bait caster just fine too. I also would like to know if there are any lures that are the easiest to start out with, and colors since there seems to be a million. I don't have a boat, so ill be fishing off the bank at West Point Lake in Georgia, and some local ponds near my house. I'm sorry if this is already a topic, just looking to jump in to a new hobby and learn some new things. Thanks!

Start at the top of this page in "Fishing Articles". Read the articles and all the links,

then come back to the forums for specific questions.  This will get you started:

 

"Just Getting Started"
Guaranteed To Catch Bass
I just cant catch bass
Learning to fish on your own

 

Follow the advice RW gave you. Read the articles, and apply a couple of techniques one step at a time. As you become more proficient your fishing will improve. Welcome to the sport!!

Ive been suggested to go out and buy a few different types of baits:

 

-Senkos

-Jigs

-Flukes

 

I understand rigging them and stuff from Youtube videos but what equipment should I buy? What would be the best rod to throw these baits on? Im looking at the $100-$200 price range per rod and the $150-$250 price range for reels. Suggestions?

Hope you arent married...its a slippery slope man...good luck!

No, not yet...lol 

Plus.... Ask you're friend!

He's a big Shimano and Duckett fan. I used two of his set ups on our trip. They were nice! I'd like to have something that's gonna last and be reliable. He's told me that the Chronarch and Core were some if the better reels. I looked them up and they seem highly praised. He also mentioned the stradic for spinning, which I've heard about before. As far as rods, I'm thinking a heavy rod for jigs, medium heavy for crank baits. Medium spinning rod for my plastics. Am I in the right direction?