So I'm new to the Chicago area and new to bass fishing so what suggestions and tips and ideas do you guys have?

Oh....my.  Wide open question there!!  Would probably start by going in a few tackle stores...start some chit chat with locals.  Not sure if you have boat or not....what kind of tackle you like to use?  (spin/cast)  Better start quick...water may be getting hard here soon.

Describe where you will be fishing . Boat or shore . Rod and reels...  The more info you give the better advice you will receive 

Join a fishing club. There are several multi species clubs, or tournament clubs around Chicago that will help you speed up the learning process.  A club will connect you with other fishermen who will show you how and where to catch bass much faster than you could ever do it on your own. 

Welcome aboard!

 

Good suggestions above, to ask locals, join club...

5 hours ago, Oregon Native said:

Oh....my.  Wide open question there!!  Would probably start by going in a few tackle stores...start some chit chat with locals.  Not sure if you have boat or not....what kind of tackle you like to use?  (spin/cast)  Better start quick...water may be getting hard here soon.

No boat I'm a shore only fisherman. I have both spin and bait casting set up but am still fairly new to bait casting. I love tubes because that's all I've really ever caught bass on.

2 hours ago, scaleface said:

Describe where you will be fishing . Boat or shore . Rod and reels...  The more info you give the better advice you will receive 

I will be fishing many of the lakes both north and south but for now I will be right in Lake Michigan, no boat. I would love to catch some smallies but just need to learn how to fish from shore on Lake Michigan 

3 hours ago, Zjensen856 said:

No boat I'm a shore only fisherman. I have both spin and bait casting set up but am still fairly new to bait casting. I love tubes because that's all I've really ever caught bass on.

I will be fishing many of the lakes both north and south but for now I will be right in Lake Michigan, no boat. I would love to catch some smallies but just need to learn how to fish from shore on Lake Michigan 

No experience shore fishing Lake Michigan but I'd try a bladebait or lipless crankbait ripped off the bottom. This can be done on a spinning or baitcasting outfit with mono or braid with a flouro leader. Tubes are also a great cold weather bait.

I'd suggest you go to the lakefront and strike up a conversation with guys who are fishing there. They can best tell you what kind of lures are working. Smallmouth are not accessible from the shore year round. If you show up and no one is there, it usually means nothing is biting. Lake Michigan shore anglers also catch perch, and salmon. If you are on the south side or near downtown, run over to Henry's at 31st & canal for up to date information.