Hello everyone,

 

 

 I would like to get into bass fishing. My fishing has all been done in Ireland on lakes and rivers. I’ve been a few times here in California. It seems like Bass is the way to go for me. I’ve been watching a lot of videos on what to use and what not to use. And I really have no idea weather to pick up a bait caster or a spinning rig? There’s so much back and fourth. I’m not looking to land a trophy right off the bat. I’m looking to catch some bass no matter what size and learn the proper techniques and go from there. If you could lend some info that would be great. Also if anyone has any advice on Southern California bass fishing. I heard pyramid lake for fall so far.

 

thanks guys 

Welcome aboard..

 

Either set up  will, and can catch bass. Some folks have a preference when it comes to spinning and or baitcasting.

 

I fished with spinning tackle for many years before venturing into baitcasters, and yes you can catch some good sized bass with a spinning outfit, so it would be up to You which to go with. Better yet get a spinning combo, and a decent baitcasting rig.

 

As for so. Cali in the fall...Never fished Pyramid, I would think Casitas (sp) or Castaic would be good, lots of big bass came out of those 2 lakes. IIRC Pyramid is more known for the big strippers than big bass.

Either will work, but spinning is easier to learn casting....although I've seen a few using spinning gear that didn't have a clue how to use it correctly.  Won't need to worry about backlashes, but will have to watch for line twist.  If you go with spinning, put down some cheap mono for backing and top off with braid...15# is a good place to start.  It will help with line twist.  Always close the bail by hand.  Never crank on the handle while line is being pulled out.  Some lures will twist the everlovin' even out of braid so use something like a swivel to keep it to a minimum with those type of lures.  I spent about 8 hours casting a 3/4 oz. saltwater spoon tied direct (with braid).  Had to throw the line away...and this was on a baitcast reel where you aren't supposed to get line twist.  Imagine on a spinning reel.

 

I grew up with spinning.  Never knew anyone who used a baitcast reel.  When I got back into fishing, I wanted to try a newfangled low profile baitcast reel.  Never looked back.  Even though I now own better spinning rods and reels than I did when only fishing them, they mostly sit in the basement unused.  I just enjoy baitcast reels so much more.

 

I would suggest picking one type and learning how to use it.  No sense adding more variables.  Add the other type reel after knowing how to use the first type.  Pick 2 or 3 types of lures and learn how to use them.  Try fishing with just one type for a day's outing.  Boring (and maybe not as productive), but will help you learn the lure faster.

 

Best of luck to you.  I hear California lakes can be pressured almost as much as those near me. 

Welcome aboard!

 

Start with spinning, you can do most everything and catch most anything

on spinning gear. Grab a baitcaster when you want, if you want. I use both,

but spinning for most everything.

I don’t have experience for the lake north of LA, @WRBmight come shortly. He is an expert both in the area and bass fishing. 

Welcome to SoCal and the BR forums.

With this heat spell we are having day fishing is out, night fishing will be better. The problem our local public lakes are open early morning to late afternoon. You can go online to see if any moon light Friday's or Saturday's are for summer.

lakes Castiac, Casitas, Pryamide and Cachuma are popular for bass fishing. If you are fishing form shore the lakes have limited access areas that get a lot of fishing traffic.

Renting a boat or fishing with someone who has a boat opens up the entire lake.

Our lakes have populations of Florida strain LMB that are extremely lure shy at times so finesse soft plastics arecaxhigh percentage presentation. Smallmouth bass are in these lakes.

Drop shot, split shot, Ned rig, Texas rig w/ sliding bullet weights. Spinning tackle is easy to use with light 5 lb to 8 lb mono-coply or FC line on medium fast 6'6"-7' bass rods.

Roboworms with straight and curl tail, 4 1/2" to 6" in MM111 or Shad colors work at all the SoCal lakes. At night or very early mornings you use baitcasting tackle with standard lure presentations.

Fishing Fools, Action Tackle in Granda Hiils and Chatsworth have knowledgable staff and stay on top of what is working at the local lakes.

Tom

Spinning is probably the best to learn the basics. When or if you want to get a baitcasting rod for heavier lures and to learn a new tool. 

47 minutes ago, LCG said:

When or if you want to get a baitcasting rod for heavier lures and to learn a new tool. 

And if you decide to stick with spinning - that's okay too. A 4000 size reel on an Inshore Rod will handle much of the bigger baits.

Since I got back into fishing hardcore I had only baitcasters and have added and added to a fair amount of them. Last week I ordered the first spinning reel since I was a kid.   Took it out yesterday and couldn't cast that thing accurately to save my life.  It was fun when I caught of few bass on it though and it does have it's purpose. 

 

I'm not big on it being easier to cast. I taught one of my sons to cast a baitcaster in an hour.  Does he get the occasional backlash?  Yes.  

 

Also, if your funds and potential rod/reel arsenal are limited, a baitcaster is more versatile. 

15 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

Since I got back into fishing hardcore I had only baitcasters and have added and added to a fair amount of them. Last week I ordered the first spinning reel since I was a kid.   Took it out yesterday and couldn't cast that thing accurately to save my life.  It was fun when I caught of few bass on it though and it does have it's purpose. 

 

I'm not big on it being easier to cast. I taught one of my sons to cast a baitcaster in an hour.  Does he get the occasional backlash?  Yes.  

 

Also, if your funds and potential rod/reel arsenal are limited, a baitcaster is more versatile. 

The younger learn quicker.  I was 61 when I tried my first low profile baitcast reel.  Let's just say it took me more than an hour to learn to use it.    I did have to learn on my own.  Now there are lots of "How to" videos out that may have helped me.  Plus lots of help on this site.  I had tried a 5001 Abu 40 some years ago, but failed miserably with it.  Amazing how well it casts now. 

I started and learned on a bait caster. I remember asking my dad what those weird looking reels were.