I used to read tons of magazines and watch In-Fisherman re-runs in the middle of the night all the time about 15 years ago when I was 12. Now that I'm older, and have a little more money, I'd like to really get into bass fishing for real, not just learning about it.

I recently bought a decent older bass boat, and I'm trying to re-outfit myself with some good gear. I have an old Shimano spinning reel on a 6'6" MH Ugly Stik.

I'd like to replace it with something more modern and of higher quality. I don't want to spend over $100 on the rod/reel combo if I can help it. Is it possible to have ONE rod/reel combo for most of your bass fishing needs? I can't afford to go out and buy 6 setups and have them all ready to go whenever. I'd like to try to find one type of setup, either baitcasting or spinning, that will cover almost all of my needs. I have heard the shimano sahara is a very good spinning reel for the money, how about a rod to match? Would I be able to fish worms, senkos, spinner baits, other plastics, all with a spinning setup?

What are some good 'staple' lures to have? I have a few spinner baits and a couple buzz baits, recently heard about senkos and got a pack of black/blue ones. What else should I look into getting?

I kind of feel dumb asking, but if you were starting out fresh, and owned nothing but a boat, what would you buy to get going? How would you setup your tackle box initially? I live in Western Washington State if it makes much difference. Any advice you have for a new guy, I'd appreciate.

First welcome to the site.

I would get a med to med-heavy rod: if spinning med if baitcaster med-heavy.  Go with 10-14# test line in a mono.  Check out basspro shop or cabelas online store they have combos at a good price and the reel is usually matched with a good rod for a beginner.  I perfer shimano reels my self but find one that you like.  Go to a local bati shop and look around at them see what you like the look and feel of.  Good luck and have fun getting started on this wonderful new hobby you got.

Welcome aboard!

You only need one rig to get started. The "best value" for brand new equipment is usually a "combination" from one of the major retailers. I suggest buying a 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning combo with the Shimano Symetre reel as a part of the package. Another suggestion is to keep an eye on our "Flea Market." There are often some GREAT deals there.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20287_TGP&rid=&indexId=cat20287&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20287&id=0030874

At the top of the page find "Fishing Articles." Bring it up and you will see a "Beginners" section. Read these articles, they will help you get started. After you have been here awhile, you'll see a number of threads and posts that cover almost every aspect of fishing, including tackle and technique.

Here is a currently running thread addressing lures to get you started. If you use the stuff I recommend only and get comfortable with it, you will be miles ahead. Gain a little experience with a couple before expanding your tackle collection:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1181051508

Good luck!

p.s. Regarding line: I use and recommend #6 (11.9 lb test) Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft for spinning equipment. This line is strong and has virtually no memory in use.

I've been helping a friend with the same question.  Bass Pro Shops is currently running their Bionic Bladss for $50 and their Extremes for $70 - for a good, all-round, low-price rod, I think those are hard to beat.

My favorie low-end spinning reel is the Shimano Spirex but there are dozens of good reels and I've heard some good things about the "store brands" from both BPS and Cabellos.   There's also eBay where you can sometines get a good deal but you need to be careful.  I've bought about 4 reels off eBay and only 1 of them truned out to be worn out but, I didn't pay that much for it so....  For bass fishing - stay in the Shimano 2500 (older ones are the 2000) series.  From Spirex up to Stradic, those are hard to beat.   I like Daiwa a lot, too.   Others have good experience with Pfluger and Okuma.

One thing I've found, lots of guys are always buying the newest, latest, coolest stuff and then they will sell off well-maintained reels that are less than 2 years old for about half of what they cost new.  Check this forum and Tackle Tour and some others.  I've had no bad experiences buying from forums but you still have to be careful.

Eventually, you're going to want a baitcaster and that's where cheap reels can really ruin your day on the lake.  Think of it this way, you've bought a boat, you're going to spend time and money just getting on the water so, why take a chance on having problems with your rods and reels?  Cheap baitcasting reels are the reason so many people have been turned off from using baitcasters.  The best values that I've seen are good used Shimano Citicas.  There are tons of them for sale in the $60 - $70 range.  They can be easily rebuilt (by a professional) for around $25 when they start to give trouble.

A MH Bionic Blade and a good used Citica will get you a "start up" baitcaster for around $110 and that is a deal and a half!  Spool on some Trilene XL at 12 or 14lbs. and you can fish almost any kind of lures with reasonable success.  JMHO

 You've already gotten some real good advice about the beginner articles and trying to get a combo you're comfortable with. Go to the forum that is specific to your area and you might pick up some ideas about popular baits.

 Also, WELCOME to the forums!!!

                                                   As Ever,

                                                    skillet

Thanks a ton for the replies. I was leaning towards a Symetre anyways, just wasn't sure on the rod. I'll pick up those lures as well and try them out. I've had to do some work/repairs to the boat so I haven't had the chance to do much fishing with it yet, but for the price I paid, I can't complain a bit .

Congrats on the new boat logan80. just bought mine as well. I like my pfleuger spinning reel on a berkley cherrywood m/h I've got half a dozen but it  is my favorite. on lures I won't be without my zoom brush hogs, rapala dt-4's and vibric rooster tails. Good luck and catch some biggins