Being new to the sport of bass fishing I have a few questions about line selection. First off I took some advice of others and purchased a spinning rod and reel to "do it all" for now. So wat would be a good pound test for "doing it all" and generally fishing ponds and lakes? Also what brand do you guys prefer? And last is it difficult to spool a spinning reel?Thanks for any advice.....

1.  6 to 8 pound test for ponds and lakes on spinning reel.

2.  Use mono for treble baits.  Use flouro and copoly for other baits.

3.  If you have the Berkely Portable Line Spooling Station make sure the line comes off the spool from the bottom.

4.  There is a lot of discussion on how to spool a spinning reel to reduce the line twist.  Ike says to spool the line coming off the spool in a counter clockwise manner as the line comes off the reel in a clockwise manner.  

There are guys out there that flip over the spool after every 10 to 15 turns of the handle.

Some members will suggest braid which I use for deep fishing and heavy cover.

Others disagree. So you can use any technique you want.

Some will use a barrel swivel to help stop line twist.  I use a swivel when fishing Roostertails or swimming worms that spin.

As for brands, may I suggest you start off with a basic Vanish or Berkley Trileen XL and then move up to your YoZuri, Silver Thread and Stren, Big Game, etc. lines.

Be sure to run your line through the Kevin VanDam Lure and Line Conditioner by creating a wet spot on a wash cloth and running the line through the wet spot as you spool your reel.  Then spray a few sprays on the line on the spool during the process as you spool the reel.

Be sure to keep the wet spot wet when spooling your reels, both baitcasters and spinning reels.

Check for cuts, chips and abraisions as you fish and do not "burn" the line when tieing on your baits.  Use the Palamor Knot and be sure to wet the line when tightning the line to your bait to avoid line burn.

If the line is curly you have burned the line, so you will have to cut off the bait and the curly line and start over.  A burned line will break off.

Use your fingernail to feel the line and cut off any section that is damaged.

Consider changing line after a month of fishing, if not sooner, depending on the amount of fishing you do; the fish you catch; and how much you tear up your line on structure and cover.

Trileen is having a buy two get $5 rebate offer now so be sure to pick up a rebate form.

Good luck and post some pics so we can see what you catch.  

P.S.  CHECK YOUR DRAG.

Yes, you need to check your drag on your spinning reel as you will hook into a big fish and you need to let her run to tire her out.

You turn the knob on the front of the spinning reel to tighten and loosen the drag.

About 2.5 pounds of pressure to move the line is sufficient, but it is up to you to decide how much drag you want to use.

When catching a big fish, put the rod tip in the water to stop her from jumping and either lip her (if not using treble hooks) or pick her up from her belly if using treble hooks.

Just remember to check the drag on your spinning reel during the day and before you venture out.