Question:
live in California, and since I'm only 14, my budget for
fishing tackle is rather small. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a
good basic lure selection for bass?
Answer:
First of all, since your question deals primarily with *bass* fishing,
you'd probably be better off asking the question in the
*rec.outdoors.fishing.bass* website. I'm crossposting this response
to help get you over there.
In answer to your question, probably the *most* important foundation
for your bass-fishing arsenal is a good selection of 4-to-6-inch
rubber worms, with size 1, 2, 1/0 or 2/0 worm hooks. Basic colors like
black, blue, red, green, purple (with and without metal flakes, firetails,
curl-tails, etc.) are essential. There are innumerable options & varia-
tions! If you just stick to the basics, though, you'll do just fine.
In California, 'split-shotting' plastic (rubber?) baits is quite effec-
tive, on 6- or 8-lb. test line. 'Texas rigging' is also very popular,
though most often with your slightly larger baits, on 10- to 14-lb. test.
A selection of 1/4- to 1/2-oz. spinnerbaits with single or double blades,
primarily in the white and/or chartreuse colors are good to have, also.
It may take some practice to learn how to use them, though.
There are countless other options in the various other classes of lures
you have to choose from: crankbaits, jerkbaits, tube baits, topwater
baits, jigs, plastic craws, lizards, grubs & spiderjigs....Man, you're
getting into what can be a very expensive hobby, if you get caught up in
all the hype & hysteria of all the latest hi-tech gear -- signature-series
lures & such!
My recommendation is this, for you to get started: **Keep it simple!!!**
Buy just a few of the basic lures, in the primary colors, in a limited
variety of sizes. Over the years, you will accumulate a bunch of stuff
that can continue to produce fish. Believe me, you'll *always* have
more to buy!
Another strong suggestion: buy a couple of books on the subject. My
favorite, which I've touted many times in this website, but which is
*crammed* with effective techniques & advice on specific northern Cali-
fornia waters, is called, "Bass Fishing in Northern California." The
author has compiled an invaluable collection of tips, techniques, illu-
strations and locales for successful bass fishing in this part of the
country. I *highly* recommend it!
Well, that oughtta get you started! I'll let others in the group take
it from here! In any case, just get out there & wet your lines! Every-
thing else will fall in line as you go. Good luck, & we'll see you
out there!
