Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

hi
i have just recently began bass fishing and my rod and reel selection is very limited but i want to start building it up. i have a 6'6'' ugly stick medium action with a 5 to 1 ratio i use it for worm fishing mainly but i use it for other baits as well (spinners and cranks) i was wondering if you could give me some advice on rod and reel selections for crankbait, spinners, and worms don,t need to know brand names just rod length, action, and reel ratio that would work the baits the best

Michael, for crankbaits and spinnerbaits I prefer a 6' fiberglass/graphite composite rod, medium heavy. I use a 5 to 1 gear ratio bait casting reel for all spinnerbaits and cranks. I like a spinning combo for worms, jigs and top waters. 6'6" rod 4 to 1 ratio, medium heavy rod. Good luck, Johnnie

The first thing I look for in any rod is sensitivity. Take a rod you think you like and hold it as lightly as you can by the handle. Then as lightly as you can, drag it accross a piece of tight-weave carpet.
In the same hand, check several rods.

Why do I do this? Because when I cast and a wind-bow in the line developes, I want to still be able to feel the fish thump my bait.

I can give you names and actions of all my rods but that doesn't make them right FOR YOU. It just means they are right for me.

As far as reels go, check out Okuma, Shimano and others and do the "feel" test on each. Good reels don't have to cost $100+. $30 to $60 should buy you a reel that will last for many years if you take care of it.

Good luck!

Thanks guys for your advice i will definetly try them out if anyone else has any suggestions i would like to hear them as well

Most rod companies have different lines of rods that are rated for different techniques. Just about all of them have cranking rods worming rods and so on. Take the time and make a trip to Bass Pro or simular big store with a large selection of rods. Pick them up and hold them Do like Capt Jack says and test the feel of each one. Look at a 6'6" rod and compare it to a 7' or even a 6' and get the feel that you like. Then put the reel on it and see if still feels the same. Like stated above by the others rod selection is something you have to decide what works for you.

Capt Jack's test of the feel over the carpet is what I do when picking one out. It also works on the tile flooring in the stores if you can slid the eye over the small crack in the tile and feel it its usally a good rod for worming.


As far as reels the 5:3-1 is a hard reel to beat as far as a good over all gear ratio. It has the power to land the fish and the speed to get the line in quick for your next cast.