All-Around Gear For An All-Around Fisherman.

Are you a fisherman that needs a general use rod to tackle all species that swim by?  Are you an aspiring BASStard that needs your first bass rod?  Don’t go into a tackle shop blind-sighted to sate your thirst for fishing.  Here is some basic bass fishing gear that will keep your money in your pocket and your fish in the livewell.

General Rod

Selecting the correct rod is extremely important for a fisherman.  The BASS Pros such as Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli, and Gerald Swindle compete with some 6-10 rods on their boats at all-times.  Each has a specific function for specific conditions.  However, for those of us that aren’t in it for the glory or don’t have the wealth of knowledge of a professional (yet), simplicity is bliss.  I suggest an all-around rod for general fishing to all anglers that are just starting off or want to catch more than bass.  I would begin with a medium action spinning rod. 

A spinning rod offers a simple method of casting and is appropriate for catching almost all species.  I have caught over 20 species on the same spinning rod and reel.  The positioning of the reel below the rod is also a comfortable grasp on the rod for casting and reeling as the weight draws between your fingers. 

A Medium Action rod bends about its midsection and has a mid-range performance.  It has more “backbone” or strength along its blank for generating more power for a fight, or a cast.   A Medium Action rod also handles heavier baits quite well yet is not too clumsy with lighter lures, as would Heavy Action.  It is simply a multi-use action for a rod.

As for the Power of the rod, I would recommend a range of either Light, Medium, or Medium-Heavy depending on the size of the fish in your neck of the woods.  In Central New England I use a Medium Power rod with a capacity of 6-10 pounds as it has the power to withstand the ferocity of a smallmouth and is sensitive enough to detect the strike of a perch in November.

Usually about 6’ is a good all-around length for a rod.  Longer rods generate more power and allow for longer casts.  My Medium Action rod is 6’6” but I am also 6’2” myself.  For the little BASStards out there, you may want about a 6-footer. These rods will come in 1 or 2-piece models.  I prefer a one-piece rod due to its strength and integrity though I have a 2-piece as well for easier transport.  2-piece rods tend to be weaker about the length of its blank and the joint can also wear out.

After all this, my all-around rod is a Shimano Convergence, and I recommend it to anyone.  However, if you are looking at different manufacturers, search out Medium Action rods with Medium Power.  Choose a 1 or 2-piece model and if you’re ordering online, read some of the customer reviews to get an idea of what kind of fishing you would expect with it.  But remember, ultimately the decision is yours.

Eventually you may decide that you want a more sensitive rod with a faster action, or a rod with more backbone to land that carp that resides off the current.  As soon as you broaden your understanding of the differences of rods, you will be better able to equip yourself for these different conditions; however, your biggest mistake will be to hang up that general use rod.  I always keep mine on deck.

General Reel

For a general purpose rod you will need a general purpose reel.  I strongly recommend a spinning reel for a few key reasons.  A spinning reel is easy to use and also easy to re-spool.  For live-bait fishermen, you can also flip open the bail and allow the line to release with little to no resistance.  Other reels, such as baitcasters are also more subject to tangles and backlashes for beginners.  I recommend a reel with line capacity that matches your rod selected from the step above.  Choose by preference if you would like a spinning rod with a drag tightening system over the spool or at the rear.  My first general reel was by Shimano, the Quick Fire CX2000RA; it has a drag system located at the back of the reel.  I like this feature because it keeps my hands free of the line when adjusting the drag while a fish is hooked.  Shimano produces high quality reels, some of which can be purchased for less than $30.  Mine was about $25 and has faithfully withstood 5 years of heavy use.  Remember to keep your reels well lubricated to ensure a longer lifetime.

If you want to know more about reel selection or want to know how to select a more specific reel, read my article on HOW TO SELECT A REEL.

General Line

For general purpose fishing line I recommend monofilament.  Monofilament line is translucent in the water and has a level of stretch that works in favor of hook-sets and brush-ups with structure.  When hopelessly hung up you can aim your rod tip towards the hang-up and pull straight back to snap the line.  You will be pleasantly pleased with how much line you will be able to retrieve.  Other lines, such as braided lines, may require cutting and are much less forgiving.  This said, I use monofilament line, 8-12 pound test, accompanied by snap swivels for quick and easy changing of lures.

General Lures

There are many lures that are not species-specific.  These lures are great for getting a bite because you’re never sure what you will catch next.  Firstly I recommend Rapala Crankbaits.  I have caught more than a dozen species on the Original Floater.  Topwater Rapalas, especially with a jointed body create an irresistible presentation in the water that appeals to any fish that sees it.  If you want to be more target-selective, alter the size or variation of the lure to suit your needs.  One day over the summer I used a Jointed, Size 7, Topwater Rapala and landed a 3 pound 5-ounce largemouth bass after hooking onto about a 5 inch gluegill.  You simply never know with these lures.

Another all-around lure is the In-Line Spinner.  The in-line spinner is excellent for small bass and panfish, but equally deadly for pickerel, perch, and larger bass as well.  Change the weight of the lure to appeal to different sized fish.  Snap one on and outfish your friends.

To brush up on how to best present these artificial baits, try my extensive article on BASS LURE PRESENTATIONS.

- Come chat with me, the Lucky BASStard, on the BASStard Forum.

BASStard Bassin' Pro Shops Results

All content and images are subject to copyright law. Redistribution, of any content and/ or images contained on this website is unlawful.