Bass rod? What size reel

[andyco]

Just started getting into fishing and I'm already getting 'hooked' on looking at new kit!

I rushed out and bought two rods, proper cheap ones from go outdoors! I got a 12ft beachcaster (4-8oz) and a 9ft spinner (10-40g) and bought a size 70 reel and a 35 reel.

But now I've looked more into it, I think I'll be using weights between 1-4oz for most of the jetty and pier fishing around here, either with lures, feathers, floats and with ledger rigs. It seems the 5 and 6oz weights are more for beach casting (which I do want to try, just need to get a rod rest).

Should I get another rod, like an 11ft bass rod 1-3oz or 2-4oz? Would that be better than a beachcaster for lighter ledger fishing, feathering and float fishing, and better than the 9ft rod for heavier lures?

And what size/type of reel and line would you use with an 11ft, 1-3oz rod?

 

[ozzy37]

i use a shaky flattie 11ft 1-3oz with a size 400 fixed spool with 20lb line which is ideal for float fishing, light ledgering feathering etc. nice and light and a softer action than a beachcaster, which is probably i bit of a lump for light work like and has a softer action. i've got the shaky bass rod 2-4oz but find it too stiff for float fishing or lures mate. its and in-between rod i don't really have a place for apart from lending to mates as a spare rod. fixed spool with the flatty and it's spot on. hope this helps a bit

 

[andyco]

Definitely helps mate, cheers. Sounds like a 1-3oz 11 or 11.5 footer would be a good idea and a 4000 reel.

 

[codcatcher3000]

would load with braid better for the touchy feely side of bass fishing ledgering etc mate

 

[Geordie-UK]

would load with braid better for the touchy feely side of bass fishing ledgering etc mate

He's just starting, he won't have the casting experience to use braid, he could lose a fingertip.

 

[toonboymc]

I have a cheap Ali extendable tripod which you can put 3 rods on if any good yours for free mate

 

[hulme6612]

Just started getting into fishing and I'm already getting 'hooked' on looking at new kit!

I rushed out and bought two rods, proper cheap ones from go outdoors! I got a 12ft beachcaster (4-8oz) and a 9ft spinner (10-40g) and bought a size 70 reel and a 35 reel.

But now I've looked more into it, I think I'll be using weights between 1-4oz for most of the jetty and pier fishing around here, either with lures, feathers, floats and with ledger rigs. It seems the 5 and 6oz weights are more for beach casting (which I do want to try, just need to get a rod rest).

Should I get another rod, like an 11ft bass rod 1-3oz or 2-4oz? Would that be better than a beachcaster for lighter ledger fishing, feathering and float fishing, and better than the 9ft rod for heavier lures?

And what size/type of reel and line would you use with an 11ft, 1-3oz rod?

I personally would just stick with what you've got for now and upgrade your rods as you get more into it.
Your 12ft beach caster will do for bait fishing from the beach and pier.
You can also use it for feathering for mackerel etc from the pier.

Use your 9ft rod for float and lure fishing from pier and rocks etc.

Fishing 1 to 4oz leads from jetties in the river might be a bit light once the tide starts to pull, though fine during slack water. Your beach caster will be fine to use in the river.

 

[kopite2k06]

I have a cheap Ali extendable tripod which you can put 3 rods on if any good yours for free mate

some good lads on here like:thumbup: nice offer there toonboymc

 

[ozzy37]

would load with braid better for the touchy feely side of bass fishing ledgering etc mate

aye i use braid at the moment for light ledgering or spinning with a mono leader. but if you're just starting out i would advise against it. can be a real pain at times. knot's up like crazy if you do a dodgy cast, and not good for float fishing as i watched my mate have an absolute nightmare for a good 2 hours trying to float fish with it last time we were out haha.

 

[andyco]

I have a cheap Ali extendable tripod which you can put 3 rods on if any good yours for free mate

Sounds good, I'll take it if you really don't mind like.

 

[Wee Ver]

Good man toonboy I've been fishing on and of all my life but really bang into it again for 8/9 month and having trouble with the braid at times so prob avoid that for a while

 

[jimmy]

I would think long and hard about using braid if you intend fishing for bass, unless you put on a decent length leader, their is no give / stretch in braid, and the way bass hit, would probably rip the lure straight out of its mouth