If you are interested in taking up bass fishing as a hobby, or are interested in introducing a child, here are 5 must-have items to maximize your success.  Now, anyone can grab a cane-pole and a bucket of crickets, but if you want to take the next step in fishing skill, consider these items:

  • Zebco 33 reel combo – The quality, ease, and affordability of the Zebco 33 is hard to beat.  This rod/reel combo is perfect for catching bream, bass, catfish, and everything in between.
  • Berkley Havoc Tackle Bag – Everyone needs a tackle box, and this box is perfect for the beginner.  With the individual boxes inside the bag, you can easily remove an individual box to take fishing, or take the whole bag.
  •  Mister Twister Sassy Shad – I’ve been fishing for 30 years, and there is no doubt which lure in my box has caught the most fish……the Sassy Shad!  Rig a sassy shad with 1/8 oz. jig head and a spinner, and you have one of the easiest, most effective lures ever made.
  • Jointed Rapala – Or as my grandfather used to call it, a broke-back rapala.  There are not many lures out there with more action than this one.  A jointed rapala can either be reeled straight in, or a jerk or stop-and-go retrieve can be used.
  • Rat-L-Trap – This rattle trap is yet another affordable, easy to use lure that catches fish. To the fish its kind of like that girl who is loud, flashy, and simple minded – they know they are making a mistake but damnit they can’t help themselves.

While there are 100’s of other lures and gear you can buy for bass fishing, the five items above are a great place to start.  For under $75.00, you can be bass fishing this weekend!