Looking for some help.

Ever since the wife and I bought a lake condo at the Ozarks a couple years ago, we have been looking for things to do there.

We both fished as kids, but now into adulthood, it hasn't been done by either of us in a couple of decades.

So we want to do so again. Nothing competitive, just sitting on a dock having some fun.

Seeing as I haven't bought a fishing pole in 30 years, I'm sure things have changed.

So if we wanted to get some passable equipment, without breaking the bank, and be able to use this stuff to just have fun and with little seriousness, what does the hive mind suggest?

This would be at Lake of the Ozarks in MO, so lots of Bass, Crappie, etc.

Any types of rods/reels to look for? Anything to avoid?

Talk to me like I'm a COMPLETE novice.

Kevin

I’ve done a little of most when it comes to ‘freshwater’, a little ‘salt’, limited though.

Just a few points, things are easier when casual with a ‘closed-face’ fishing reel, easier to cast, almost foolproof.

Another issue is to match the line size & ‘test’ strength to the average fish targeted. That often puts me at 6-8 lb test strength for normal panfishing, then the occasional bass. I just don’t like 20 pound test fishing for crappie. I’ve even used 4 lb test when targeting smaller panfish.

With lighter line, one has to ‘play’ the fish a little more to get it in without breaking the line. A secret though, modest size fish are easier & more common than a lunker. I was once fishing with another, landing 4 to his one fish. I had line & a hook matched to the panfish, he was setup for larger fish, that weren’t present.

I have a friend who moved to MT asking about me coming out to fish, kinda got me looking into some new gear, fly fishing.

I've always been a fan of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik line, even the big box kits are decent quality for recreational use.

Kevin, my favorite kind of fishing is for crappie. I use a now discontinued 12' Buck's Ultimate rod from B'N'M. A good replacement would be Sam Heaton Super Sensitive . Paired with a Pflueger President XT or Pflueger Supreme spinning reel, you'd be set. A bit of a step up from the Ugly Stik combo that works fine, but this set up will allow you to better target crappie which makes a nice dinner.

I've caught everything from tiny bluegill, a 10 pound bass, some good sized catfish, and of course a bunch of crappie. Add in some good slip bobbers like the Thill Premiums, bobber stops , split shot, Aberdeen hooks, and whatever 6 pound line you'd like and you'll be ready to fish.

Just remember that it's not about how much you spend on a rig, it's about the joy and pleasures of the simple things such as fishing with your wife on your dock

Shakespeare ugly stick for the win...

I have some that are 30 years old and they are my favorites which are paired with Mitchell reels.

I have always stuck with Shimano and Mitchell reels and over the years the prices have dropped.


Me and my dad have a whole garage full of rods and reels that run from 12 to 300.

I usually just grab my walmarts specials when I am traveling or quick run to the lake.

I fish for whatever hits. I go sit on the dock, drink a cup of coffee and throw a line out.

I like 8-10lb test made by Trilene or stren and have at it.

As of late my dad has been using Pfluegers.

Shimano Sahara/Bass Pro combo has served me well for decades now.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/e...g-rod-and-reel-combo

Stren low vis green 8lb test line is all I have used for decades as well.

I have a large assortment of colored artificial worms for when I am out on the water.
But dock or bank fishing usually just go with the old live red worms.

My son started with what was a $15.95 Zebco combo complete with a mini-tackle box filled with various colors of crappie jigs. He’s caught perch, crappie, bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass and a 27” northern pike. The point being it doesn’t take much to catch fish and it won’t break your heart when your kids drop it in the sand.

At $55 on Amazon, the Zebco 33 Platinum combo is a significant step up and what I’d buy. I have something similar and it goes every time we fish up North. It’s easier on the line and doesn’t get tangled inside the reel. The reel operates much smoother and the rod is more sensitive which allows you to really feel what your lure is doing or what the fish are doing. For example, when the lure hits the bottom or when a fish gives a little nibble.

If/when you graduate to better/different gear, it’s good to have a back up or something you can hand the next beginner to start fishing with.

It can get way more expensive and complicated, but is doesn’t need to be. My son catches just as many fish with the $15 garage sale special cheap Shakespeare spinning combo as he does with his graphite Star rod and Penn Spinfish V reel, which just kills me because the later wasn’t cheap.

I fish every chance I get in the Chesapeake Bay. I don’t do much freshwater fishing but when I do, I use the same light tackle gear. I have caught everything from a little White Perch to a 50 pound Striped Bass using the same rod and reel loaded with 10 pound test braided line.

The rod is more important than the reel. It needs to be sensitive enough to feel when you are getting strikes. You can get combos already put together and that might suit you if you are just fishing occasionally. If you get really interested, a $100 rod from St. Croix and a $100 Shimano Nasci 2500 reel would be a nice upgrade.

Here is a good video explaining rod and reel selection.
https://youtu.be/evQ7onow56c

Another thing, though obvious, once one gets going, you learn along the way. What I mean is, current experience fishing, then trial & error, would account for more than reading a bunch of books on the subject.

I usually do some prairie dogging out West, going for a number of years. I started from scratch, now I could about be a guide out there. Every time I go I learn new stuff & places to go.

My grandfather fished a lot when retired, often targeted crappie. He didn’t have any fancy gear, then a simple John boat, no motor. He caught all kinds of fish, knew where to set the boat, the cover, then the ‘presentation’.

I've done just about every type of fishing offered in the lower 48 and Hawaii. From trout steams in the North West, to fishing in Florida, both ocean and lakes and everything else along the way. Each type of fishing requires it's own gear. That's why when you walk into Cabelas or BassPro you can be overwhelmed with the choices.

My suggestion is to talk to a local (near the lake) tackle shop. They'll have the stuff you need to fish in that area. Might be a buck or two higher than a sales item at Academy or such, but at least you'll get what you need. But off hand I'd say spinning gear is what you'll want as far as pole and reel go, and don't go too high on the test line you use. To a degree, lighter weight line casts and handles better. People get too concerned that a big ass fish will break their line, but I've caught many 3-5 lb fish on 2 lb. test line. Terminal tackle of course depends if you're going to soak a worm, or cast spinners and crank bates. Locals can help with what works best. Good luck. Fishing's a lot of fun.

Another way to learn is to hire a guide. After one of the guided trips, I met and became friends with a local lure maker who invites me out on his boat occasionally. I’ve learned a lot from him. Additionally, there are a lot of YouTube videos on fishing and I am sure there is probably someone in your area that has a fishing channel.

You can get a completely respectable spinning combo for $50-60. Whether that’s Shakespeare, Quantum, or generic Bass Pro, it’ll be good. Well, that is pre-inflation pricing too, so maybe a bit more these days. Plus people “working” from home means that more have gotten into hobbies and changed the market too.

Don’t fret too much on the details. Lots of people really get into minutia where they evaluate every last thing. That’s fine for someone making a living on tournaments. You’re leisurely wasting time.

Let’s start with the rod. If you plan to take it anywhere, I suggest getting a 2 piece rod. Otherwise a 1 piece is fine. Stick with something medium power. It’ll be light enough for smaller fish, heavily enough for bass. Hell, I’ve caught a steelhead on a medium action. It took a long time and all my line, but never mind that. Make sure it is a spinning rod. You don’t want a baitcaster. Don’t worry about action, that’s where the rod bends. Just stick with medium power and they will generally dictate the speed for that brand.

Moving into reels. Reel size, I’d say somewhere in the 30 size. Depending on manufacturer, they may call it 30, 300 or 3000. Smaller number, smaller spool, less line/smaller line. So a 500 or 1000 is an ultralight reel, 3000 is a good bass size, 4500+ for saltwater. Retrieve rate depends on your mentality. Some say get a fast one and just reel slowly if you want. I tend to go with a bit slower and reel quickly if I want to burn a lure. So a gear ratio of 5.2ish-6.2ish is fine. Don’t get sucked into the ball bearing count. There are great reels using 4 bearings that are smoother than ones using 8.

Line. That depends on you. If you’re fishing with bobbers and worms, just get some 8-12 pound test and call it good. If you’re wanting to fish through heavy cover, I suggest some 20 pound braid. I do a fair amount of finesse fishing on ultralight, so I tend towards P-Line myself.

Lures/bait. Depends on your experience I’d say. I like soft plastics (fluke, dead ringer). I also like some top water like hula poppers or Zara spooks. But I don’t like jitterbugs or Pop-Rs. I’ll fish a rattle trap, or a Mepps spinner, but never have any luck with a Daredevle or spinnerbait. My buddy slays them with a hard plastic jerkbait, I use the aforementioned flukes instead.

Other gear should include some good needle-nosed pliers (hook removal), polarized and safety rated sunglasses, clippers for cutting line, and a knot tying book if you don’t know any.

If you stick with it, there’s a lot more to learn and a lot more money to spend.

I'm inclined more to a short stick. like these"


Joking aside, go to WallyWorld and buy a cheap ULTRALIGHT spinning reel/rod combo for fishing. These have a 4lb test line and bend tip to grip catching a bluegills, crappie, and like fish. Hook into even a small bass and you'll think you were catching a leviathan from the deep. Then decide is fishing is for you.

For example.



If it is, there is nothing as enjoyable as fly fishing. Yes, it takes a while to learn, but other than the ultralight spinning gear, fly rods are all I own.

+1 for a trainer rod (short thing w some yarn on it) and fly fishing.

The Ozarks is a pretty special place for fishing…

Past few years have included home area (Colorado), Lake Chickamauga (TN), Tampa Bay (FL), Lake McConahy (NE), Willow Lake (MN, houseboat rental), Port Aransas (Texas gulf coast). Couple of charters, couple of boat rentals, older son brought his boat once, or fishing from the bank or a pier.

Trout, salmon, crappie, bass, northern pike, redfish, drum, perch, stingray, sharks, catfish.

All light tackle. 40 year old Ugly Stick rod with Mitchell 300 reel mostly. Just added a Zebco package deal (the big #808 reel with 7-foot graphite rod, on sale at Amazon) that should do nicely for the heavier species. Also have my fly rods ranging from a 7' #4 weight, 7.5' #6 weight, old 9' split bamboo antique (flea market find that I restored to new condition), all with Pfleuger reels. Been tying my own flies since 1979. Hundreds of flies, lures, bait rigs.

Couple of good folding chairs make everything more comfortable. Good cooler filled with goodies and beer.

Leaving Thursday morning for Bull Shoals, AR. Rented a 4BR house on the lake for 9 days. Sons, grandkids, great-grandkids will be coming and going all week. Sharpened my knives last night.

We try to do a different place each spring. Usually rental houses (AirBnB or VRBO), much more comfortable than motels, lodge rooms, restaurant meals, and overall expenses are better.

Those who own their vacation homes are usually limited to that choice. We prefer to experience different places, fishing rivers, lakes, saltwater coastal areas.

I 100% agree with getting a starter ultralight kit. No need to start with anything else. It will increase your fun with every fish you hook into.

I’ve got a couple cheap ultralights rigs, light/medium rigs, and some fairly expensive bass abd catfish rigs, and I use the cheapie ultralights 95% of the time.

This is the one I use most:
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E..._encoding=UTF8&psc=1

With

Goture Spinning Fishing Reel - Metal Spool 6+1BB Freshwater Fishing Reel 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 Series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V...MK58JX4R20D5N0?psc=1

With 4lb line.

A Zebco 33 is the Winchester 30-30 of the fishing world. A great place to start out.

I like to fish for bass, and a little inshore fishing in Galveston Bay.

For a new fisherman for largemouth bass, a 7" medium or medium-heavy spinning rod with a 3000 size spinning reel will be a good combination. You can spend from $50 for this gear on up to over $2000, but you can be very nicely equipped for $200 to $400. It isn't a do-it-all set up, but it will fish a lot of methods quite competently. Spinning gear is easier to use for newbies. Baitcasting reels take some practice to use.

My favorite brands are St. Croix rods and Shimano reels, but there are lots of great rods and reels.

Spool some 10 pound braided line on it, and learn to tie on a 10 pound monofilament leader on to your braid (I like flourobarbon mono), and you can fish a lot of lures effectively.

If you want to fish for crappie, you won't need this heavy a rig, but I am not a crappie fisherman. I've caught crappie, but not as a regular target species.

For other fishing, a light spinning rod at maybe 6' or 6'6" with a 1500 or 2000 size reel would be a good combo. I wouldn't go ultralight as that weight is more of a specialist's tool.

Those Zebco 33 combos (rod and closed face reel) are as simple as it gets, and are surprisingly good quality and very fishable. I got one for my grandson to step up from a toy-like rod, and was surprised at how good it is. If you get serious, you'll leave it behind quickly, but they are really quite good.

Go to a good local fishing tackle place. The guys there will be thrilled to talk to you about the gear that will be useful. Also, Youtube is chock full of fishing advice videos.

The one bit of advice I can give for freshwater is watch your hook sizes, a lot of novices use hooks that are way too big. With saltwater, big hooks are the norm but with freshwater smaller is better.