From Rookie to River Warrior: A Beginner’s Honest Guide to Getting Started in Lure Fishing
If you’re new to lure fishing—or “bass fishing,” “spinning,” or just “chucking plastic” as some call it—you’re not alone. I got my first taste of this obsession six years ago, but back then, I made every classic newbie mistake: bought gear without a plan, tossed a lure into the river once, snagged on a rock, cut my line in frustration, and let my rod collect dust for half a decade. Sound familiar?
Last winter, I finally gave it another shot—and this time, I did it right. No more impulse buys. No more guessing. And guess what? Earlier this year, I landed my first wild smallmouth bass and largemouth bass in the mighty Mississippi River system. Not world-record fish, but to me? Pure magic.
So if you’re standing at the edge of this rabbit hole, here’s my hard-earned advice—straight from one beginner to another.
Step 1: Don’t Buy Gear Yet. Seriously.
I know—it’s tempting. You watch a YouTube reel of someone ripping a topwater frog across a lily pad field, and suddenly you need a $300 combo now. Resist.
First, ask yourself: - What fish are common near me? (Bass? Trout? Panfish? Pike?) - Where will I fish most? (Shore, boat, kayak? Still lake or flowing river?) - What’s legal and ethical in my state? (Check local regulations!)
In the Midwest, where I live, smallmouth and largemouth bass dominate the warm-water scene. So I focused there. Start simple. Master one species, one technique. Everything else builds from that.
Step 2: Ask Real People—Not Just Algorithms
Join local fishing Facebook groups. Hit up forums like BassResource or your state’s DNR page. Message folks at the boat ramp (politely!). Most anglers love sharing tips—especially when they see genuine curiosity.
A huge shoutout to my local mentors—guys like “Old沈” (okay, his name’s actually Dan), “Chase,” and “DadBean”—who answered my endless questions and even let me tag along on a few trips. Community matters.
Step 3: Choose Your Weapon—But Keep It Simple
You’ll hear endless debates: baitcasting vs. spinning, fluorocarbon vs. braid, etc.
For true beginners? Start with a spinning combo. It’s forgiving, easy to cast, and perfect for light lures like Ned rigs, crankbaits, or small jerkbaits.
But… I didn’t listen. I went straight for a baitcasting reel because, let’s be honest—it looks cooler. And that’s fine! But know this: baitcasters demand practice. If you’re chasing style over function, be ready to pay for it in backlashes (“bird’s nests”) and bruised pride.
My setup now: - Rod: Medium-heavy, fast action (great for bass) - Reel: Low-profile baitcaster with magnetic brakes - Line: 30-lb braided mainline + 12-lb fluorocarbon leader - Lures: Stick to 3–5 proven types (e.g., chatterbait, Texas rig, topwater popper)
Step 4: Spooling Your Reel—Do It Right
This is where many fail. When you spool braid onto a baitcaster: 1. Open the side plate. 2. Thread the line through the rod guides and into the reel. 3. Tie it securely to the spool. 4. Now—this is critical—apply tension while winding. Use a wet towel or have a friend hold the line taut. The finished spool should feel firm, like a new tennis ball—not loose or spongy.
Loose line = guaranteed backlash city.
Step 5: Always Use a Leader (Especially with Braid)
Braided line is strong and sensitive—but it’s also thin, visible, and wears easily on rocks or teeth. That’s why I always add a fluorocarbon leader (18–24 inches). It’s nearly invisible underwater, abrasion-resistant, and holds knots better.
For heavy cover (like flipping docks or lily pads), learn the “Albright knot” or “FG knot”—they’re game-changers. YouTube tutorials by anglers like “Salty Scales” or “River Dog Outdoors” are gold.
Step 6: Dial In Your Baitcaster—Before You Cast
New baitcaster users often crank the brakes all the way off, thinking “less brake = farther cast.” Wrong. For beginners, start with brakes at 70–80%. Then: - Tighten the drag so it takes firm pressure to pull line. - Adjust the spool tension knob: hold the rod tip up, press the thumb bar, and let your lure fall slowly. If it free-falls or stalls, tweak it. - Use your thumb—not your ego—to control the spool during the cast.
Your casting motion? Think smooth, not strong. It’s a flick of the wrist from 2 o’clock to 10 o’clock—not a baseball pitch. And always keep your thumb on the spool after the lure hits the water. That split-second control prevents backlashes and helps you detect subtle bites.
Final Thought: Fish Often, Expect Little, Celebrate Everything
I’ve been out 10 times this season. Landed fish on 2 trips. The other 8? Wind, rain, snags, and silence. But I’m hooked—not just on catching, but on the ritual: the sunrise, the quiet, the puzzle of reading water.
One local legend told me he fished 50+ days before his first bass. That’s the real secret: consistency beats talent.
So don’t rush. Learn your water. Respect the fish. And remember—this isn’t about trophies. It’s about showing up.
Tight lines,
—A fellow beginner who’s finally getting it right
