So, you’re thinking about becoming a bass fisherman. Good for you. Before I start any new pursuit, the first thing I try to figure out is my “why.” You should do the same. Answering this key question can go a long way toward guiding you on your path.
Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 03:17 pm
SUMMARY: New to bass fishing? Discover your motivation, and stick to bank fishing in public-access ponds and lakes. Save by acquiring inexpensive or used gear, and select versatile lures like Texas-rigged plastic worms.
Your Why
Presumably, reading this means you’re interested in fishing for beginners. So I ask you, Why?
Do you want to do some “serious” fishing on a competitive level? Or does it feel like a fun hobby you might share with a friend or family member? Do you envision a weekend with the boys in a big boat on a big lake? Or something in walking distance where you can go fishing after work? Are you after excitement and bragging rights? Or peace and tranquility?
Presumably, if it were your wish, you could have all of the above. But bear with me a second. Before all else, you should find that one nugget that appeals to you. Your Why.
My Why
For me, I was mostly influenced by my memories of childhood and teenage me communing with nature in my tiny hometown, something that brought me great joy and satisfaction, and something I’d mostly lost as an adult working in the city and living in the suburbs. I was equally attracted by the idea of pursuing something achievable yet challenging, relaxing yet exhilarating when all goes well. And, it was moving into a neighborhood with a pond, and the opportunity that afforded me to reclaim that part of myself.
For all those reasons, I fish.
For me (and hopefully for you) bass fishing is a great hobby. It can be a bit intimidating at first, but with the right equipment, technique, and patience, you’ll be reeling in those big catches in no time. Below are a few bass fishing tips for beginners to get started. In the interest of simplicity, we’re giving you an overview here. We get more detailed in the posts linked in each section. And we’re sprinkling in other Internet links where you can get your info from the “firehose,” if that’s your preference.
Where to Go for Bank Fishing for Beginners
Bass can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds across the country, and you can likely catch bass from the bank of any one of them.
I recommend sticking to bank fishing for beginners. Leave the boats for later (or not at all; see why bank fishing is awesome). Your first targets will likely be neighborhood ponds or public-access lakes and rivers. Keep it simple and don’t knowingly trespass on private property. Ideally, the spot you find will have vegetation, structure (docks, rocks, fallen trees, etc.), and changes in depth, which might be hard to know at first but will become more obvious the more you fish there.
How to Get Gear
You’ll need a fishing rod, reel, line, and lures specifically designed for bass fishing.
You COULD go to your local sporting goods store to load up on what you need. Instead, I recommend forging through your garage or asking around for any old fishing gear that’s just lying around. Or try pawn shops, thrift stores, or garage sales. You can get a great start with a Zebco reel on any old pole, and a soft plastic worm on the end of the line. There’ll be lots of time to upgrade to better equipment, but it’s absolutely unnecessary at this point in your journey.
Replace the Line
One thing I do recommend is putting some new fishing line on that reel. Whatever’s on there now is likely old and brittle and will break your heart as you try to land that first bass.
You’ll find at least 86 fishing line options at that sporting goods store we’re avoiding for now (but which will become your favorite place in the future). I’d just stop at Walmart, read some labels, and grab some all-purpose monofilament line in the neighborhood of 8- to 10-pound test for $10-$20 for a spool. Alternatively, my favorite is braided line, which is thin and strong but a good bit more expensive.
Be Prepared
You’ll also want to pack a bag of essentials and nice-to-haves — and carefully consider how you dress. We get more detailed on those topics in the links in this paragraph.
How to Choose a Lure
Different bass prefer different types of bait, and you often have to experiment with different lures until you find what works best in your chosen location. But this is Bass Fishing for Beginners, and you don’t want the fuss and confusion of carrying too many lures.
One All-Purpose Option
My choice for the one lure most likely to catch your bass is a Texas-rigged plastic worm. You can drag and bounce a properly rigged worm through weeds and submerged branches along the bank of most lakes and ponds and have a pretty good chance of catching a fish (and a low chance of getting snagged). You’ll need a pack of offset worm hooks, a pack of bullet weights, and a pack of plastic worms. Wired2fish.com walks you through the setup here.
Which Worm?
Hookedinfishing.com has a pretty good rundown of the options. I prefer something with some tail action, like the Zoom UV Speed Worm (#5 on the Hooked-in-Fishing list). I also agree with their color suggestions: Green pumpkin or watermelon for clear water; Junebug or black & blue for murky water. You might grab a pack from each if you don’t know the type of water you’ll be fishing.
And Another Option
I love the fluke, which is soft and plastic, but more minnow-like than worm-like. I use the Texas rig for this, too, but with no weight. That allows me to let the fluke sink and work it slowly on the bottom or work it quickly near the surface or somewhere in the middle. Very versatile and fun. I use watermelon red (greenish with red flecks) and white (either albino or baitfish) and don’t see a reason to carry more colors than that.
What You Need to Know
Practice Casting
Before you hit the water, make sure you know how to cast and reel. Even if you do, get in a little target practice in the backyard or wherever. (Note that fishing from the bank, you’ll often have to make some precision casts to get in just the right spot, while avoiding overhead trees.)
Get a License
And you’ll likely need a fishing license in most states. Not only could this save you from an expensive fine, it’s also the right thing to do. Many states use this money to maintain fisheries and keep ne’er-do-wells from messing up things for the rest of us. Takemefishing.org has a nice resource to direct you in getting your license from your state (often done completely online).
If you don’t want to make a long-term commitment just yet, see if your state offers a short-term fishing license. (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi are among the states that do). But in the long run, you’re gonna want to spring for the $20 to $30 bucks it’ll cost in most states. (Check on discounts for seniors, veterans, and other discounts; odds are, a child can fish for free.)
I found this crazy-good resource on hookedinfishing.com that lays out state-by-state costs for annual and short-term licenses, where available, and links you can follow to make your purchase. While there, download a list of fishing regulations and make sure you know the pertinent rules. Don’t forget to check if they offer an app or other way to keep a digital license.
Learn to Handle Fish With Care
I’m a catch-and-release guy (mostly, too lazy to clean fish). But whatever you do with the bass you catch, you’ll want to handle them with care. Watch this quick video (1:15) from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the basics. And read tripsavvy.com’s simple explanation of hook removal (you’ll want to carry needle-nose pliers for this). And learn when it may be right to cut the line and leave the hook in. We get more detailed in this How to Properly Handle Fish post.
When to Go Fishing
Whenever you’re available and as soon as you’re ready!
Even if you don’t catch a bass, spending a morning or afternoon trying can be a fulfilling pursuit, as you immerse yourself in nature and collect information about what works or doesn’t work. (If there are others around, don’t be shy about asking them what works for them.) Bass fishing requires a lot of patience and persistence. It may take a while to catch your first fish, but don’t get discouraged. Keep practicing and learning, and you’ll soon be catching big bass like a pro.
Good luck!
