If your an avid fisherman, it doesn't take much practice learning to cast with a bait caster, using braid or mono......I see kids around 10 years old casting better than 50 year olds on those yellowtail charters on the west coast. I learned how to use a bait caster in one day, all you have to do is practice with different weight sizes (no hooks, just practice) at a lake or big body of water. I use braid for everything, but dont recommend it for fly lining live bait, the wind creates big bows in the line, plus it tends to float the bait or keep it to close to the surface, which isn't always desirable when you want your bait to run downward.Bottom line, I seem to land more fish, cast further, and feel more bites with braid. Spinning reels will allow far casting with braid, however they lack drag strength (in comparison to baitcasters) to land hard fighting/big fish.

All these guys talking specifics....you're leading the person asking the question in the wrong direction! He's gonna buy all the recommended stuff and still not catch fish because it's all about conditions and knowing what to throw during those conditions.

Main thing is figuring out the pattern for that particular day, as well. The same thing won't work all the time.

That is a fantastic bass producing rig.

Drop shot rig is a great overall bass catching rig, for sure. I use 8# fluorocarbon test (either leader or main line), #1 or #2 Owner mosquito hook with 1' to 2' drop down to a 3/8 ounce to 1 ounce weight, try to cast it at boils of bait fish first thing in the morning or right at sunset. Roboworms 4 to 6 inch.You'll land one for sure

Hmmmmmmm......stats from 15 years ago? In California, state legislation has severely decreased the amount of stocking of game fish. A lake I've been going to in San Dimas for about 15 years hasn't been stocked for at least the past five years and that goes across the board for at over half of the fisheries I normally fish.....

First of all, I hope you see signs of bass activity. I search for schooling bait fish/shiners/baby bass this time of year. Along with shaded structure (boat docks, big weed beds, submerged trees/bushes). If I see baitfish activity, normally bigger fish/bass are nearby. Occassionally, you'll see bass break the surface of the water when they're feeding.....throw your lure near or at the location you seen them jump out. Drop shot 4" or 6" roboworms, #1 or #2 mosquito hook by owner, 1 to 2 foot drop lead from the hook, with 3/8 ounce weight.....drag and twitch/bounce the rod tip gently, while slowly reeling.......handle it.

Shallow, deep, structure?

New to this forum! Tight lines, ma friends!