Like a good craftsman, any experienced fisherman will tell you it’s important to have the right tools for the job. Whether it’s a bobber rig for casting from the dock or a more sophisticated set up, there are tools out there to help you lure in the big catch. Here’s a look at the basic tools to have in your tackle box when fishing the lakes and rivers of the Alabama Bass Trail.

BAITS

  • Topwater Baits
    With these, you can see the strike, so there is no doubt about when to set the hook. You can also see how it reacts to your cranking and rod-twitching motions. In this category there are poppers, which you cast and pause and pop in several bursts. There are also buzzbaits. These don’t float like a popper, so you have to start reeling immediately after they hit the water. Buzzbaits have blades that sputter and are especially good when pulled over weeds.
  • Jerkbaits
    These slender minnow-shaped lures, either floating or suspending, work well in clear water. They can be retrieved in a rhythm that makes the bait dart along under the surface.
  • Spinnerbaits
    Spinnerbaits can be used in clear to muddy water and at a variety of depths. They have overhead wire and spinners to protect the upturned hook, so as long as it is moving forward, the spinnerbait bumps through most weeds and limbs without snagging.
  • Crankbaits
    There is a huge variety of body shapes and colors of crankbaits, which wiggle through the water imitating baitfish or crawfish. They cover water fast and can be used at a variety of depths.
  • Soft Plastic Baits
    Soft plastic baits are harder to fish than most other lures because the bites are light and hard to sense. They can be used with or without weights but are usually fished within a few feet of the surface.

TACKLE
You absolutely must have some hooks, weights and a little bit of terminal tackle in your box. With these, you can create a variety of rigs with soft plastic baits. Bullet weights, drop shot weights, barrel swivels and split rings are essential. For weights, ¼-lb is a good all-around size.

ROD AND REEL
A medium action rod is the best tool to start with. Two good all-around set ups are a 6 1/2-foot medium action bait casting outfit with 12-pound test monofilament and a 6 1/2-foot medium action spinning outfit with 10- or 8-pound line.

TOOLS
All bass anglers should have three important tools in their tackleboxes:

  • Line clippers – You don’t want to have to bite that line!
  • Needle nose pliers – These are useful for removing hooks from hungry bass and for reshaping bent hooks.
  • Small sharpening stone – Check your hooks often and sharpen dull points.