back after 30 years (maybe more) need small advice...

This group seems to get the better posters, so thought I'd ask here. Been away from fishing (except rarely in saltwater, but not my own gear) for some 30 years, and want to get back. Call it a mid-aged crisis! I am sure fish are laughing everywhere... none are old enough to remember when I was the terror of fish everywhere ;-)

I am hoping for brook trout and bass fishing, wanted to have something I could use for both a bit. I was planning to use lures and artificial baits. Advise away please...

I played with a bunch of stuff, then left with what I thought was a pretty decent combination.. a Berkley rod (lightning rod 6'6', says Medium Light 4-10) and a Mitchell spinning reel. When I was a kid Mitchell spinners were the best, so that's what I got - though not the expensive one, just a 308x. It felt well matched to the pole. The setup sank me 78.00 total. Anyway when I snapped them togehter in the store they seemed to have a good feel. Is this just junk? Should I spend my 78.00 elsewhere, and do a bit better, especially for somebody who hasn't fished for many years? The kid in me was saying a trout would fear this setup in the hands of a pro. The rod seemed to be pretty strong, with a supple top on it. Finding a salesman at Sport's Authority was impossible, so your advise is a appreciated.

One of the things most suprising to me was the fishing line. The stuff is tiny now. Anyhow, I was a bit surprised when I got home, with 8 lb and 6 lb "stren" to read that the reel will only do 6 lb. I think (especially having not fished for years) that I would do better with the 8 lb line for starters, I would rather take the chance of not hooking the fish, than hooking it and breaking the line through my inexperience. Advice?

Looking on line there is another Mitchell reel, the 300x, which will take the 8 lb test, but it looks heavier too. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Thanks for any help, and I would appreciate any advice on a better and more knowledgeable way to do this. I have to admit, a lot of the purchase was the kid in me going "Wow, nice rig dad!"

Mike C.

I believe the setup you have will work although I prefer a medium heavy action 7 foot rod. If you want to spool the reel with a heavier test look at putting braid line on the reel. You can buy a heavier test line and get one that is the same diameter as a 6 LB mono. I prefer Power Pro line. You will have to learn a few things when using it. First it has to be put on the reel with mono backing about 20 yards of mono or after the line is tied on to the reel you must use electrical tape around the reel then spool the line on top. Braid lines do not stretch and or very slippery. When you tie the lure on the best knot is the palmar knot. Other knots seemed to slip causing you to lose fish. When getting strikes you can not set the hook like on mono, all it takes is raising the rod tip slightly because the line does not stretch.

If you do decide to go with your setup, catching big fish is possible with your setup you just have to fight the fish longer to prevent line breakage. You won't be able to man handle the fish to you.

Sarge

Rich P

P.S. I've also thrown in a little bass fishing slang dictionary that I have compiled to help people just getting into the bassin world understand what the heck we are talking about at times... Hope it helps a little! Best of luck!

Anyone have any suggesions on items that might need to be included?

I thought that maybe a description of each of the reel types might be helpful as well, especially considering the original request of this thread...

I don't know if everybody knew this much when I was a kid, but is sure seems like there is a level of sophistication that wasn't there in the sixties (at least I didn't know about it). I wonder - have the fish gotten smarter too? I didn't even get a bite!

I spent day one fussing with the Mitchell - I will be taking it back tomorrow. A local store had another spinning reel called an "Okuma Epixor EF20", I bought it, and that was simple and smooth to use (plus it didn't tend to suck the line everywhere but onto the spool). It may not be one of the 100+ reels like they had in the case, but it is way beyond my ability. The store in Prescott had a wide selection of lures, and I noticed most were heavy for my pole. Guess I need a heavier pole, but I will keep this medium light as well.

I did get a spinning lure, and finally got in the groove with it this morning - still, no fish! I don't feel to bad though, nobody I encountered could even speak of a bite. Did I have fun? YES!!!!

Can anybody recommend a good book? There is a lot to learn, that's a fact. The guide idea is good too, any idea what something like that costs for a day?

Thanks for all the great help guys!

Mike C.