Reference

Species & Gear

Know the fish, then match the stick.

Bass species

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Range: Continental US, widely introduced worldwide
Size: Avg 1–5 lb, trophy 8 lb+
Forage: Shad, bluegill, crawfish, frogs
Habitat: Vegetation, wood, docks, slack-water creeks

ID tell

Jaw extends past the eye. Solid horizontal lateral stripe.

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Range: Northern US, upper Midwest, Great Lakes, river systems
Size: Avg 1–4 lb, trophy 5 lb+
Forage: Crawfish, gobies, smelt, alewife
Habitat: Rocky structure, current breaks, clear cool water

ID tell

Jaw ends under the eye. Bronze flanks with vertical bars.

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

Range: Southeast US, Ozarks, lower Mississippi drainage
Size: Avg 1–3 lb, trophy 4 lb+
Forage: Shad, crawfish, small minnows
Habitat: Steep rocky banks, bluffs, clear reservoirs

ID tell

Rows of dark spots below the lateral line, tooth patch on tongue.

Reference setups

Four rods cover 90% of bass fishing.

Category	Rod	Reel	Line	Uses
Power Finesse Spinning	7'1" Medium, fast	2500 size, 6.2:1	10 lb braid → 8 lb fluoro leader	Ned rig, wacky, drop shot, small swimbaits
All-Purpose Casting Baitcaster	7'2" Medium-Heavy, fast	7.1:1 ratio	15 lb fluoro	Texas rig, jigs, chatterbait, spinnerbait
Flipping/Punching Baitcaster	7'6" Heavy, fast	8.1:1 high speed	50–65 lb braid	Flipping mats, frog fishing, heavy cover jigs
Cranking Baitcaster	7'4" Medium, moderate (glass)	5.4:1 low gear	10–12 lb fluoro	Squarebills to deep divers — moderate action keeps fish pinned

Knots

Six knots cover every bass-fishing connection — from braid main line to leader to lure.

Palomar

~95–100% line strength

Best for: Braid to hook, jigs, drop-shot — strongest all-around tie

Doubled line through the eye, overhand knot, pass the hook through the loop. Wet and seat slowly.

Watch tutorial

FG Knot

~95–100%, slides through guides

Best for: Braid main line to fluoro/mono leader — thinnest, strongest leader knot

Tight braid wraps around the leader. Takes practice — worth it. Replaces double-uni when casting distance matters.

Watch tutorial

Double Uni

~85–90%

Best for: Line-to-line: braid to leader, mono to fluoro

Easier than FG and field-tieable. Trim tags close. 5 wraps for mono/fluoro, 6–8 for braid.

Watch tutorial

San Diego Jam

~95%, handles heavy fluoro well

Best for: Fluoro to heavy lures — swimbaits, deep cranks, A-rigs

Six wraps back up the doubled line. Strong on 15–25 lb fluoro where Palomar can slip.

Watch tutorial

Non-Slip Loop Knot

~80–85%

Best for: Jerkbaits, gliders, topwater — anywhere the bait needs free action

Open loop lets the bait swing on the pause. Five wraps for 8–15 lb, four for heavier line.

Watch tutorial

Improved Clinch

~75–85%

Best for: Mono/fluoro to small terminal tackle — quick and reliable

Five wraps, back through the small loop and then the big loop. Skip on braid — it will slip.

Watch tutorial