The mighty largemouth bass, the fiesty smallmouth,and the other species of the black bass family are some of the most sought after species in all of fishing. Because of this, many tackle manufacturers and retailers create, stock, and sell an almost infinite array of fishing gear for bass. From specialty niche rods such as flipping sticks for reaching largemouth in dense cover, to tiny ultralight fishing reels for catching energetic stream smallmouth, there's no end to the possible gear choices! So how do you chose what to buy? You can base your choice on three major factors which are bass species, bass diet, and bass habitat. If you can figure out these three major factors in your local fishing hole, you can make intelligent bass fishing gear choices.

Fishing Gear by Species

When choosing fishing gear for black bass, you must first consider what species of black bass you are after. Each species has it's own gear requirements, and an intelligent angler will know how to meat them. Here are some typical gear setups for the common bass species:

• For Largemouth Bass in large lakes, resevoirs, and rivers, a sturdy medium to medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod should do the trick. However in extreme cases a heavy action rod may have to be used.
• When fishing for Smallmouth Bass, a medium to medium light spinning or baitcasting outfit will be all you need in most situations. There are some situations that call for the use of ultralight fishing gear however.
• Since the Spotted Bass and other more rare species of black bass tend to be smaller than their two more popular cousins, medium light, light, and ultralight fishing gear will be all you need for all but the most extreme situations.

Fishing Gear by Habitat

As you may have guessed, different bass fisheries with different habitats require differen gear. A large, deep clear water lake will require a much different gear setup compared to a weed choked southern pond. Having the right gear for each bass fishing situation can mean the difference between an enjoyable or frustrating day on the water. Learn what cover is most dominant in your local water and consider the following:

• Is your local lake or river full of weeds or flooded timber? Try using a heavier action rod and stronger fishing line. Bass in these situations (usually largemouth) tend to be intelligent enough to be aware of their surroundings, and they will use them to their advantage by fouling up your line! With a heavier and stronger rod and line, you can horse even large fish away from this possible disaster.
• If you happen to fish on large, open bodies of water such as lakes and reservoirs, a longer medium light to medium heavy baitcasting outfit is ideal. These setups allow you to make long distance casts to locate fish or take advantage of schooling bass. Hopping jigs along points, or even vertical jigging for bass in deep water is also a possibility.
• Small streams and rivers can be an exciting break from other kinds of bass fishing. These fisheries allow you to switch to medium, light, or even ultralight fishing gear. As bass in these habitats don't usually grow over a pound or two, lighter fishing gear can be used. Be careful however, as fish in moving water are very powerful for their size and will break light line with ease.

Fishing Gear by Diet

After species and habitat, diet is the last factor to consider in what bass fishing gear you will sellect. Interestingly enough, both the species and habitat also effect a bass' diet. Depending on what bass are eating in your local fishery, you may need to scale up or down the size of your gear.

• Largemouth Bass in southern waters mainly feed on other, smaller fish. Shiner rigs which use rather large bait-fish and floats, are commonly used to catch trophy fish in these areas. To use these rigs medium-heavy to heavy action baitcasting rods are the most common gear setup. Large swim baits are also quickly becoming popular among anglers in these areas.
  
• In northern areas and small rivers and streams, bass feed on small species of minnows, insects, and crustaceans. Because of the absence of large, abundant forage bass grow more slowly and are generally smaller. This allows the angler to use lighter action fishing gear.