• Bass fishing doesn't have to be expensive.fishing image by BengLim from Fotolia.com
  
  Bass fishing can be as expensive as you want to make it. If your goal is to have everything the fishing professionals on television have, you should plan on spending tens of thousands of dollars. But that is not what it takes to catch bass or enjoy bass fishing, since the sport is accessible to fishermen of all budgets.
  
  

Equipment

• While there are specific rod and reel combinations that fit nearly every bass lure, you can get by with having one or two. Select a medium action, 6.5-foot spinning rod and a spinning reel that fits the rod well. The combination should feel comfortable and well balanced when you hold it in your hand. Spool the spinning rod and reel with 8-pound monofilament line. When you decide to add a second rod and reel to your arsenal, choose a 7-foot, medium-heavy action baitcasting rod and a reel that fits the rod. Both should be able to handle 10- to 12-pound test line, and the combination should be well balanced and comfortable when you hold it in your hands.
  
  

Lures

• You can have success catching bass with a small selection of lures. Select two to four white and chartreuse spinnerbaits ranging in size from 1/4 of an ounce to 3/8 of an ounce. Lipless crankbaits are another good choice. Buy two 1/2-ounce, chrome-colored baits. Finally, buy four jigs with mushroom-shaped heads. The jigs should weigh 1/8 of an ounce or 1/4 of an ounce. Buy a package of 4-inch and 7-inch plastic worms to thread onto the jig heads.
  
  

Fish From Shore

• The gas it takes to operate a boat is not cheap. But a boat is not a requirement to catch bass. While not all bass spend all their time in shallow water, many of them do. And those that do are easily accessible to anglers who fish from the shoreline. Target cover that is within casting distance of the shore and continue walking and trying different spots until you connect with fish. Once you catch bass from a specific piece of cover, remember it, because it likely will attract more bass.