New Bass man needing advice

[Greymare]

Hello all,

I am new here and to bass fishing. I have done a lot of fishing for Catfish, Blue gill, and shell cracker. I have done a little bass fishing in ponds around me but that is it. The few times I went I used a Caroline rig with worms and lizards. I was told by a friend to try a Texas rig when I went to the lake and fished off my boat. I tried it but can't seem to feel the bottom. As a note I was fishing blind with no depth finder and no trolling motor. My question is what should I start with? I have been reading the reports from Lake Guntersville and went out and bought a few different plastics and some football head jigs. I know this all comes with practice but would like to find something that is easy to start me off and then move to some more advance stuff. I just don't want to get discouraged by not getting bits atleast. Hope you guys can help!
Thanks in advance!

[lordofthepunks]

its tough to start off fishing structure. in my opinion, fish more visible cover, get used to the way bites feel, the way a texas rig feels coming over different types of cover when you already know whats there. that way when you feel something that you cant see, you will know what it is.

good luck, stay at it...........

[skeet210]

I would start off with using spinnerbaits. You can fish them fast and won't get bored easily when you don't know what your doing with texas rigs. Plus, this time a year, you may have better luck getting a reaction strike. Topwater is also a good idea such as buzz baits. I would suggest finding a friend that has a pool and tie on a texas rig and experiment with it. If you take it to a pond, trail and error is your best bet. It takes years of experience to be able to know what your hitting with your bait. You WILL get a better feel using tungsten weights opposed to standard lead or brass. Jigs are also a good go to bait for beginners because there are several different ways to fish them and they all usually draw strikes. Good luck and once you get the fever, you won't be able to get enough.

[Greymare]

Thanks for the reply. I have some spinners and buzz baits. I will put them to use this weekend. I am not catching anything right now and I already can't get enough.