I’m new to bass fishing, and been trying to get a minimalist tackle box going for targeting bass from my kayak.
Going to tackle shops, the amount of different shapes, sizes, and colors of lures feels a bit overwhelming. I wanted to get a small collection started that could target them at various depths, water clarities, activity levels, and matching various bait species, without taking up too much space.
I realize some people can go out there with just one lure and kill it too (like youtube’s ndyakangler), so maybe even this is overkill? Just wanting some feedback from more experienced anglers. Any favorites that you think I’m missing here, or anything here that you think isn’t worth bothering with while I’m still learning?
Posted by EarthAsWeKnowIt
2 Comments
NDyak is a favorite of mine as well but he is truly a freak of nature, I have never seen someone catch as consistently as he does, more easily explained by decades of experience on his home waters. I’d throw 2 more things in your bag, chatterbaits and underpin jigheads specifically for that keitech/rage swimmer you have there.
If you’re trying to keep it minimalist from a kayak, I’d think in terms of roles rather than individual baits.
You honestly already have most bases covered.
If it were me, I’d narrow it down to something like:
One moving bait for covering water (spinnerbait, chatterbait, or lipless)
One shallow crank or squarebill
One mid-depth option
One bottom contact bait (jig or Texas rig)
One finesse option (Ned rig or small worm)
That setup lets you adjust for depth, speed, and fish mood without carrying half the tackle shop.
The only thing I’d simplify is color. Pick two or three confidence colors for clear versus stained water and stop overthinking it.
From a kayak especially, less gear usually means you learn patterns faster.