Line/rod weights and types of fish

"Oz" wrote in message
news

My question revolves around practicality and what I should purchase to
fish locally. We have a ton of lakes and one very good river (the Huron
River) in my neighborhood. I would be fishing primarily for large mouth
and small mouth bass and pan fish. Is there a single rod and reel that I
could purchase to fish this variety of species - maybe a 6 weight? At this
point, I am looking for lower end/beginner equipment because I am just
beginning and would like to get my 15 year old son involved too. So, quite
frankly, I am looking for something that would get us started and
something that we could use to fish for the species I indicated.

First, figure out what fish you want to catch. Then, figure out what lure
(or fly) you want to use to catch them. Then, figure out what size line it
will take to cast that fly. Then, match the rod to the line. Add in some
extra weight in case you'll be casting into wind.

The mistake some people make is going too light just because they're fishing
for panfish. The fact is, some of those panfish bugs are big and bulky
compared to tiny trout flies, and take bigger line to cast them comfortably.
That's obviously even more true for bigger fish such as bass.