Kid Has Incredibly Wholesome Reaction To Catching A 5.5lb Largemouth Bass On Pawpaw’s Pond

And just like that... he was hooked (pun intended). For most of us fishermen, we can recall the first time we got hooked on the sport of fishing. Whether it was tossing a bobber out with your dad when you were 5, or reeling in your first monster at 15. Hell, maybe you didn't pick it up until you were much older, and you discovered the restful joys of weekend fishing, a much-needed disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your 9-5 job. However you arrived, most of us probably don't have that moment captured on video, but for this kid, Knox, fishing on his Pawpaw's pond in North Carolina, he can relive the moment as much as he wants... and the reaction is as wholesome as it gets. Pawpaw's laugh is contagious: "OH MAH GAH!! Core memory made for all of us. Huge bass from Pawpaw’s pond. A little over 5 1/2 pounds. Caught with Pawpaw’s chatter bait. Knox’s new favorite bait. Believe that, cuz." Of course, you can't post anything on the internet without a gaggle of haters raining on your parade, and Knox got his fair share of "stocked pond" comments when Bass Pro shared the video, but honestly, who cares? Whatever gets you into the sport is fine by me. I fish weekly in Wisconsin and have yet to catch a fish over 5.5 pounds... I'd be ecstatic to haul in a hog like that. Knox brought it in on a Chatterbait, which is now his new favorite bait (full Chatterbait guide right here ), and who could blame him? The Chatterbait bite is one of the most fun bites in bass fishing. But if you want to get into fishing for the first time, and are looking for the right gear to get you started, look no further, we got you covered.

Beginner Fishing Rod & Reel Combos

If you’ve been fishing for a long time, you probably don’t need my help, but if you’re new to the sport and don’t know where to start, or just looking for a little guidance on your next combo, I’ll offer up a few of my favorite, most versatile, models at different price points for each one. Here's the first two rods you should get your hands on:

7′ – 7’3″ Medium Heavy Casting Rod

Baitcasting rods are a staple in bass fishing and used to throw a number of techniques with power and precision. They take a little more concentration and skill than spinning rods, but it's pretty easy to pick up, and you'll be better off for it. Techniques: Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, buzzbaits, smaller swimbaits, swim jigs, dock skipping Recommended Rods Budget : Abu Garcia Vengeance 7' MH Fast – $59.99 Mid-Price: Daiwa Tatula XT 7' MH Fast – $99.99 Reel: Lew's Speed Spool LFS - $74.95 Shimano SLX A 150 - $99.99

7′ – 7’3″ Medium Spinning Rod

Most of us got our start with a spinning rod (probably a children's spincast rod) but, for finesse fishing applications, it's a must have. And with the way forward facing sonar has changed the game lately (a whole other story we won't get into), some professional anglers are winning tournaments without ever picking up a baitcaster. Techniques: Drop-shot, ned rig, neko rig, shakey head, tubes, hover/mid stroll rigs, weightless soft plastics, smaller swimbaits, wacky rigs, blade baits, jerkbaits Recommended Rods Budget: Daiwa Aird X 7' M Fast - $54.99 Mid Price: Shimano SLX A Spinning 7′ M XF – $99.99 Reel Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reel - $49.97 Shimano Sedona FJ 2500 - $74.99 Tight lines, friends. *This post contains links through the Tackle Warehouse Affiliate Program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.