With bass you won't need any of the trolling gear that is discussed mostly on this site (downriggers, leadcore, levelwind reels, fishfinders with GPS, rod jiggers, etc). You are fine with a simple rod and reel (my preference is with 8# test).
Smallmouth will be found around docks and prefer rocky/sandy bottoms. Largemouth will also be found around docks but prefer weedy/muddy areas. This time of year, smallmouth will bite a bottlecap!
A great beginner bait is the Yammamoto Senko 4inch worm. They are pricey but VERY effective (my son was outfishing me with one when he was 5). Its a "do nothing bait" that you simply cast out, let sink to bottom, wait 30 seconds, bring it in a few feet, wait, bring it in a few feet, wait.....It can be rigged many ways with "Wacky" being easiest for beginners (there is even a wacky rig tool). Texas rigged is next in popularity. You can google senko to get to Yammamotos website and he has explicit instructions for different riggings. I like any color as long as it's black.
Note you will not find better fishing for smallies all year than you will in the next few weeks so get out there now! 100 fish days are not unheard of...
no needed on a senko...no weight either. Hook, senko, rod and you WILL score fish.
Note Mike that while there will be some posts for other species such as saltwater posts on cod/haddock/stripers, this site is mostly dedicated to salmon fishing which is tough to get into for "minimum money". Drop me an email and I can direct you to better websites for beginners advice on bass fishing.
Make sure you check out the fishing rules, when bass spawn there's a time of month maybe May 15 to June 15 where only artifical bait is allowed don't quote me on the dates though.
