Fishing line knots

Question
When I was a kid...oh, about 8 or 10 (eons and eons ago), my grandfather taught me how to fish.  I haven't fished in many years, but now would like to take my small granddaughter out Monday or Tuesday of this week. I suspect I'll be fishing in small mouth bass waters sprinkled with a few sunnies, perch and other pan fish. Two questions really...I can't remember what my grandfather taught me when it comes to tying a special knot to attach the line to the reel, or the line to a hook. Can you please advise me young man?  A picture is worth a thousand words.  AND, with all the lures on the market, which one would you suggest for pan fish in the cold, fresh waters North of Albany, NY?

Thanks Chris.

Bill

Answer
First off, let me apologise for the tardiness of my response.  I spent this past weekend through yesterday not too far from you, backpacking through the adirondacks near St. Huberts, and therefor away from my computer.  

The area you're talking about fishing is absolutely breathtaking and I'm thrilled that you're sharing such an experience with your granddaughter.  It's important to get children interested so that they can become appreciative of the outdoors at an early age.  

The area you're planning on fishing contains a lot of cool water ponds and lakes that are great for producing small mouth bass.  The panfish population (especially perch) should be strong as well.  

There are a few proven techniques for catching panfish in cooler water.  The first thing to locate is cover over water from about 5-15 ft deep, or other areas that might hold panfish, bass, etc.  Look for fallen trees sticking out of the water, docks, etc.  Techniques cover a broad range that includes (but aren't limited to) live bait (by far the most consistent, especially with panfish), to smaller soft plastic lures, to floating/sinking/suspending minnows.  There is no lack of variety in approach.  Live baits are by far the best for pan fish.  Attach a small minnow, grub, meal worm, leech, or virtually any one of countless others and you have a very effective rig.  Simply attach a bobber or float above the bait, allowing it to suspend at a consistent depth and you should be in business.  In terms of soft plastic baits, my favorite for this type of fishing is the plastic grub.  Simply attach one to an 1/8 oz jig head and swim it through the water, occassionally allowing it to sink and you have yourself a very simple, yet very productive lure.  Small Rapala minnows are a great choice for pan fish and small mouth as well. Bottom line, though, if you're using artificial lures, go with the small soft plastics for simplicity reasons and try to match up the lure color with the water color (the simple idea is that bright colors work well in darker, stained water, while lighter and more natural colored lures are more effective in clearer water).

Knot tieing is a difficult topic to explain via email.  I've been trying to find some pictures for you, but it's proving rather difficult.  As to not confuse you, I'd suggest that you just go to one of the most reputable local bait shops and ask to be shown.  It's not that complicated once you see how they're tied and you tie them on your own.  If you want me to walk you through it, feel free to write back and I'll take you step by step through the knots you'll need, but I think it would just be easier to talk to somebody at the local tackle shop.  Just ask them to spool your reels with line and ask them which knots they're tieing, etc.  

I hope despite being a little late, I've been of some help to you.  If you have any more questions, or there is any way in which I may be able to provide you with any further assistance, please feel free to ask.  I hope that you're time out on the water with your granddaughter is as memorable as your trips out fishing with your grandfather.

Good luck and thank you for asking,
Chris