First Baitcasting Rod And Reel 2024
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
Okay I'm wanting to get a baitcasting setup for bass. I don't know a lot about fishing and how to choose the right rod and reel combo and I need some help. However I'm trying to start college so I have a really tight budget. Can one of the more experience anglers in this forum please help me find a good solid baitcasting combo for under $120? Any and all ideas are appreciated, thanks.
Raul reply :
Good solid baitcasting combo for under $120 ...... that ain´t gonna happen,
bassinOUT89 reply :
http://m.basspro.com/Abu-Garcia-Silver-Max-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/1209280857575/
Picked this up today. I chose the medium fast 6'6. Paired it with 15 lb flouro. Casts amazing to me and pretty light weight.
Bladesmith, reply :
I purchased a Lew's combo from Wal Mart this spring (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lews-Laser-Mark-Rose-6-6-Baitcast-Combo/35680299) and I have used it hard all year so far. Not top of the line Lew's but so far it has performed as well as my Shimanos and Ambassadors. Only time will tell about it's durability. It casts smooth and has enough drag controls (magnetic and mechanical) to make it easy to cast. I consider it a good entry level rig that will not break the bank. The rod is sensitive enough for worm,jig. or any other way you would want to fish it. I originally bought it for a beater to carry around to local ponds but it has earned it's place in my boat's rod rack. I'll have to agree with Raul that you can spend a whole lot more money on a rig (and I have some and they are worth the cost, quality anything is not cheap) but for a man on a budget, I think this might be a good choice. It is $70. bucks so this would leave you some money for Sieberts jigs, and maybe a few other things like some quality line ( mine is spooled with 50# Power Pro).
kikstand454 reply :
<$120? No prob!
Get this reel.....preferably on sale:
http://m.academy.com/shop/Product_10151_10051_903505_-1__true?N=20001+274871093#
And put it on this rod:
http://m.academy.com/shop/Product_10151_10051_161451_-1__true?color=Blue&N=20001+101394130
Done.
Awesome set up for the budget minded.
Raul reply :
Excuse me if I sound like an azz, but please listen to the words from someone that not always owned nice gear. I did the mistake of "going cheap" in the early years, I went through 4 reels and 6 rods before kicking myself on the butt for wasting my hard saved allowance money in 10 POS pieces of gear. With the money I spent I could have purchased 2 good setups, something I finally ended up doing, so good that even now, after almost 30 years I still have them. But it is your money .......
kikstand454 reply :
*shrug*
This guy did alright with fiberglass rods and 3bearing reels......
iceintheveins reply :
I'd go with a Lew's Laser MG speed spool, or a BPS PQ if they are on sale (the PQ is a better reel), and then a BPS tourney special or Abu Vengence Rod. Now that will be a combo that's around $120 to $140 that is quality. It's not a chronarch with a dobyns rod but it will work well.
Tony L. reply :
Bps Pro Qualifier on a Berkelely Lightning Rod. Those are about as cheap as you can go before you start moving out of the quality gear and into the plastic stuff that wont hold up. Both together would be ~140-150 ish? on average, but if you find either on sale (which happens a lot) the combo would come in at about your price range. Are better things out there? Sure! But anyone who tells you that that isn't a solid combo for the price is just being snooty. Feel free to read reviews on both products. They both really hold their own against the elite gear. Especially the pro qualifier- it outperforms several of the more expensive reels in bass pro's lineup that are supposedly "better". If you are willing to spend more for a shimano or a diawa, you will notice gradual increases in performance. Go any cheaper than that though, and rest assured you will find a MASSIVE drop in quality.
Also within that price range (if you can find them on sale) would be be some of the Lews reels which are also solid at the even in the 90 dollar price range. I would again be hesitant to go lower on that because you might wind up with something that has plastic internal components and wears out quickly.
You don't need really expensive stuff to catch fish. I am routinely humbled by my grandfather, who never fails to out-fish me with an ancient gander mtn reel mounted on an ugly stik that isn't even the right length/action for bass fishing. I do think, though, that if you are searching for a really quality combo that is starting to break into the top tier of performance and will last a long time, I would take a good look at the one described above.
Tony L. reply :
On 8/15/2014 at 10:53 AM, Tony L. said:Bps Pro Qualifier on a Berkelely Lightning Rod. Those are about as cheap as you can go before you start moving out of the quality gear and into the plastic stuff that wont hold up. Both together would be ~140-150 ish? on average, but if you find either on sale (which happens a lot) the combo would come in at about your price range. Are better things out there? Sure! But anyone who tells you that that isn't a solid combo for the price is just being snooty. Feel free to read reviews on both products. They both really hold their own against the elite gear. Especially the pro qualifier- it outperforms several of the more expensive reels in bass pro's lineup that are supposedly "better". If you are willing to spend more for a shimano or a diawa, you will notice gradual increases in performance. Go any cheaper than that though, and rest assured you will find a MASSIVE drop in quality.
Also within that price range (if you can find them on sale) would be be some of the Lews reels which are also solid at the even in the 90 dollar price range. I would again be hesitant to go lower on that because you might wind up with something that has plastic internal components and wears out quickly.
You don't need really expensive stuff to catch fish. I am routinely humbled by my grandfather, who never fails to out-fish me with an ancient gander mtn reel mounted on an ugly stik that isn't even the right length/action for bass fishing. I do think, though, that if you are searching for a really quality combo that is starting to break into the top tier of performance and will last a long time, I would take a good look at the one described above.
Addendum: one place that I would NOT go cheap is on the line you choose to go on this combo. Make sure that you are getting the best line you can afford because that makes all the difference on the world.
FishTank reply :
On 8/15/2014 at 4:01 AM, Raul said:Good solid baitcasting combo for under $120 ...... that ain´t gonna happen,
I kind of have to agree. If you shop for clearance rods and reels, yes it can be done but most combos at that price tend to be questionable. I have never been a fan of Pro Qualifier. I friend of mine use to swear by them but he bought new ones every year.
Out of the combos I have seen and have heard good things about, this combo from Gander Mountain seems to be pretty good and it has been on sale before for $100.
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Elite-Series-Baitcasting-Combo-Medium-Heavy&i=762452
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
Anyone have any luck with the Shimano Sellus casting rods?
John G reply :
Come up with a little over $200.00 and you have a real nice combo. Yo can get one of the *** rods that are getting rave reviews and I can tell you where to get a excellent condition, barely used Shimano Scorpion XT1500 -7 for around $125.00 tyd.
illinifan4152 reply :
Here is a great combo for beginners.... and a heck of a deal on sale right now.
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=611936
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
Yeah I like that Zeles I just wish it had more bearings. I don't need a $150, $200, $250 combo and have absolutely no desire to spend over $150 as I just don't get the opportunity to go fishing enough to justify paying that much for a new rod and reel. What I was gonna just get either a 7'2" MH Shimano Sellus or a 7'6" MH Powell Diesel and pair it with either a Daiwa Laguna or Abu Garcia Silver Max.
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
I would suggest getting around a $200 setup at least. If it comes down to it, put $100 on the reel first and get a cheap rod to last until you get the money for a good one. Rods tend to last longer than reels most of the time which is why I'm suggesting getting the reel first. You may have to get another cheap reel before you get a good one if you end up buying the expensive rod first. As far as suggestions, I like my Quantum Accurist. Of course I'm going to be biased toward it since its the first decent reel I've bought. I think a good rod would be a Black ***. I can't give you many suggestions because I don't have the money to buy much myself and I don't use other people's gear, but based on what I've heard the Black *** is a pretty sweet rod.
illinifan4152 reply :
Well, that being said, the 7'2 MH Sellus is a great rod to start with as well. Great all purpose rod. I had one and loved it before i upgraded. Had it paired with a Shimano Caius. It was the perfect rod and reel to learn on. Almost impossible to get a backlash, which would be good for you if you are not out there everyday fishing. If you check ebay you can get the Caius pretty cheap. Once again, that would be a good combo under your budget and I highly reccoment. By the way, I am in college too currently, so i know what is like to fish on a budget and you cant go wrong with that.
kikstand454 reply :
^ and that's exactly what you should do OP.
With all due respect to the other posters- and I do respect all of you, especially Raul- you have absolutely zero need to spend more than your quoting on a rig . None. You have a budget of "x" and you don't need to spend more than that on a part time hobby, which at this point- no matter how passionate iu are- that's what it is. Being in college and on a budget, plus just getting into bass fishing at 18...... you're not fishing tournements, and you expressed no desire to. You just want to catch some fish and enjoy learning the trade.
I'm not sure if some of the other posters think its better for you to just not fish at all, until you have a 2-300 dollar rig, but that's asinine. Its about getting out there and enjoying nature and developing the skills (and addiction! ) that further your desire to get better and better. Are you eventually going to want to spend $200+ on a bass rig? Probably! Lol. It comes with the hobby. But its that way with any hobby. You start out with what you can afford, and then as your skill develops ( and hopefully your financial security increases) you can afford to move up.
The reason I posted the old 70s pic of Bill Dance is that those guys used equipment that was cutting edge in their day- and we would consider it armature crap today. They did just fine. Thousands of bass are caught every day on Walmart Shakespeare combos! Of COURSE the entire thing is more enjoyable when you have top of the line gear..... but you know what? I DRIVE a helluva lot more than I fish- and I do just fine in a 98 Cherokee- I don't need a Ferrari to get to work. That's where you're at right now- just getting to work.
Find a 6'6"mh rod, a good (research a bit) reel in a 6.x:1 ratio, and put some decent line on it and go fishing man! If you find that you love it and can find the time and money to invest in it- so be it. Then you can buy better gear. Until then its just posturing and wasting money.
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
I think I'm gonna get the Sellus 7'2". I actually can get the new daiwa megaforce with the twitchin bar for like $50 new and I think it has a 7.0:1 ratio. That would put me at $110 giving me enough budget to spool it with 15 lb fluorocarbon. Or powerpro braid
Raul reply :
Don´t waste your money on the Megaforce, I love my Daiwa reels but I wouldn´t recomend that reel even to my worst enemy. The Shimano Caius is a much better option than the Megaforce, another good "cheap" reel is the Daiwa Air D ( TW has it on sale right now ) or the Daiwa Laguna.
jiggz125 reply :
On 8/15/2014 at 4:01 AM, Raul said:Good solid baitcasting combo for under $120 ...... that ain´t gonna happen,
This is not true.
-If you shop around and find deals you can get quality gear for at or udner that mark. I picked up the GSX Elite Combo from Gander this spring for $89.99 and it does just as well as my ABU Garcia Revo Sx/Veracity combo($300+)
-So just look for some deals, search for reviews and figure out exactly what you want for what application.
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
I really would like some feed back on the Abu Garcia Silver Max or the Hank Parker edition. I'm looking at those because I want the ability to flip/pitch in light cover since it will be a while before I buy a rod just for flipping and pitching. And also any other ideas on other reels with the flippin switch feature would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
kikstand454 reply :
If you want a flipping switch, then get on that auction site and pic up a quantum accurist. Great reel, fairly cheap. I have three. They are awesome. I've had them a long time and they have never let me down.
I NEVER use the flipping switch. But then, I flip and pitch with a left handed reel, so. ......
bassinOUT89 reply :
the silver max is pretty good. Costs around 50 at bps.On 8/16/2014 at 2:37 AM, SmallTownTexasAngler said:I really would like some feed back on the Abu Garcia Silver Max or the Hank Parker edition. I'm looking at those because I want the ability to flip/pitch in light cover since it will be a while before I buy a rod just for flipping and pitching. And also any other ideas on other reels with the flippin switch feature would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
greentrout reply :
On 8/15/2014 at 8:50 PM, kikstand454 said:^ and that's exactly what you should do OP.
With all due respect to the other posters- and I do respect all of you, especially Raul- you have absolutely zero need to spend more than your quoting on a rig . None. You have a budget of "x" and you don't need to spend more than that on a part time hobby, which at this point- no matter how passionate iu are- that's what it is. Being in college and on a budget, plus just getting into bass fishing at 18...... you're not fishing tournements, and you expressed no desire to. You just want to catch some fish and enjoy learning the trade.
I'm not sure if some of the other posters think its better for you to just not fish at all, until you have a 2-300 dollar rig, but that's asinine. Its about getting out there and enjoying nature and developing the skills (and addiction! ) that further your desire to get better and better. Are you eventually going to want to spend $200+ on a bass rig? Probably! Lol. It comes with the hobby. But its that way with any hobby. You start out with what you can afford, and then as your skill develops ( and hopefully your financial security increases) you can afford to move up.
The reason I posted the old 70s pic of Bill Dance is that those guys used equipment that was cutting edge in their day- and we would consider it armature crap today. They did just fine. Thousands of bass are caught every day on Walmart Shakespeare combos! Of COURSE the entire thing is more enjoyable when you have top of the line gear..... but you know what? I DRIVE a helluva lot more than I fish- and I do just fine in a 98 Cherokee- I don't need a Ferrari to get to work. That's where you're at right now- just getting to work.
Find a 6'6"mh rod, a good (research a bit) reel in a 6.x:1 ratio, and put some decent line on it and go fishing man! If you find that you love it and can find the time and money to invest in it- so be it. Then you can buy better gear. Until then its just posturing and wasting money.
Well, said. We all enjoy and fish for the magnificent LMB who gives us all pleasure. I have been in the presence of some bassers who
do not use the most expensive equipment and catch plenty of bass. You gotta know where to find 'em and an expensive rod and reel
mean nothing if you can't do that. Having said that, I truly appreciate the finer qualities of the upper end rods and reels but, frankly,
they are not needed to enjoy the wonderful pursuit of the LMB. And a true basser never looks down on his fellow basser who has in his
hands a setup that is not expensive. Never.
Respectfully, the recommendation for a MH rod is not one I would go with. Instead, a good medium six foot rod for most beginning
bassers is a good start. Casting with a MH rod is not nearly as easy to load to throw lures that are common like 1/4 ounce spinnerbaits.
From there they will find the six and half medium is their best friend.
Old school basser...
kikstand454 reply :
I think my recommendation for a MH is based on my location. A medium action rod is a specialty rod here in Fla.
Things are different elsewhere.
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
medium power*On 8/16/2014 at 9:39 PM, kikstand454 said:I think my recommendation for a MH is based on my location. A medium action rod is a specialty rod here in Fla.
Things are different elsewhere.
kikstand454 reply :
^yes that.
"Thas what I said, setting booby traps! "
new2BC4bass reply :
There is a nice review on a combo further down that is within your budget. Sounds pretty good.
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142170-my-review-on-the-shimano-zeles-baitcasting-combo/
SmallTownTexasAngler reply :
Yeah I felt a Sellus 7'2" MH today at Cabela's and it was pretty stiff. I think I'm gonna opt for the 6'10" M-XF but I still need a reel...
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