Help my son spend his money 2025
SuperDuty reply :
So my 14yo son sold a pair of tennis shoes his aunt bought him for Christmas and got $385 out of them. He informed me last night he wants to buy a quality bait caster rod and reel. He's also got like an extra $70 sat back as well for a total of $455. All of this $ doesn't have to be spent on just one rig though, as he could use some to buy some lures or other things. This kid has been obsessed with fishing the past two years and claims his goal is to be a pro fisherman.
What rod/reel would you suggest this young man buy? He's never used a baitcaster before but his sister's husband uses them and now my son wants one so bad he can't stand it.
His use will be for SM & LG throwing a variety of things.
Dens228 reply :
I'd go with a MegaBass Orochi XX Braillist and a Daiwa Tatula SV TW.
LionHeart reply :
$385? Let's talk about those tennis shoes.
For that budget he will not be able to buy top of the line, but some pretty decent gear for sure.
This is a super broad question though, as I'm guessing he is looking to do pretty much everything with one rod and reel setup? This cannot be done. A rod is like a tool, and expecting a rod designed for one purpose to accomplish another is like trying to hammer nails with an open end wrench. It can be done, but better to use a hammer.
A 7 foot, medium heavy rod is probably the most widely recommended rod because it is the swiss army knife of fishing rods. It should be able to handle lure weights from 1/4-3/4 oz. A 7 gear ratio reel would be my recommendation, it is in my opinion the most versatile reel speed. Unfortunately it isn't like buying most other things. No one manufacturer reigns supreme across all models and purposes. It depends heavily on what techniques one is looking to use.
In fact, the best advice I can give would be to consult his sister's husband and let him guide your boy through this process.
NYWayfarer reply :
Lew’s Pro TI baitcaster and the Lew’s TP1 Black speed stick.
That’s my combo and it’s sexy as hell. Because we all know 14 year olds care about how their stuff looks as well as how it performs.
Who am I kidding, so do grown men. We are all 14 years old at heart.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 9:38 PM, LionHeart said:$385? Let's talk about those tennis shoes.
For that budget he will not be able to buy top of the line, but some pretty decent gear for sure.
This is a super broad question though, as I'm guessing he is looking to do pretty much everything with one rod and reel setup? This cannot be done. A rod is like a tool, and expecting a rod designed for one purpose to accomplish another is like trying to hammer nails with an open end wrench. It can be done, but better to use a hammer.
A 7 foot, medium heavy rod is probably the most widely recommended rod because it is the swiss army knife of fishing rods. It should be able to handle lure weights from 1/4-3/4 oz. A 7 gear ratio reel would be my recommendation, it is in my opinion the most versatile reel speed. Unfortunately it isn't like buying most other things. No one manufacturer reigns supreme across all models and purposes. It depends heavily on what techniques one is looking to use.
In fact, the best advice I can give would be to consult his sister's husband and let him guide your boy through this process.
Thanks man. Yeah I know you really need to match your setup to what you're fishing with and for But, I figure he can start off with one that will do everything ok and allow him to enter into the baitcasting world and how to use them. Later on he can start getting more specific on what he buys.
And no his sister's husband isn't the sharpest tool in the shed and not anyone I'd wanna go to for fishing advice, or any advice lol. Nice guy but he half ***** everything he does. Puts more effort into video gaming than anything else in life. But that's a different story.
My son enjoys bass fishing the most and just wants his first bait caster. I'm mainly looking for what model reel and rod ro look at and I can help him narrow down the rods length and action. I've read a lot about the tatula ct reels and thought those may be a good starting point for him. But I've got no clue on rods as I've always just bought Ugly Stiks and called it a day. I'm thinking a $100-150 for the rod would get him into something decent.
Don't know anything about the tennis shoes. She bought all my kids and their girlfiends/husbands these shoes and I guess they were like $800 a pair. My boys only wear boots so they sold theirs.
LionHeart reply :
Gotcha. Send the young man here. Let him seek the answers himself. It is sweet that you are trying to help him out, and IMO bass fishing is an excellent healthy hobby for a 14 yo, but It may be more productive if he comes here and seeks advice himself.
onenutinthewater reply :
Is the aunt single?
(Asking for a friend)
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 10:07 PM, LionHeart said:Gotcha. Send the young man here. Let him seek the answers himself. It is sweet that you are trying to help him out, and IMO bass fishing is an excellent healthy hobby for a 14 yo, but It may be more productive if he comes here and seeks advice himself.
He can't get off the xbox long enough to research anything. That's why dad is here researching for him.
He's got cystic fibrosis so I try to keep him as active as possible. He's an active kid and most kids his age with CF have already lost a large percentage of their lung capacity by his age but, thank god his are still at 90% and he's doing well.
He and I will be getting kayaks this spring and start doing a lot more fishing. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him active and extend his life.
On 1/19/2020 at 10:49 PM, onenutinthewater said:Is the aunt single?
(Asking for a friend)
Your friend couldn't afford her lol
Quarry Man reply :
7.3:1 Daiwa Tatulal SV, or if he is smaller as a kid, consider the Tatula Ct model as the eel Fram is smaller and would make it easier to hold. SV is better than CT but both great reels.
7'0" MH Fast Dobyns Sierra
30 lb braid
this will do everything he need and is a great setup, especially for a beginner
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 11:13 PM, Quarry Man said:7.3:1 Daiwa Tatulal SV, or if he is smaller as a kid, consider the Tatula Ct model as the eel Fram is smaller and would make it easier to hold. SV is better than CT but both great reels.
7'0" MH Fast Dobyns Sierra
30 lb braid
this will do everything he need and is a great setup, especially for a beginner
Yeah due to his disease he is a tiny little feller. thanks for the feedback
TigerBassAU reply :
As someone who works with teenagers daily, I have found they can tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet. Unless your son is really protective and takes "really" good care of his property, I would not put a lot of money in a rod!
If I was starting today with nothing and with his budget, I would buy 2 Shimano SLX combos (6'10" medium with 6 ratio reel and 7'2" Med Hvy with 7 ratio reel) for around $130 each online and use rest to buy tackle, line, a spinning combo, etc. Those are $200 combos each if bought separately and should cover a lot of fishing applications. I am assuming he will be fishing from the bank mostly (no boat) and your location up north due to targeting small mouth also.
If he has a good amount of tackle already then Lews has some really good value combos from the mach $140ish up to the $270ish custom black. If I was only to get 1 combo here, I would go with the 7' custom black medium combo if up north or Med Heavy combo if in south.
Most important shop around, you do not always have to pay retail price if you look enough!
Well I typed this above and posted before getting the additional info about CF, I would have approached it differently if I had known beforehand. My apologizes if comment about teenagers seems insensitive considering newly developed information. Regardless, I still stand behind my recommendations!
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 11:45 PM, TigerBassAU said:As someone who works with teenagers daily, I have found they can tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet. Unless your son is really protective and takes "really" good care of his property, I would not put a lot of money in a rod!
If I was starting today with nothing and with his budget, I would buy 2 Shimano SLX combos (6'10" medium with 6 ratio reel and 7'2" Med Hvy with 7 ratio reel) for around $130 each online and use rest to buy tackle, line, a spinning combo, etc. Those are $200 combos each if bought separately and should cover a lot of fishing applications. I am assuming he will be fishing from the bank mostly (no boat) and your location up north due to targeting small mouth also.
If he has a good amount of tackle already then Lews has some really good value combos from the mach $140ish up to the $270ish custom black. If I was only to get 1 combo here, I would go with the 7' custom black medium combo if up north or Med Heavy combo if in south.
Most important shop around, you do not always have to pay retail price if you look enough!
Thank you for the feedback. Yes, my son is extremely anal about taking care of his things. I don't need to worry about him trashing an expensive rod or reel. Now his older brother is the complete opposite.
I don't really want to consider prebuilt combo packages for various reasons. I think buying components individually gives you a better end product. and I am the master of finding the best deals on things. I have an extremely analytical mindset so comparing prices is an obsession.
We will be fishing from kayaks a lot and the bank occasionally.
And yeah he has a very extensive tackle collection but what fisherman doesn't need or want more. He's got several rod/reel combos now but they're all spinning reels. We fish at the very least once a week during the nice months. And we have three quarries behind our home that we walks back to frequently.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 9:40 PM, NYWayfarer said:Lew’s Pro TI baitcaster and the Lew’s TP1 Black speed stick.
That’s my combo and it’s sexy as hell. Because we all know 14 year olds care about how their stuff looks as well as how it performs.
Who am I kidding, so do grown men. We are all 14 years old at heart.
Beautiful reel. $250 at American Legacy ($350 reg.). In 7.5:1 Tempted to get one myself at that price. Reviews are good on the TP-1. I've no experience with either although I do have 3 Lew's casting reels I enjoy.
There are a LOT of excellent options in the $400 range. Sticking with Lew's....your son might consider the Pro LFS-X5 7' MH (reg. $209) paired with the Lew's Tournament Pro LFS ($140 Sportsman's Outfitters, reg. $200).
I like Daiwa. Used Pixy or Alphas. New the Tatula 100 although I've never handled one to know how small they are. The SV spooled reel will be easier to learn on. Hopefully your son could handle one first to see if it fits him.
The Tatula rods are a lot of rod for the money as is the Dobyns Fury. Check out Sportsman's Outfitters for great prices on several models of the Tatula ($100, reg, $150 https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/daiwa-tatula-bass-rods the 6'10" MHF is a good option ).
Just received a Genesis II 7' MHF (the 703C model listed as a Med Heavy All Purpose) that is a sweet looking rod. Light. No idea how it fishes yet, but have high hopes for it.
Witch Doctor is a small company that makes some pretty nice rods. The Voodoo II would run $230-$280 at regular price for a rod suitable as an all purpose for the OP's son. They do run the occasional promotion.
VolFan reply :
I would put a Tatula reel on a Tatula rod or Curado on a Curado on a Curado and spend rest on quality supporting tackle/gear. You can pick how high end you go somewhat in both categories
SuperDuty reply :
I really appreciate everyone's responses! I'm pretty sure I've decided on the Diawa Tatula for both me and him. Not sure which model yet though. Will let him decide which he wants, I'll probably do the ct for me in left hand so I don't have to swap hands after I cast. His favorite color is red and once he seen the red accents,he was sold on the reel.
I've done some reading on the Dobyns Fury and it sounds like a good rod for the price point. I've still gotta do more research before I make a final decision on what I want.
I've been showing my son the discussions here and he says he wants the Dobyns Champion, but he's obviously making that decision because he sees $$ and thinks he'll be cool having such an expensive rod lol. I'm sure it's worth every penny. His money so he can buy what he wants.
While this post was started to help figure out a good starting point for HIM, I also need all the same gear so I guess it's as much for me as it is him.
Hook2Jaw reply :
@SuperDuty, I'm not here to recommend a rod or reel for your son. I just wanted to say that you mentioned going with the Tatula CT. I would recommend you either move down to a Fuego CT or Tatula 100 unless you're opting for a Tatula CT in the 5.5:1.
My reasoning is that the Fuego is almost the same reel at the Tatula CT, can be had for 30 dollars less, and the 100 is more reel and can be had for 10 dollars more.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 12:35 AM, Hook2Jaw said:@SuperDuty, I'm not here to recommend a rod or reel for your son. I just wanted to say that you mentioned going with the Tatula CT. I would recommend you either move down to a Fuego CT or Tatula 100 unless you're opting for a Tatula CT in the 5.5:1.
My reasoning is that the Fuego is almost the same reel at the Tatula CT, can be had for 30 dollars less, and the 100 is more reel and can be had for 10 dollars more.
Good advice and thanks bub!
TigerBassAU reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 12:00 AM, SuperDuty said:Thank you for the feedback. Yes, my son is extremely anal about taking care of his things. I don't need to worry about him trashing an expensive rod or reel. Now his older brother is the complete opposite.
I don't really want to consider prebuilt combo packages for various reasons. I think buying components individually gives you a better end product. and I am the master of finding the best deals on things. I have an extremely analytical mindset so comparing prices is an obsession.
We will be fishing from kayaks a lot and the bank occasionally.
And yeah he has a very extensive tackle collection but what fisherman doesn't need or want more. He's got several rod/reel combos now but they're all spinning reels. We fish at the very least once a week during the nice months. And we have three quarries behind our home that we walks back to frequently.
Well that changes things. I thought you were a parent with no fishing background and the son was just starting the sport.
If I had to pick only "one" bc combo with your budget to fish from bank and kayak I would pick a loomis 783 mbr in imx pro and LEWS TP as mentioned before in a 7 ratio. This is from my personal experience and the best utility rod I know of. I am sure other brands are comparable but this is what I know would fit the bill!
SuperDuty reply :
Thanks but I guess I should say that I'm not at all a fan of Lews reels. Probably should said that from the beginning.
TigerBassAU reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 1:46 AM, SuperDuty said:Thanks but I guess I should say that I'm not at all a fan of Lews reels. Probably should said that from the beginning.
To each their own! That is why there is more than one brand! I would prefer the 783 mbr in GLX also. But budgets are budgets and it depends on the deals that can be had. I know most premium rods have a 40-60% markup and 30%-40% on reels. I got a glx 853 with aldebaran mgl new for not much more than your budget. So it is very possible to get a different reel that meets your liking. Good luck!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 1:46 AM, SuperDuty said:Thanks but I guess I should say that I'm not at all a fan of Lews reels. Probably should said that from the beginning.
New Okuma Helios Air no longer in production $190.79 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Okuma-HP-Helios-Air-Left-Handed-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Reel-Freshwater-HM-273LX-/401260645605?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0
Review of it. http://tackletour.com/reviewdokumaheliosair.html
I was impressed with my very first cast with one. Bought a second. Review on this site.
https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/helios-air-review.html
Okuma and Pflueger often get overlooked. I've always felt I got good value for my money with both companies. Take a look at the Okuma Helios SX. I found it for as low as $169.81 in LH 7.3:1 ratio. Mine is still in its box. 
LH Supreme XT for $92.99 on Amazon. Great price on a very nice reel. Another Pflueger...$120 for $200 reel. https://store.radvandamwarehouse.com/patriarch-71lp-711-left-hand-low-profile-bait-cast-reel-by-pflueger-p5422.aspx?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiOj7_KiQ5wIVJIVaBR1NJwhjEAQYAyABEgKz3_D_BwE
Another of my reels still sitting in a box. 
I have the older blue Patriarch XT. Run brakes lower on it than probably any other reel I own. Nice looking and a tough finish.
Reels sit on shelf not because I don't like them, but because I am short rods to pair with them. Love my Exsence DC, but a 2nd also sits for that reason so you see I am not benching a reel just because it might not measure up.
I also have to admit I own more Daiwas than any other brand, but a couple of them are also sitting unused for the time being.
Jig Man reply :
You might want to shorten his learning curve by getting a digitally controlled reel like the Shimano Curado dc. He wouldn’t be having backlashes.
kayaking_kev reply :
I was going to recommend the Dobyns Champion 734c, as it's the best all around Dobyns rod, but if it's too long for him, then the 703c is also a good all around rod.
I see you are set on a Tatula, but a Champion and a Shimano SLX XT or DC look awesome together with the blue on blue.
Dobyns has some Refurbished Champions for around $180 on their website and American Legacy has a SLX XT for $105 in their used section.
Quarry Man reply :
The tatula ct 7.3:1 is red, the Attila ct type r has even more red and is a lil bit nicer, both great reels
Not the length power and action I’d recommend for just one setup but if your son is set in red, the falcon Lowrider 20, old model specifically, would go great with either reel.
that being said I love the Dobyns fury as it is a great rod for its price. I also love the Sierra, might be worth the upgrade but that’s up two you. Either will work great.
id recommend a 7’mh, and a 7.3:1 with 30 lb braid. It’s the most versatile. Braid floats and is stiff and strong
dodgeguy reply :
On 1/19/2020 at 9:40 PM, NYWayfarer said:Lew’s Pro TI baitcaster and the Lew’s TP1 Black speed stick.
That’s my combo and it’s sexy as hell. Because we all know 14 year olds care about how their stuff looks as well as how it performs.
Who am I kidding, so do grown men. We are all 14 years old at heart.
I second that.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 12:04 AM, new2BC4bass said:Beautiful reel. $250 at American Legacy ($350 reg.). In 7.5:1 Tempted to get one myself at that price. Reviews are good on the TP-1. I've no experience with either although I do have 3 Lew's casting reels I enjoy.
There are a LOT of excellent options in the $400 range. Sticking with Lew's....your son might consider the Pro LFS-X5 7' MH (reg. $209) paired with the Lew's Tournament Pro LFS ($140 Sportsman's Outfitters, reg. $200).
I like Daiwa. Used Pixy or Alphas. New the Tatula 100 although I've never handled one to know how small they are. The SV spooled reel will be easier to learn on. Hopefully your son could handle one first to see if it fits him.
The Tatula rods are a lot of rod for the money as is the Dobyns Fury. Check out Sportsman's Outfitters for great prices on several models of the Tatula ($100, reg, $150 https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/daiwa-tatula-bass-rods the 6'10" MHF is a good option ).
Just received a Genesis II 7' MHF (the 703C model listed as a Med Heavy All Purpose) that is a sweet looking rod. Light. No idea how it fishes yet, but have high hopes for it.
Witch Doctor is a small company that makes some pretty nice rods. The Voodoo II would run $230-$280 at regular price for a rod suitable as an all purpose for the OP's son. They do run the occasional promotion.
I know the OP isn’t a fan of Lew’s reels but $250 for a Pro TI is a great price. I got mine for $234 and a price match at DSG. Light, strong with a titanium finish, Winn grip knobs and an external centrifugal braking system it is quality.
Considering you get a $100 Lew’s jacket with the rebate upon purchasing the reel the deal is even sweeter. The jacket is awesome as well. Fleece lined and water resistant. It is on par with my jacket from Columbia.
NathanDLTH reply :
Look at the new Tatula Elite SV or Tatula Elite and pair that with a Tatula Elite 7'3 MH
garroyo130 reply :
Invest in some literature while youre at it. May not be as exciting as fishing equipment but a good book on fishing is a great way to make the sport more enjoyable, especially for younger anglers.
DanielG reply :
On 1/20/2020 at 10:16 AM, garroyo130 said:Invest in some literature while youre at it. May not be as exciting as fishing equipment but a good book on fishing is a great way to make the sport more enjoyable, especially for younger anglers.
Good idea... suggest getting it digitally on Amazon. Usually half the price and it sounds like he's plenty screen broken in so he'd probably prefer it that way.
I'm sure whatever you settle on will work well and set him up for some good open water time with you. Good luck!
Revival reply :
Instead of getting one combo, with that budget I would get 2.
I would recommend a Dobyns Fury 703 and 704 and two Daiwa Tatula CT or Fuego reels.
Derek1 reply :
If you’re anywhere near a bass pro, check out the carbonlite 2.0 currado k combo they sell for $269. It’s a quality setup he can get in a 6’6”. Also it looks great and leaves room to buy other things. You could go m or mh and do allot things with it. The currado will take him less then a week to get rolling on.
SuperDuty reply :
Lots of great advice here everyone. I appreciate y'all taking the time to give me your input. He said he's made up his mind on both now. He's going to buy the Curado DC and he picked the Shimano Zodius rod. I've not seen that rod mentioned here but hopefully it's a good rod.
I think the DC was a good choice for him to help him get fishing easier however, I also think maybe learning how to use a baitcaster without the technology helping him may have been better. But it's his money. And it is a very nice reel.
I'm going to get the Tatula 100 and the Dobyns Fury for my setup.
new2BC4bass reply :
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