Recommendation: $300-$400 Baitcasting Combo 2024

johnnytoxin reply :

Hey everybody, just joined the forums but been browsing the site for a while now. I am looking to get my first baitcasting combo and have about $300-$400 to spend. Looking for rods and reels that will work for a variety of presentations and techniques as I can only afford one quality combo right now. Anybody have any recommendations? Thanks.

00 mod reply :

If I were to get one combo to do multiple things in that price range, I would look at a St Croix Avid AVC70MF paired with a Shimano Curado 200e7. Price would be in the range of $170ish for the rod and $150ish for the reel. You are looking at around 320, and spend the other 80 on tackle!

Jeff

PS- Welcome to BR!!

Grey Wolf reply :

On 8/9/2011 at 10:53 PM, 00 mod said:

If I were to get one combo to do multiple things in that price range, I would look at a St Croix Avid AVC70MF paired with a Shimano Curado 200e7. Price would be in the range of $170ish for the rod and $150ish for the reel. You are looking at around 320, and spend the other 80 on tackle!

Jeff

PS- Welcome to BR!!

X2.

tracker01 reply :

Yep, I agree with "oomod". Nice all around set-up.

BrianinMD reply :

A lot will be up to personal choice, if you can visit a tackle store where you can hold different combinations. What feels good to one person may not feel as good to another. A 7ft to 7ft 6in MH rod with a fast action covers most fishing scenerio's.

My personal choice would be a Dobyns SS743C and a Revo STX.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

Your budget puts you at price points with lots of good options. Scew the budget towards the rod, especially if it will be used for jigs, plastics... 7' Med Hvy / Fast action. Get the highest end rod you can and match it with a decent reel. The St Croix Avid line is a good starting point. ABU, Shimano and Daiwa all have good reels in the $100> range. Don't be afraid to consider slightly used either.

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Dobyns Champion 733C - On sale at Cabelas for $199.99, reg $249.99

Pflueger Patriarch - On sale at tackle Warehouse for $149.99 reg $199.99 w free shipping. Academy has this price too.

You get some value here by getting a $450 rig for $350. I have this same setup but with a Champion 703C. Its a great rig and a beautiful one too. I kissed her the day I brought her home!

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 12:27 AM, Midnight Splash2 said:

Dobyns Champion 733C - On sale at Cabelas for $199.99, reg $249.99

Pflueger Patriarch - On sale at tackle Warehouse for $149.99 reg $199.99 w free shipping. Academy has this price too.

You get some value here by getting a $450 rig for $350. I have this same setup but with a Champion 703C. Its a great rig and a beautiful one too. I kissed her the day I brought her home!

That'd be one good combo. With my current favorite combo in mind I'd recommend a Curado 50E or 200E, both on closeout and great reels, and a Cumara 7'2 MH-F.

Dwight Hottle reply :

Take a look at the combo for sale by Shimanogloomis man in the fishing flea market forum.

baluga reply :

If I can only have one with that budget, I'd go with Curado 50e on Cumara Reaction 6'3" Heavy Fast Action.

For me this one is pretty versatile, I can use it for working:

1. topwater - spook walk the dog,

2. jerkbait - luckycraft fm110, ima lures

3. small hard plastic swimbait between 3" to 5" - sebile, luckycraft.

4. paddle tail swimbait (3" to 5") with leadhead 1/4 - 1/2 oz.

The only thing I don't do with it is drop shooting.

Oh yeah, glue a nickle and a quarter on the butt end with shoe goo for better good balance the stick a quarter size felt slide for soft cover.

jmed999 reply :

Get the following...

-A 6'-6" MH Duckett casting rod for about 160

-A Shimano Curado 200E7 (they are 139 at Tackle Warehouse)

You will not be disappointed with this setup!

johnnytoxin reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 3:28 AM, jmed999 said:

Get the following...

-A 6'-6" MH Duckett casting rod for about 160

-A Shimano Curado 200E7 (they are 139 at Tackle Warehouse)

You will not be disappointed with this setup!

Hmmm, those Ducketts seem pretty cool, are they made in the USA? How do they compare with the St. Croix Avid series?

Diablos reply :

There's a lot of really good choices in that price range.

If I was shopping for myself right now I'd probably get a Loomis GL2 7'1" jig&worm rod $200 paired with a Lew's Tournament Pro Speed $179

Whatever you get I'm sure you'll have buyers remorse I always do

WCCT reply :

I would go with a Dobyn's hands down. Either the 703 or 733 Champion. As far as reels go, a lot of guys on here really like the Shimano's, but I prefer the Daiwa's. I even like my Quantum Smoke, but it is a hair noisy. It's all preference.

BASSclary reply :

Falcon Cara T7. ~$ 200.

Daiwa Aggrest. ~$179.

Great combo

boystcroix reply :

Go with the St. Croix LTB 7' MF and the 200e7

johnnytoxin reply :

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions, I think I'm gonna go with the Shimano Curado for reels. As far as rods, I cant decide between the St Croix Avid, Duckett, and Falcon Cara T7. Man this is difficult.........more suggestions welcomed

LuckyHandsINC. reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 7:32 AM, johnnytoxin said:

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions, I think I'm gonna go with the Shimano Curado for reels. As far as rods, I cant decide between the St Croix Avid, Duckett, and Falcon Cara T7. Man this is difficult.........more suggestions welcomed

somebody mentioned the cumara earlier but it didn't make the cut here. I don't know if you forgot about it or just don't like it but if it was just forgetting definitely keep it in mind. I can't say enough good things about these rods absolutely love them.

tomustang reply :

Avid/Curado E is such a nice combo

Packard reply :

You can get the Avid for $150 on Gander Mountain's Website with the $20 off code. (Just search for GM Coupon codes on google) It also has free shipping.

hookingem reply :

Here's a "reel" deal http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/90872-shimano-curado-200e7/page__pid__1018171#entry1018171 :D

Midnight Splash2 reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 9:35 AM, hookingem said:

Here's a "reel" deal http://www.bassresou...71#entry1018171 :D

Johnnytoxin, take note of the rod he is wanting. Im just sayin. I owned two Avids before my Dobyns Champion and to me there is no comparison. The sensitivity is quite a bit better on the Champion then the Avid. The Avid was a little tip heavy while the Champion is so balanced it almost floats in your hand and its just overall a more joy to fish with. Here is the setup that I recommended earlier.

hookingem reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 10:22 AM, Midnight Splash2 said:

Johnnytoxin, take note of the rod he is wanting. Im just sayin. I owned two Avids before my Dobyns Champion and to me there is no comparison. The sensitivity is quite a bit better on the Champion then the Avid. The Avid was a little tip heavy while the Champion is so balanced it almost floats in your hand and its just overall a more joy to fish with. Here is the setup that I recommended earlier.

Wanna sell me that rod lol :D :D

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Not a chance. We sleep together when I kick the old lady on the couch. I would leave her though if you trade me a Dobyns DX743C SH Extreme with your Curado for that setup^^^

Ill even throw in a $50 Academy gift card and my old lady.

hookingem reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 10:48 AM, Midnight Splash2 said:

Not a chance. We sleep together when I kick the old lady on the couch. I would leave her though if you trade me a Dobyns DX743C SH Extreme with your Curado for that setup^^^

Ill even throw in a $50 Academy gift card and my old lady.

:lol: :lol: They are on sale at Cabela's right now for 199$, so If I sell the Curado I think I am going to splurge

s13john reply :

i really like that patriarch .....

id get a champion and a 50e

gobig reply :

I agree with the currado 200e suggestion but for the rod I would look at the lamiglass excels they are great rods for the price. If you can wait until labor day weekend you should be able to get two set ups for $400. Tackle warehouse and bass tackle depot will run 15 to 20% off. Why pay retail?

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Yep get a Dobyns Exteme DX743 for around $265 at 20% off plus free shipping. Buy Hookingems reel for 110 now. $375 will get you the BLING BLING setup for the price you would pay for the rod at regular price with tax. The Curado on a Extreme is beautiful and about as sensitive as you can get unless you want to pay $450 for an NRX. But those never go on sale.....

johnnytoxin reply :

Haha man you guys are making this hard!

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Just dont short yourself on the rod....Spend as much money there as you can....It will save you in the long run.

Fat-G reply :

DOBYNS. Hands down the most comfortable rod you will ever fish. Champion blows an Avid out of the water. I just ordered a Savvy to see how their lowest offer is. It gets here Thursday. I'm sure I will be VERY satisfied. I probably won't buy a rod other than Dobyns from here on out. I think my Champion blows my Cumara away, and I really enjoy fishing Cumaras.

Midnight Splash2 reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 12:52 PM, Fat-G said:

DOBYNS. Hands down the most comfortable rod you will ever fish. Champion blows an Avid out of the water. I just ordered a Savvy to see how their lowest offer is. It gets here Thursday. I'm sure I will be VERY satisfied. I probably won't buy a rod other than Dobyns from here on out. I think my Champion blows my Cumara away, and I really enjoy fishing Cumaras.

I feel the same way about Dobyns. Not to mention the customer service I have encountered has been awesome. Ill go ahead and say it. I think the Avid is a good rod but its a bit over hyped on this forum. It cost me some money to realize that but I appreciate my Dobyns more now.

gobig reply :

johnnytoxin reply :

Did some research on Dobyns and saw that they are made in Korea. You guys that fish them seem to be pretty happy with them. Has anyone ever had any quality control issues with them?

Catt reply :

Last year’s model Shimano Citica CI200E $99.99

Last year’s model Shimano Crucial Casting Rods $119.99

For $220 you will be hard pressed to beat either

ChiCityBasser reply :

The Cabelas XMLTi rod normally $199 now on sale for $140 and of course the reel of your choice.

Quillback reply :

If you're going to get a high end rod, be sure and check out the warranty. I had an issue with a Dobyns Extreme, insert came out of the tip. I emailed Dobyns and they got me a new tip in the mail ASAP and it was free. Also sent me detailed instruction on how to change out the tip, and a number to call if I needed further help. I'm confident that if I have any other issues with any of my other Dobyns rods, they will do all they can to make it right.

Catt reply :

In 2007 I bought a Shimano Crucial CRC-X610MH from Academy Sports & Outdoors; they have long since quit selling them and I had lost the receipt. Last month I broke the rod (totally my fault); I took it to a local tackle shop who replaced it for free. Shimano Crucial’s have a life time warranty; not all Shimano rods do.

I’ve owned almost all of them so I can tell you the Crucial’s sensitivity will scare you!

wormycrm99 reply :

There are alot of good choices in this price range and alot of good suggestions on here. For a good all around set up I would recomend a 6'6" to 7' mh Duckett rod and a Lews Tournament Pro reel with a 6.4:1 gear ratio. You can substitute with some of the above mentioned brands but I would stick with my length, action, and gear ratio recomendations for a general, all around setup.

breezy reply :

On 8/10/2011 at 12:52 PM, Fat-G said:

DOBYNS. Hands down the most comfortable rod you will ever fish. Champion blows an Avid out of the water. I just ordered a Savvy to see how their lowest offer is. It gets here Thursday. I'm sure I will be VERY satisfied. I probably won't buy a rod other than Dobyns from here on out. I think my Champion blows my Cumara away, and I really enjoy fishing Cumaras.

I hate to make statements like that because I think it makes me look like a Dobyns fanboy but IMO it's very true. Sensitive, good variety of rods, lifetime warranty...and most of all very well balanced! This is something I paid little attention to until the past few years and it can make all the difference in the world. A well-balanced rod feels so much better in hand and is less tiring fishing all day; it's a night and day difference going back/forth between some rods. Savvy rods are great and I would have no problem picking more up if that's what my price range was.

On 8/10/2011 at 9:26 PM, johnnytoxin said:

Did some research on Dobyns and saw that they are made in Korea. You guys that fish them seem to be pretty happy with them. Has anyone ever had any quality control issues with them?

What isn't made in Korea, Malaysia, China etc anymore? The blanks are supposedly made in the same factory as two other very high-end rod manufacturers, and as long as I'm satisfied with the product it doesn't matter where it was manufactured. I can only speak for the 4 that I own but I have had no issues; also see very few QC complaints online. If you do get a rod with an issue I'm sure they would make it right.

Back to the original question...I would shop around and buy used! With $400, if you shop around, you could pick up a used Dobyns Extreme and a used Zillion/Alphas/Sol/Fuego/etc and that would be one serious combo. Get a used Champion instead and you could put another $60-$80 towards a reel or buy some lures. If you buy new you're looking at a Savvy + $200 MSRP reel for that price range. Not that the Savvy is a bad rod by any means, but both the Champ and Champ Extreme are obviously better.

Regardless of the brand I would be looking at a casting rod around 7' and either MH or H power. I would personally recommend a 733c or 734c depending on cover and weights you'll be throwing. For primarily 3/8oz and under or light cover go with the 733, if you'll be using 1/2oz+ or fishing in cover go with the 734.

Fat-G reply :

On 8/11/2011 at 5:35 AM, breezy said:

x3

I hate to make statements like that because I think it makes me look like a Dobyns fanboy but IMO it's very true. Sensitive, good variety of rods, lifetime warranty...and most of all very well balanced! This is something I paid little attention to until the past few years and it can make all the difference in the world. A well-balanced rod feels so much better in hand and is less tiring fishing all day; it's a night and day difference going back/forth between some rods. Savvy rods are great and I would have no problem picking more up if that's what my price range was.

What isn't made in Korea, Malaysia, China etc anymore? The blanks are supposedly made in the same factory as two other very high-end rod manufacturers, and as long as I'm satisfied with the product it doesn't matter where it was manufactured. I can only speak for the 4 that I own but I have had no issues; also see very few QC complaints online. If you do get a rod with an issue I'm sure they would make it right.

Back to the original question...I would shop around and buy used! With $400, if you shop around, you could pick up a used Dobyns Extreme and a used Zillion/Alphas/Sol/Fuego/etc and that would be one serious combo. Get a used Champion instead and you could put another $60-$80 towards a reel or buy some lures. If you buy new you're looking at a Savvy + $200 MSRP reel for that price range. Not that the Savvy is a bad rod by any means, but both the Champ and Champ Extreme are obviously better.

Regardless of the brand I would be looking at a casting rod around 7' and either MH or H power. I would personally recommend a 733c or 734c depending on cover and weights you'll be throwing. For primarily 3/8oz and under or light cover go with the 733, if you'll be using 1/2oz+ or fishing in cover go with the 734.

The thing is, I could have gotten a DX, but I was more interested in trying the Savvy line first. Many DX rods are in my future.

roadwarrior reply :

I would be patient. Curado 200E7 or 50E for around $100,

G. Loomis GLX MBR844C for ~$250. Our Flea Market is awesome!

johnnytoxin reply :

Ok, after driving myself crazy trying to figure out what to get, I have decided to increase my budget to $600, would you guys still recommend getting a Dobyns extreme and using the rest of the money toward a better reel than the curado? Or should I look at an even higher quality rod and still get the curado?

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Now you have way more options. Keep in mind Labor Day is right around the corner. Tackle Warehouse and Bass Tackle Depot have 15-20% off sales on most items. The Dobyns rods have been included in the past. Im not sure if Daiwa reels are included. Maybe someone here could chime in on that. If they are included this is what I would do if you can spend 50 dollars more.

Daiwa Steez $499 reg. $400 with discount "if available on sale"

http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Steez_Ultra_Magnesium_Casting_Reels/descpage-DSHCR.html

Dobyns Extreme DX743 or DX744 depending on cover your fishing $319 reg. $255 with discount

$655 total. Free Shipping. No Tax (as long as your not in CA)

You would have one Mac Daddy setup. Thats what I would try to do but thats just me.

roadwarrior reply :

Probably my favorite rig:

G. Loomis GLX MBR842C/ Core 50MG

dude loves to fish reply :

I have several Kistler Micro rods teamed up with the REVO reel. The z bone or the mags hooked up with the revo are awesome combos. These rods are super sensitive and very light. The revo's are just awesome reels.

00 mod reply :

On 8/12/2011 at 6:43 PM, roadwarrior said:

Probably my favorite rig:

G. Loomis GLX MBR842C/ Core 50MG

This!!

Packard reply :

Shimano Core 50MG Reel

Shimano Cumulus Rod

Buy them on the labor day sale if you can.

Fat-G reply :

If you're going to go $600, a Zillion/Champion Extreme would be very hard to beat.

boystcroix reply :

St. Croix Legend Extreme and 200e

BASSclary reply :

[sarcasm] About 30 Shakespeare Ugly Stik's [/sarcasm]

Now that your throwing up the 600 number, Daiwa Zillion for sure, matched with a Dobyns Champion extreme. That will quite honestly be the sexiest combo know to human kind. It'll be so dirty.

johnnytoxin reply :

@basscalRy: Haha that's what I was thinking.

Seriously, dobyns and kistler are around the same price, now I'm torn between those two. So far most of you say dobyns, have any of you tried a kistler also?

Fat-G reply :

Kistler will be tip-heavy, the Dobyns will literally float in your hand!

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Does TW or BTD do the discount on Diawa reels? If so, get the Steez and Extreme. A Dobyns rep told me that he used that setup. He said after filling the reel with floro it weighed just under 10oz. SICK!

johnnytoxin reply :

Ok dobyns it is, I'm considering the daiwa steeze only if I can get a discount because that is a lot of money for a reel. Other reels I'm considering are the shimano core, curado, daiwa zillion, and I saw a couple of mentions of the abu Garcia revo premier, anyone else have any opinions on this reel?

ChiCityBasser reply :

My Kistler isn't tip heavy and it has a Quantum Kinetic mounted on it and I haven't handled a Dobyns.

johnnytoxin reply :

I know of a shop where I can handle a dobyns, does anyone know of a shop in so cal where I can handle a kistler?

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Get a Zillion or a Steez. I would say get a Core but you are limited on the size of line you can put on that reel(just as a 50E). A Steez is light and paired with a Exreme you would be a gangsta. Get it done sale or not. You want "one" setup so do it right or pay later.

Midnight Splash2 reply :

Get the slower retrieve around 26-28".

Midnight Splash2 reply :

On 8/13/2011 at 12:41 PM, johnnytoxin said:

I know of a shop where I can handle a dobyns, does anyone know of a shop in so cal where I can handle a kistler?

Get the Dobyns and decide on the reel. Don't look back!!

Midnight Splash2 reply :

............And thats all I have to say about that

BASSclary reply :

Actually now that I think about it, Go to kistler's website and take a look at maybe getting a custom Z-Bone rod.

They're made on NFC Blanks (Gary Loomis' REAL company) which are basically the holy grail of blanks according to alot of custom rod buiilders.

Will probably run you a lot of money though. Play around with the creator.

LuckyHandsINC. reply :

On 8/13/2011 at 12:17 PM, johnnytoxin said:

Ok dobyns it is, I'm considering the daiwa steeze only if I can get a discount because that is a lot of money for a reel. Other reels I'm considering are the shimano core, curado, daiwa zillion, and I saw a couple of mentions of the abu Garcia revo premier, anyone else have any opinions on this reel?

Everyone seems to be talking you into a zillion. Just cuz its a daiwaw doesn't mean anything. I have a zillion but I haven't fished it all year cuz its way overrated especially for $290. If you could get it cheaper maybe its ok but otherwise you will get better value from anyother brand. I like features that can actually be put down on paper not its better cuz some guy in Japan makes them better. Last but not least I know ill catch a lot of flack but the reels that force the zillion to stay home are all patriarch XT and would trade away my zillion for another one in a heartbeat.

LuckyHandsINC. reply :

A perfect example of a feature that should ALWAYS be on a $290 dollar reel is bearing supported knobs. The zillion does not have them.

rayrock99 reply :

Curado 50E/Powell 783C which u can get for under $300. Good all around setup.

ChiCityBasser reply :

Talk with DVT about a custom rod to go with whatever reel you chose. Sure he can build you something that will met your needs far better than any of the recommendations and still keep you within your budget.

johnnytoxin reply :

DVT?? Delaware Valley Tackle???

Packard reply :

On 8/14/2011 at 9:10 PM, johnnytoxin said:

DVT?? Delaware Valley Tackle???

Yes, you can contact him here.

NBR reply :

There are lots of good options at that range and under. If you don't practice it won't make any difference. I've been doing this for well over 60 years and I still do a little yard work before ice out and if I don't I'll usually pay for it.

johnnytoxin reply :

Ya, after going back and forth I decided to limit my budget to around $300. I don't need a $500 reel. I'm thinking a dobyns rod and either a shimano curado or a lews tournament pro for a reel. Probably gonna wait until labor day to try and get a discount. I plan to practice casting I my @$$ off, even when I'm not fishing. I'm a guitar player and their was a period in my life where I practiced for 8 hours a day everyday, I was obsessed. Now I'm obsessed with fishing! Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

Quillback reply :

A buddy of mine picked up a Curado 50 on sale recently, he swapped out the bearings, put in Boca's, mounted it on a Dobyns 742 Extreme. He let me test cast it yesterday, had an unweighted Zoom Horny toad. 8 lb. test. I threw it half a dozen times, he had it dialed in, I could throw it far, didn't have to thumb the spool, no overruns at all. I was impressed. This may not be the right combo for you and the conditions you fish, but it's a sweet combo.

NorcalBassin reply :

If you were staying in the $600 range, then I would have recommended an NRX and Curado. With the (smart) rebudget, the Dobyns/Curado combo will be great for you. I have a DX743 teamed up with a Curado and absolutely love it. Hopefully whatever you're planning to get is in stock and on sale during TW's Labor Day sale.

johnnytoxin reply :

Just to let you guys know I went with a dobyns dx 703 c and a shimano curado 201e7. Took it out to puddingstone yesterday and I must say I like it a lot. Of course I had a few backlashes being my first time using a baitcaster, but it was fun. I even landed a nice lmb, my first ever out of that lake. Thanks again for all the suggestions

Midnight Splash2 reply :

That setup looks awesome out in the sun. Enjoy.

2135

Recommendation: $300-$400 Baitcasting Combo 2024

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