Upgrading to a higher end spinning setup- 2024
BroIncarnate reply :
Hey guys!
I've been fishing for bass for about 4-5 months now (4 years of catfishing) and am wanting to upgrade from my 7ft Med/Fast Ugly Stik Gx2/2500 Shimano Sienna combo. I was wondering what you guys think the next step up should be? Things to note:
-I primarily bank fish, might plan to buy a kayak soon-- usually fishing ponds, creeks, rivers or lakes-- I make it out to saltwater 2-4 times a year but have a Penn Battle II that I use for that type of fishing
-I am usually fishing weighted or weightless TX rig (senkos, baby brush hogs), ned rigs, finesse jigs but also plan to throw small cranks like KVD 1.0 to 1.5 or 1/2oz Rat-L-Traps
-I am trying to stick around $150-$200 for rod and maybe $100-$200 for reel? (may go more on reel?)
I just want to see what suggestions you guys have. I tried to give as much info as I could about what kinda fishing that I do.
I am loving the heck out of bass fishing compared to the usual cat fishing that I started out with--
Thanks so much!!
-Chris
The Bassman reply :
On 2/19/2019 at 4:22 PM, BroIncarnate said:Hey guys!
I've been fishing for bass for about 4-5 months now (4 years of catfishing) and am wanting to upgrade from my 7ft Med/Fast Ugly Stik Gx2/2500 Shimano Sienna combo. I was wondering what you guys think the next step up should be? Things to note:
-I primarily bank fish, might plan to buy a kayak soon-- usually fishing ponds, creeks, rivers or lakes-- I make it out to saltwater 2-4 times a year but have a Penn Battle II that I use for that type of fishing
-I am usually fishing weighted or weightless TX rig (senkos, baby brush hogs), ned rigs, finesse jigs but also plan to throw small cranks like KVD 1.0 to 1.5 or 1/2oz Rat-L-Traps
-I am trying to stick around $100-$150 for rod and maybe $80-$150 for reel? (may go more on reel?)
I just want to see what suggestions you guys have. I tried to give as much info as I could about what kinda fishing that I do.
I am loving the heck out of bass fishing compared to the usual cat fishing that I started out with--
Thanks so much!!
-Chris
You've got lots to choose from. I fish Shimano Stradic CI4's but at your price point I'm impressed by Daiwa's LT platform (Fuego 2500LT on e-bay under 80.00). I fish banks, too and am most comfortable with rods under 6'6" in varying powers according to technique. I've actually been pleased in the past with modestly priced Cabela's house brands. You'll get plenty of suggestions here but most guys will try to steer you to something longer. Most important to me is that it's not tip heavy. I don't like to buy rods without handling them first. Like you a lot of my past experience was line watching for cats, etc. Bass fishing (for me) makes for a much more entertaining, interactive pursuit. Welcome to the forums and enjoy. There's no turning back. LOL
Derek1 reply :
Bps carbonlite 2.0 m/f and a shimamo nasci 2500. $220 total price. Great rod, great balance. I also fish of the bank and like 6’6”. Pretty sensitive with a soft enough tip to play with some moving baits. I really like it for the price. Great for weightless/lightly weighted plastics, some topwater stuff and small cranks. It really is a nice all around spinning setup.
brophog reply :
The first thing you have to ask yourself is what is it you don’t like about your current reel. For bass fishing, there’s a huge range of spinning reels that work.
new2BC4bass reply :
I prefer 7' or longer baitcast rods, but when it comes to spinning rods I prefer shorter. I don't have any of the new Tatula models (and only casting in the old model), but they offer a 6'6" MF rated 1/8-3/4 oz. right at your upper limit (if you pay full price). The older model Tatula rods were excellent buys. One of the best in their price range AFAIC.
Dobyns has a 6'6" MF in the Fury line and a 6'9" MF in the Sierra line. Both lines are very well liked around here. TW is closing out the Powell Nusance and have one 6'10" M-EF left. St. Croix has the Bass X 6'8" M-EF. This size and action St. Croix is loved by many around here....although many are using that rod from a different St. Croix line.
I really like my Daiwa BG. Can find a good deal on them occasionally on ebay. They are a bit heavier, tho. Daiwa offers several other models in your price range. The Pflueger President is often mentioned here. I have the older XT model. Nice reel. You might want to upgrade to the Supreme or Supreme XT.
You have an awful lot of choices in that price range. Narrowing the field to just one is tough. Good luck, and be sure to let us know which way you went.
ResoKP reply :
The new Daiwa Tatula spinning rods seem nice.
Likely picking up a 6'10" M/XF (TTU610MXS) or 7' M/F (TTU701MFS) for the SO.
I handled the new KAGE series as well but I liked these Tatula rods better.
Allen Der reply :
my suggestion is to keep using your ugly stick for the cranks and spinnerbaits. then get something light and sensitive for plastics. something like a pflueger supreme or president XT size 30, matched with a St Croix Premier 6'6" Medium fast. you could go with a mojo or bass x but those are technique specific rods. the premier is a nice all around rod you can use for plastics, topwater, jerkbaits.
BroIncarnate reply :
On 2/19/2019 at 11:09 PM, Allen Der said:my suggestion is to keep using your ugly stick for the cranks and spinnerbaits. then get something light and sensitive for plastics. something like a pflueger supreme or president XT size 30, matched with a St Croix Premier 6'6" Medium fast. you could go with a mojo or bass x but those are technique specific rods. the premier is a nice all around rod you can use for plastics, topwater, jerkbaits.
Yeah I was kinda thinking of a mojo bass spinning but I don't see the technique specifics for each rod when I go to their site-- I also have an 6'6 Med/Fast Ugly Stik GX2 that I use as a second rod. May raise my rod budget to $200, that shimano zodas looks sexy with a stradic ci4, lol!
Other reels that had my attention were the Fuego LT and the Daiwa BG.
waymont reply :
Another Tatula fan here. The new Tatula cork grip spinning rod in 6'6" or 6'8" both are medium power, fast action rods.
Match with a Tatula LT 3000 reel.
Largies4Life reply :
If you are wanting to possibly spend more on the reel, I would suggest taking a look at the Daiwa Tatula LT. Can be had on eBay for around $130-$140. If you do go the St. Croix route, I would suggest getting into your local Cabelas/BPS, etc. and putting these reels onto the rods and then seeing how they feel before you make a decision either way.
evilcatfish reply :
Admittedly, I’m more of a casting guy, but have been really impressed with my Daiwa Legalis so far. Honestly, this reel has far exceeded my expectations and performs well beyond its price point. Mine is paired with a major craft nano ace rod, which is also an excellent value
Preytorien reply :
I upgraded my river wading setup to a Zodias 6'10" with a Shimano Sustain and it's a joy to fish with. It's always smooth and just works every single time I use it. It's one of those things that's nothing fancy, but it's just a pleasure to fish with day in and day out. Sensitive, well balanced, nice looking, perfectly working. I love it. There's just something about using a rig that works well in your hands.
BroIncarnate reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 3:11 AM, Preytorien said:I upgraded my river wading setup to a Zodias 6'10" with a Shimano Sustain and it's a joy to fish with. It's always smooth and just works every single time I use it. It's one of those things that's nothing fancy, but it's just a pleasure to fish with day in and day out. Sensitive, well balanced, nice looking, perfectly working. I love it. There's just something about using a rig that works well in your hands.
I was definitely looking at getting the Shimano Zodias and slapping it with a Stradic Ci4+-- Now this thread has me thinking of other options-- I've never tried Daiwa gear but it looks like I am leaning towards Zodias/Stradic or the St. Croix Mojo Bass (7'1" M/F PLASTICS or 6'8" M/ZF WACKY STYLE)-- not sure if those would be good in general since I mostly fish soft plastics and small cranks-- which per a previous recommendation , I can leave the small cranks to my 6'6 M Gx2/Sienna
On 2/20/2019 at 12:15 AM, Largies4Life said:If you are wanting to possibly spend more on the reel, I would suggest taking a look at the Daiwa Tatula LT. Can be had on eBay for around $130-$140. If you do go the St. Croix route, I would suggest getting into your local Cabelas/BPS, etc. and putting these reels onto the rods and then seeing how they feel before you make a decision either way.
I'll def go into a BPS and see what feels good-- for some reason I really wanna try a ST CROIX and I hear so much about the mojo bass that it's hard to not wanna try it, haha. Though the Tatula really does look nice.
BroIncarnate reply :
On 2/19/2019 at 10:43 PM, new2BC4bass said:I prefer 7' or longer baitcast rods, but when it comes to spinning rods I prefer shorter. I don't have any of the new Tatula models (and only casting in the old model), but they offer a 6'6" MF rated 1/8-3/4 oz. right at your upper limit (if you pay full price). The older model Tatula rods were excellent buys. One of the best in their price range AFAIC.
Dobyns has a 6'6" MF in the Fury line and a 6'9" MF in the Sierra line. Both lines are very well liked around here. TW is closing out the Powell Nusance and have one 6'10" M-EF left. St. Croix has the Bass X 6'8" M-EF. This size and action St. Croix is loved by many around here....although many are using that rod from a different St. Croix line.
I really like my Daiwa BG. Can find a good deal on them occasionally on ebay. They are a bit heavier, tho. Daiwa offers several other models in your price range. The Pflueger President is often mentioned here. I have the older XT model. Nice reel. You might want to upgrade to the Supreme or Supreme XT.
You have an awful lot of choices in that price range. Narrowing the field to just one is tough. Good luck, and be sure to let us know which way you went.
Really great info-- The Dobyns is a new option I haven't given much thought and i've used a 7 ft gx2 for specs/bass/cats/shark/flounder and so it is really hard to part with the length but it seems a lot of bank guys here are recommending 6'6" or 6'8" so I may swap it up-- and I have been snagging on trees lately at the creeks so maybe it will be nice.
Largies4Life reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 3:34 AM, BroIncarnate said:I'll def go into a BPS and see what feels good-- for some reason I really wanna try a ST CROIX and I hear so much about the mojo bass that it's hard to not wanna try it, haha. Though the Tatula really does look nice.
I'm in the same exact boat my friend (except hearing so much on the LTB's)! There's a fishing expo near me this weekend and St. Croix will be there so I'm hoping I can get a good show deal on one!
waymont reply :
If balance is important to you the mojo bass rods are a little tip heavy. Daiwa tatula and Dobyns have a better feel. All are nice rods though.
MickD reply :
Every outfit has different strengths and weaknesses. You need to define your priorities. If distance is one (It would be for me if I'm fishing from shore) then go longer, up to 7 1/2 feet, fast action, power to match the weight of the lures you will use. I like the comment about going for a finesse outfit, keeping your current one.
But the 7 1/2 footer most likely will not balance as well as a 6 1/2 footer. With finesse your tip will be up a lot, so maybe not so important.
If sensitivity is one high priority consider using 10 pound braid either with or without an FC leader. This will enhance distance casting , too.
You can get some very nice spinning reels for well less than $200. Everything Daiwa is top notch. For spinning, especially finesse, I think the big money should be in the rod, not the reel. You can get very good reels for $100-150, but money spent over $150 will be well spent on a rod.
Look for combos and/or sales, take some time, don't be afraid of Ebay sellers with 99 + % approval rating.
Derek1 reply :
I agree distance matters from shore, but you have to be able to swing the rod. Think hard about the terrain you have around the banks before you buy. Most places I fish 6’6” is tough.
Allen Der reply :
On 2/19/2019 at 11:21 PM, BroIncarnate said:
Yeah I was kinda thinking of a mojo bass spinning but I don't see the technique specifics for each rod when I go to their site-- I also have an 6'6 Med/Fast Ugly Stik GX2 that I use as a second rod. May raise my rod budget to $200, that shimano zodas looks sexy with a stradic ci4, lol!
Other reels that had my attention were the Fuego LT and the Daiwa BG.
If you go mojo, the 71MF is the plastics rod and would be decent all around.
BroIncarnate reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 4:56 AM, MickD said:Every outfit has different strengths and weaknesses. You need to define your priorities. If distance is one (It would be for me if I'm fishing from shore) then go longer, up to 7 1/2 feet, fast action, power to match the weight of the lures you will use. I like the comment about going for a finesse outfit, keeping your current one.
But the 7 1/2 footer most likely will not balance as well as a 6 1/2 footer. With finesse your tip will be up a lot, so maybe not so important.
If sensitivity is one high priority consider using 10 pound braid either with or without an FC leader. This will enhance distance casting , too.
You can get some very nice spinning reels for well less than $200. Everything Daiwa is top notch. For spinning, especially finesse, I think the big money should be in the rod, not the reel. You can get very good reels for $100-150, but money spent over $150 will be well spent on a rod.
Look for combos and/or sales, take some time, don't be afraid of Ebay sellers with 99 + % approval rating.
I actually use 10lb power pro to 6 lb fluro for my finesse and my other 6'6" uses straight 6 lb fluro
Fishin' Fool reply :
Do your research but you can't go wrong with Shimano or Daiwa fishing equipment for the most part.
Heartland reply :
when it comes to spinning reels I have not had much need to look any further than the Pflueger line-up. The President and President XT are both really good reels, if you want to step it up a notch or two from there the Supreme and Supreme XT are both very good and will last you a good number of years. Hard to beat Pflueger when it come to bang for the buck.
GrumpyOlPhartte reply :
Although I hesitate to make a lot of recommendations due to the limited number of rods and reels to which I have access, I can’t help but mention the Daiwa BG spinning reels. For $100 my 2500 has really impressed me. First, the spool diameter is larger than my old Pfleuger President which, in my mind, is a benefit. Second, it feels as if the reel body is a little closer to the rod and it gives me greater ability to control the line going out during the cast. This helps my stubby fingers control my cast distance more easily. Finally, the thing is rock solid and, from what I’ve read, plays well with salt water. Personally I could not justify spending more. I do really like Pfleuger spinning reels, but I am really glad I gambled on the BG reel. Just a little food for thought. Good luck!
By the way, I did put the BG on a St. Croix Mojo Yak rod and, for me, it works wonderfully. Balance point is right where I like it although that is a matter of personal taste.
BroIncarnate reply :
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 9:06 AM, BroIncarnate said:I'm thinking of holding offf on the $200 Zodias/$200 Stradic ci4+.Here are the choices I'm thinking from so far:1) St. Croix Mojo Bass 7'1" M/F "Plastics"2) Dobyns Fury 6'6" M/F3) Daiwa Tatula 6'8" M/FNot in any order but I figure I am going to start rod first, then reel in about another 2 weeks.Which reel would you pair with each of these if these 3 rods were given to you? I've just now started hearing about the Tatula spinning reel and don't know much about it, to be honest--Anyways, you all have been such a great help and I appreciate it. I am one of those VERY indecisive guys that thinks something over 2342342342525235632 times before making a purchase.Thanks!!!
My thoughts on your rod choices if you've never handled them before. St Croix runs slightly heavier, Dobyns runs slightly less than the rated power. I have not handled a Tatula rod to give you feedback. I'm right there with you about mulling things over.
Stephen B reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 9:06 AM, BroIncarnate said:Anyways, you all have been such a great help and I appreciate it. I am one of those VERY indecisive guys that thinks something over 2342342342525235632 times before making a purchase.Thanks!!!
We can understand that as many of us are the same way. Keep us updated and let us know what you decided to go with or if you need any help.
WRB reply :
You have a lot of spinning rods to choose from. Your current rod is slow too moderate action that will cast crankbaits but poor bottom contract lure feedback.
Dobyns FR703S Fury and Major Craft NASc701M are both good choices in the $120 price range. Major Craft has a forward grip that I prefer, Dobyns doesn't, that depends on personal choice.
Shimano Sahara FE 2500 and a good reel at the price.
Tom
BroIncarnate reply :
Hey y'all!
After research, I'm pretty sure that I am going with the Dobyns Fury. However, I am still torn between the 6'6 M/F (FR 663SF ) and the 7'0" M/F (FR 703SF). I do bank fish 95% of the time and perhaps the 6' 6" is better for me but for some reason I feel that the 7'0" gives that extra sensitivity at the tip vs the shorter, allowing me to feel/see any bites when slowly reeling in, per say, a weightless brush hog (I usually fish weightless soft plastics more than anything and the occasional 1/8 bullet added if windy).
I am mainly worried about those that say that the power in the Fury line is lighter than advertised. Should I be going the next step up from medium to obtain medium action? or would going Medium still be OK?
Feel free to further chime in, please.
As always, thanks!!
-Chris
OnthePotomac reply :
Everyone will have their favorite and mine is a 7' Medium Carbonlite for $100 and a Shimano Sahara C3000Hg 6.2:1 spinning reel, $80, I jus picked up at Cabelas at the classic sale.
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