What Combo To Get For 2013! Under 300$ 2024

BaconStealer303 reply :

So here comes the 2013 Fishing season for Illinois. It's right around the corner. I'm going to purchase 1 bait casting combo for the season, and my limit is 300$, and in no way could I exceed that limit by very much.

I've taken a lot of time looking at different set-ups. I've gone to Bass pro and tried holding some. The real thing is that I'm definitely not as experienced as you guys on here, so I wanted your opinions. Preferably I'm looking for high gear ratio reel , but If it's not in the cards I'll look elsewhere. And a 7ft rod is a must.

This is what I've found-

Bass Pro Shops® Johnny Morris® CarbonLite™ Reel and micro guide Rod Baitcast Combos (7:1:1 7ft MH) .... This is the first set-up I was recommended. I was told by an employee at BPS that it would exceed the performance of the KVD reel and rod I was looking at. It feels great in the hands but I've heard it's made cheaply and it is not durable. (200$)
Bass Pro Shops® Johnny Morris® Signature Series Bass Caster Baitcast Reel/Signature Series II Trigger Rod Combos.(7:1:1 7'2" MH).... I saw this on BPS website and it has great reviews. I know it's going to be a little heavier than the carbonlite but it seems solid. (260$)
THESE REELS---PFlueger Patriarch(200$0/ Abu Garcia Revo-S(130$0/ Shimano Chronarch(200$), and then both Johnny morris reels(130/150$). Paired WITH Element 21 Carrot Stix® Wild Black Casting Rods(140$)/ Johhny Morris signature series rod(100$)/Johnny morris Carbonlite rod(120).

This is what I've found. The reels that are in the 3rd bullet point seem really solid. There are hundreds of setups out there, please tell me what you think of these and others that would be better if they are not on here. I put a lot of time into making this so I would be really grateful for some helpful responses.

Thanks so much,

-Austin

Teal reply :

The following rods are simply awesome at their price point of 139 - 169

Dobyns Savy, Ducket rods, Powell,

The following reels are really good for their price as well.

Lews Tournament, Shimano Citaca, Revo S.

If you look on TW you can find alot of these on sale. I would also search ebay.

300 is a great budget for a combo. Any of the above combinations make an awesome combo.

Flywatersmallie reply :

Dobyns Savvy 703 or 704 depending on your intended techniques. If you want a general purpose rod, go with the 704, the 703 is a little soft for jigs etc. as far as a reel, Lews Tournament in your choice of retrieve speed. You will have a nice, well balanced rig with enough money left for line and perhaps a lure or 2.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Thanks so much guys, I'll definitely look into those!

roadwarrior reply :

Pinnacle Perfecta:

DHC5-701CAMH Medium Heavy/Casting

Shimano Curado 50E7

The rod is $160 and the reel can be found for ~$125-$135

jbsoonerfan reply :

Shimano Crucial 7'2" MH

Shimano Citica 200 G7

upnorthbassin reply :

If I had to spend $300 on a setup I would get a Lews Tourney Pro and a St Croix Avid rod. MSRP on these together is over $300 but I recently bought a new Lew's Tourney Pro online for $130 w/ free shipping so deals are out there. the St Croix MH rods are somewhat heavy so depending on what you want to use it for you might want to consider the medium versus medium heavy.

GOOCHY reply :

My plan is to put together a Lew's Tourney Pro and a Powell Max Square Bill rod for shallow cranking this Spring.

JunkYard814 reply :

I was going to say the same as upnorth, but with the Lew's Tournament Speed Spool.

JunkYard814 reply :

Also, check out the St. Croix bargain room. They have some crazy deals in there and you get probably put together a set-up worth closer to $500 for a little less than $300

roadwarrior reply :

Here ya go:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/110991-stcroix-avids/

deep reply :

OP, are you limited to buying from BPS only?

BaconStealer303 reply :

Looked into the Lew's reel. It looks pretty nice I'll check out the rods soon.

Thank you so much everybody,

Austin

And nope, I just enjoy buying from them. I'm open to buy from any store.

Arv reply :

Powell Endurance, Phenix M1 or Recon for rods.

Shimano Citica, Abu Garcia Revo S, BPS PQ for reels.

LgMouthGambler reply :

Chronarch E $199.95, Compre $99.95. Does it get any closer or perfect? No it doesnt.

rockchalk06 reply :

Here is my input. Grab a 130 dollar new Revo S and pair it with a 100 dollar Veritas. Save the 70 dollars and buy 70 dollars worth of Strike King Rage Craws, NSCB jigs and spinner baits!!!!

MCS reply :

Rockchalk is pretty much right. Spend around a 100 on a rod and 130-150 on a reel and it will be more than enough for the average fisherman. Carbonlites are great rods, there are a few on here that own them and like them alot. For $100 bucks they probably out perform half the other rods mentioned. Pair it with light wieght reel and you are good to go.

Diggy reply :

You could just get a bps combo during the classic and end up with 2 if you felt like splurging

examples

this new is 200

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-Reel-and-Micro-Guide-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/95697502/

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/

160

during the classic, prices a droppin, savings a growing

or match a rod n reel during the trade in and save

BaconStealer303 reply :

Thanks again guys, i have a lot of choices now! I'll start some researching, and i have more than enough lures! , i have to pick up a new tackle bag too haha.

*Hootie reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 8:12 AM, LgMouthGambler said:
Chronarch E $199.95, Compre $99.95. Does it get any closer or perfect? No it doesnt.

.ob·ses·sion (b-sshn, b-)

1. Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea.

2. A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.....lol

Hootie

Addicted to Smallies reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 9:13 AM, rockchalk06 said:
Here is my input. Grab a 130 dollar new Revo S and pair it with a 100 dollar Veritas.

+1 I absolutely love my Revo S and Veritas rod, and actually prefer the new Revo S to some of my more expensive reels.

bassinbrian reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 10:14 PM, hootiebenji said:
.ob·ses·sion (b-sshn, b-)
n.
1. Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea.

2. A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.....lol

Hootie

J Francho reply :

Daiwa Lexa and a Saint Croix Avid.

Fishin24/7 reply :

Like some others have said I really love my abu Garcia veritas and revo s combo, I have yet to find anything better for under$300. I personally wouldn't recommend the dobyns savvy series, I think they use cheap cork and it has almost no sensitivety.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Is the lew's tournament pro speed spool a better buy than the tournament speed spool? It seems like its just a little extra weight.

And also with all of these rod choices, are they all going to be very light?

BaconStealer303 reply :

I'll take a look at the revo s and veritas combo too

Tom Walker reply :

Patriarchs are SICK

rockchalk06 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:20 PM, BaconStealer303 said:
Is the lew's tournament pro speed spool a better buy than the tournament speed spool? It seems like its just a little extra weight.
And also with all of these rod choices, are they all going to be very light?

My 7' MF micro Veritas paired with my revo s and line, weighs just hair under 12 ounces

BaconStealer303 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:31 PM, rockchalk06 said:
My 7' MF micro Veritas paired with my revo s and line, weighs just hair under 12 ounces

Where can i find the veritas?

rockchalk06 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:34 PM, BaconStealer303 said:
Where can i find the veritas?

Bass Pro has em, Walmart online does, TW, Academy Sports. I would assume cabelas and gander mountain too

BaconStealer303 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:36 PM, rockchalk06 said:
Bass Pro has em, Walmart online does, TW, Academy Sports. I would assume cabelas and gander mountain too

I found them. Would you reccomend the micro guides?

rockchalk06 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:40 PM, BaconStealer303 said:
I found them. Would you reccomend the micro guides?

They cut down on some weight but not where your gonna feel a major difference. I get a bit better slack line feeling of bites with it. If you run a fluoro or mono leader it's kinda a pain for the knot to slip through the guides.

When I bought it, I was going for the lightest possible combo of the two models. I love it and its one of my favorite combos. That said, I use braid and fluoro leaders a lot. My next rod will be a 7'3" MH Veritas and I will not get the Micros.

BaconStealer303 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 11:49 PM, rockchalk06 said:
They cut down on some weight but not where your gonna feel a major difference. I get a bit better slack line feeling of bites with it. If you run a fluoro or mono leader it's kinda a pain for the knot to slip through the guides. When I bought it, I was going for the lightest possible combo of the two models. I love it and its one of my favorite combos. That said, I use braid and fluoro leaders a lot. My next rod will be a 7'3" MH Veritas and I will not get the Micros.

Thanks!

*Hootie reply :

My opinion on the Lews Tournament Speed Spool and Dobyns Savvy Series.

I have 4 of them...... nuff said....

Hootie

LgMouthGambler reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 10:14 PM, hootiebenji said:

.ob·ses·sion (b-sshn, b-)

n.

1. Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea.

2. A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.....lol

Hootie

You kill me, lol.

tbone1993 reply :

I will pay you to not buy a carrot stick. They are nothing but trouble and a waste of money. Personally I do not like the veritas because I much prefer fenwick or dobyns. I feel that the veritas has very significant quality control problems, every one I have held has had some minor issue. I would rather go for a st croix mojo bass which is a little tip heavy but that is expected in a $100 rod. There is a lot of good info here but I suggest finding someone locally that has experience with these rods. I may look on here for input but ultimately I go to someone on my team that has been using the gear for years.

Arv reply :

IMO, not that there is anything wrong with a $100 rod (I have several), but with a $300 budget, I would buy a more expensive rod. Especially if this set up will be used for bottom contact presentations. I feel that the 150-200 range is the best bang for your buck when it comes to rods. I would strongly urge you to looking into a Powell Endurance or Phenix Recon/M1. I haven't used the Dobyns Savvy or Duckett Magic but I've pretty much only heard good things about them as well. If you pair any one of those rods with a Citica, Revo S or Pro Qualifier you will be right around $300 and have a GREAT set up. Not knocking the Veritas (I have 2), but when comparing them to a Powell Endurance and Phenix M1, the latter 2 are much better from my point of view.

In general, when I am looking for a new set up, I will spend 100-150 on a reel and 150 - 200 on a rod. I think most people, including me, will tell you that the rod is more important than the reel, so thats where I'm putting my money.

LgMouthGambler reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 10:14 PM, hootiebenji said:

.ob·ses·sion (b-sshn, b-)

n.

1. Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea.

2. A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.....lol

Hootie

SHIMANO:

S ome

H aters

I nitiate

M atchup

A nd

N ever

O utperformed

BaconStealer303 reply :

Good to know, I'll take a look at those

Sodus Bay Scooter reply :

On 1/22/2013 at 2:11 AM, LgMouthGambler said:
SHIMANO:
S ome

H aters

I nitiate

M atchup

A nd

N ever

O utperformed

In all seriousness, what do you feel makes shimano products so good? I've never tried anything except my Sahara spinning reel. Im interested to know about the baitcasters in particular. Thanks.

LgMouthGambler reply :

On 1/22/2013 at 6:39 AM, LAG ISSUEZ said:
In all seriousness, what do you feel makes shimano products so good? I've never tried anything except my Sahara spinning reel. Im interested to know about the baitcasters in particular. Thanks.

Ive been using Shimano products since my first baitcaster, a Bantam Curado CU-200. Havent had a reel company be as smooth, consistent, and reliable. Im sure others have had the same success with other companies, but mines been with Shimano. 20 years of their products in fishing, and have never had a problem. Heck, even when I raced BMX, the only brakes that worked good were their V-Brakes. They just take pride in their products, and do anything they can to help if there is a problem. You just have to see for yourself I guess.

Teal reply :

Bantam Curado CU200 was my first also. I have two, and one of them is in the line up every trip. The other is a reliable spare.

I have made it known that i buy Lews reel, but Ive used and own a few from different brands. Knowing what i know now, having used other reels ill say this, shimano is a great company with good quality. If i couldnt get Lews reels i would be a shimano reel man. And if i see a deal, ill still buy a shimano fast! That said, i bought a stradic fj a couple weeks ago for a steal! And a cumara at christmas for a steal.

Largemouth gambler, i do commend you for standing on a company that you support.

Sodus Bay Scooter reply :

Thanks gambler, maybe one day someone will have one I can try out.

5fishlimit reply :

Great post!

I'm considering a new setup in this price range as well. I've been looking at the 13 fish *** rod. I've read fantastic things about it.

Thinking about pairing it with the Revo S, or Lew's heavy duty. I'm looking to add a flipping/pitching setup.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Thanks to everyone who has helped with this post! It's very active and theres been a lot of great suggestions!

LuckyHandsINC. reply :

On 1/22/2013 at 1:57 AM, Arv said:
IMO, not that there is anything wrong with a $100 rod (I have several), but with a $300 budget, I would buy a more expensive rod. Especially if this set up will be used for bottom contact presentations. I feel that the 150-200 range is the best bang for your buck when it comes to rods. I would strongly urge you to looking into a Powell Endurance or Phenix Recon/M1. I haven't used the Dobyns Savvy or Duckett Magic but I've pretty much only heard good things about them as well. If you pair any one of those rods with a Citica, Revo S or Pro Qualifier you will be right around $300 and have a GREAT set up. Not knocking the Veritas (I have 2), but when comparing them to a Powell Endurance and Phenix M1, the latter 2 are much better from my point of view.

In general, when I am looking for a new set up, I will spend 100-150 on a reel and 150 - 200 on a rod. I think most people, including me, will tell you that the rod is more important than the reel, so thats where I'm putting my money.

I agree with this post 100%. Spend as much as you can on the rod and look at the revo s or something else in that price range. Maybe wait for a sale if you have to. If your going to be fishing bottom contact baits you'll be happy you did.

SudburyBasser reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 8:12 AM, LgMouthGambler said:
Chronarch E $199.95, Compre $99.95. Does it get any closer or perfect? No it doesnt.

The Compre rods are truly proof of God's love for man. The best addition I ever made to my fishing equipment -- outside of a brother-in-law with a boat -- was a Compre worm and jig rod.

LgMouthGambler reply :

On 1/22/2013 at 10:20 AM, SudburyBasser said:
The Compre rods are truly proof of God's love for man. The best addition I ever made to my fishing equipment -- outside of a brother-in-law with a boat -- was a Compre worm and jig rod.

Pretty well put, lol.

SudburyBasser reply :

Darn right, and I'll be adding a crankbait rod from the line up in the next two weeks, ha ha. It would be nice to be able to afford a Crucial or Cumara but I'm pretty happy with the Compre.

tylerwyp reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 9:23 AM, MCS said:
Rockchalk is pretty much right. Spend around a 100 on a rod and 130-150 on a reel and it will be more than enough for the average fisherman. Carbonlites are great rods, there are a few on here that own them and like them alot. For $100 bucks they probably out perform half the other rods mentioned. Pair it with light wieght reel and you are good to go.

rippin-lips reply :

I have both the tournament pro and the tournament from Lews. The difference is minimal but the lighter reel is nice. I'd like to add the Quantum Smoke 100 series to your already difficult decision. Super smooth and light. Can pick one up nib for 130-150.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Yeah now im looking at the revo s, lews, and chronarch. I dont think id be dissapointed with any of them though

Knightiac reply :

I have two of those Johnny Morris' and I LOVE them. Not only are they smooth as butter and cast a mile, but you get the quick and easy replacements from BPS. Have an issue?? No questions asked, they will exchange your reel.

I've only had to do this once with a reel and it was a PQ.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Does anyone have problems with the veritas? Because the reviews i've seen said they're easy to break. Do you really like them? i put a chronarch on one yesterday at bps and i really think i might pick the combo up. I was going to save and get a powell endurance, but the vritas seems nice, and looks great with the chronarch.

Arv reply :

On 2/8/2013 at 8:33 PM, BaconStealer303 said:
Does anyone have problems with the veritas? Because the reviews i've seen said they're easy to break. Do you really like them? i put a chronarch on one yesterday at bps and i really think i might pick the combo up. I was going to save and get a powell endurance, but the vritas seems nice, and looks great with the chronarch.

My biggest gripe with the Veritas is the reel seat and the handle. The reel seat kind of digs into your reel a little bit, nothing extreme, but I much prefer a Fuji style seat. Also, the trigger on the handle causes my hands to cramp after fishing for an extended period of time. Thats my experience with the rod. As far as breaking, I've not had any issues, nor do I personally know anyone thats had issues. But I have heard the same reviews as you concerning it snapping. Personally, I would look at a Shimano Compre or BPS Carbonlite if you're going to stick in the $100 range. Still, there are many out there that swear by the Veritas. If you're set on the Chronarch, I would mount it on all the rods you are considering and find out which one you like the most. Pay attention to how well the combo balances as well. With all the current hype about how light gear is, I feel like a nicely balanced rod and reel can get over looked, and to me, thats just as important, if not more important than a super lightweight set up.

Diggy reply :

On 2/8/2013 at 8:33 PM, BaconStealer303 said:
Does anyone have problems with the veritas? Because the reviews i've seen said they're easy to break. Do you really like them? i put a chronarch on one yesterday at bps and i really think i might pick the combo up. I was going to save and get a powell endurance, but the vritas seems nice, and looks great with the chronarch.

I love my veritaseseses, abu's customer service is top notch if any probs.

3yr warranty and most issues are handled free.It says 9.95 but I have never never paid a dime on anything sent to me from abu.

BaconStealer303 reply :

Thanks guys!

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