new2BC4bass

6'9" Heavy Hammer. Read smalljaw67's post here for why. Plus I recently read an older post reviewing Hammer rods by a member on TT that fishes NRX rods. He was impressed. I've read many good reviews of the Daiwas SV103. Total under $400. Or the Chronarch MGL. TT gave it an Editor's Choice Award. Still under $500. The rod will eventually be added to my arsenal. Probably not either reel. Unless the OP would like to make our wishes a reality.

I use Siege in 8# and 12#. You should be fine. It does have a larger diameter than some lines equating to 12#.

to the forum. Personally I would be looking at a MHF or MH-MF. I'd say the rods you mentioned are good choices from what I have read about them. Never cared for the looks of the older Mojo rod, but the blank on the new model is getting a lot of praise. May have to try one myself....along with a Fury, Sierra and Genesis II. Shimano makes some nice reels. I have no experience with the Curado 200i or 70 series. I do like my E series reels. You read a lot about the 70 series. Seems to be a favorite for quite a few. Of the rods you mentioned, I would pick the same combo DVT mentioned. I see Universal Mania has the HG priced at $150.86 with no tax and free shipping. Never dealt with them, but that is a very nice price. EDIT: If you don't mind exceeding your $300 limit by a few dollars (about $30), I would suggest looking at Hammer rods. Might want to consider a Heavy in this line.

No experience with those reels. My Revos are an older model STX and two older model Premiers. For about $10 more you should be able to find an original Tatula Type R. Personally like its looks better than the Revo line and like Daiwa's braking system, although I have no problem with other braking systems. Another nice reel that can be found for about $108 is the Lew's Tournament MB. However, if you like your Revo S then you will probably like the SX. I haven't read up on them since the Gen 3 introduction other than to read what gets posted on this website. I've never fished a Gen 3 Revo so can't make any comments on them. My only thought is if you like a line of reels, then going up to a more expensive model should put a smile on your face. EDIT: I don't like doing maintenance either. I have sent new and new-2-me reels straight to DVT for cleaning before they ever came to me.

I have the 7'4" frog rod. I wouldn't suggest that rod for the OP's need. Too stiff for the weights being used. Admittedly it is a new-2-me rod that I've only thrown one size frog on it so far. I could be wrong. OP: no idea what the 7'1" MH-XF is like.

Never used a PQ. Although the CT can be had for $100 or less (and the original for $95) you have to remember you are comparing a $130 reel to a $100 reel (list). It should be a better reel based on list price. I can say the Tatula is a very nice reel probably worth more than what it sells for. Some house reels also fish better than their price. Take the older grey colored Prodigy (made by Daiwa for Cabela's). A reel I feel was worth more than the $100 asking price. Not a "new" reel, but I'd guess the best $100 reel on the market at the moment is the Diawa Exceler for $37.48 at TW. Reviews are good for the most part. No doubt someone fishing hard several days a week would find it not as smooth sometime down the road. But that is to be expected. As I said, never used a PQ, and at the price I can get a Tatula model, never will. Admitedly I like Daiwa reels. However.........I would never choose a reel just because it had a Daiwa or Shimano nameplate. Absolutely love my Primmus Xi HS and Helios Air reels. These are not reels many on here would even consider owning.

Thanks for the update. Yeah, it can be a surprise how much lighter gear is today than yesteryears...depending on how long you have been out of fishing. For me it was a 23 year hiatus. Went from spinnning reels to baitcast reels. At least two of my rods weigh less than 4 oz. Total weight with reel and line....about 10 oz. My old reels weighed that much or more. Enjoy that puppy.

Hold your rod tip in the water for the first few retrieves. The line will straighten out a lot once wet.

Almost a unanimous vote!

A reasonably priced braid that works well is Sufix Performance. It is the first braid I ever bought. Fads fast, but that doesn't hurt performance. Saves money instead of buying Sufix 832 Ghost.

Can't help with the rods much other than to say I wouldn't go over 6' given the type of cover you describe. Spinning rods need less room to cast then a baitcast rod, but still need some and the longer the rod the more room you need. Most time the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shocks are the least expensive rods mentioned here....about $40 unless on sale. I would take a look at the Berkley Cherrywood considering your budget. They offer a 6' Medium rated 1/8-3/4 oz. and 6-14 pound test line. This would be a much more versatile rod than the 5'6" Light they offer....which would work well for the panfish and trout in your area. If you decide to go for one outfit at $100 then a couple more spinning reels to look at are the Pflueger Trion and Daiwa RG....and possibly the Okuma Ceymar or one of the lower cost Shimanos. A Shimano Sedona FE on sale would be nice. I bought an RG for my brother-in-law's birthday. So far he is loving it. He picked up a Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick from Walmart for about $40 to go with it. Told me sensitivity isn't too bad.

I like your way of thinking. I have a tendency to take too many rods. Heading out today for my annual Florida pilgrimage. I am hoping to keep the number of my rods on the boat to three. Pretty hard to do....for me. Also I have a tendency to keep what I buy and wish I had been a little more selective in my choices. Not that I have very many rods (or reels) that I would part with voluntarily.

Or you could contact Megabass. I bought 2 used Hammer rods from a guy on another forum. The insert was missing out of the tip-top on one. Hammer sent me a package with 4 replacements in it......no charge.

Yeah. Nothing sucks worse than a baitcaster that is a pain in the butt to cast. You can get a not-so-good one even in the higher priced reels. One of mine that sells in the $240 range went to a tuner before I was happy with it. VERY happy with it now, tho.

A few years ago when I researched for my first braided line purchase, the consensus was 40# or heavier for baitcast reels. I went with the lower cost 40# Sufix Performance. Fades rather quickly, but lasted several years until I spent several hours casting a saltwater spoon tied direct. Lots of line twist. Tried reversing the line, but wound up throwing it away. Replaced with 40# PP (Original) because that is what Walmart carried. A lot noisier going thru the guides. A used Alphas F came with 30# Sufix White Ghost. Spent some time removing dig-ins, but have had no problem with the line since then. I like 40# not because I need the strength, but because of its handling qualities. Made what were no doubt my longest casts ever that day. A 3/4 oz. spoon flies pretty good. Actually I was surprised at how well the 30# handled once I got the dig-ins out. I didn't get any dig-ins even though I got snagged in the lily pads a few times.

Wow! Nice budget. Out of the realm where I could make any suggestions. I agree that I would look for a good custom rod builder. I've got quite a few casting reels, but you are way above my budget so I'm no help there either. I would be very interested in what you wind up with. A fellow can always dream.

The MB can be found for $108. A no brainer.

An IM8 blank should make a decent upgrade from an Ugly stick. I have zero experience with the rod in your link. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy my older model IM7 Redbone Hurricane. The higher the number is suppose to equate to a lighter and more sensitive rod. Unfortunately AFAIK there are no industry standards so it is doubtful you could go strictly by the rod blank designation. Lots more people on here better qualified to answer that. EDIT: For every guy that tried a baitcast reel and didn't like it there are others that tried them and loved them although I wouldn't go so far as to say it is a one-to-one ratio....unless we were talking about enthusiasts then it would be a lot higher number in favor of baitcast reels. I grew up with spinning and tried my first baitcast reel at age 61. Although I have added more spinning combos to my arsenal, they seldom get used because I am still enamored with baitcast reels.

I agree. Like my 7.5:1 ratio, but weighs 6.7 oz. EDIT: I can't think of any reel 6 oz. or less for $100. Had to look up the 2 reels mentioned. The older Pixy reels (5.8 oz.) can be found around $140-$150, but you would also have to pay to get the 7.2:1 gear set. I did that...and more...for my Airy Red because I always wanted one. I wouldn't suggest going that route for you unless you really would like to have a Pixy. At that price ($180) you could have a new Lew's Tournament Lite G Speed Spool ACB (man, what a long name ) with a 7.5:1 ratio and 5.7 oz. weight.

I prefer baitcast outfits whenever possible. Choices are many today. Here's a few reels I've tried and liked. Two excellent low budget reels are either of the Tatula series and Lew's Tournament MB...$95-$110. Reels not likely to be mentioned that I put on my "favorites" list shortly after getting them are the Primmus Xi HS and Helios Air. $225-$280. Problem is you won't find them for the prices I paid which was a lot less. Recently received a Helios that will be spooled today so I can take it tomorrow on my yearly Florida visit. Beautiful looking reel and I assume I will be liking it also...based on the Helios Air. It is a $200 reel that can be had from Amazon for $120.40 if you reel left handed. Carbonite drag, carbon fiber handle and ABEC-5 spool bearings. Although I do not have a Pflueger Supreme XT, I feel safe in recommending it because a good buddy of mine was impressed enough with his to buy another. I do use Pflueger reels, just not that model and feel they are under-rated by most. Not much experience with very many newer reels as most of mine are older models. Now if you don't mind used....TD-Z 105H, Pixy/PX, any Alphas, Curado E, T3 1016 or T3 MX, gold colored Carbolites, Gen 2 Premier and Gen 1 and 2 STX, Chronarch A or B, Zillion and older Fuegos are a few more I like a lot. Rods are also all over the place. Here again most of mine are older models. I have always felt I got good value for my money from Fenwick. The Aetos 6'6" MLM brings a smile to my face every time I use it. I am also a fan of Falcon rods. Like my 7' M Helios enough that I want the MH model. Very light rods. Look hard enough and the 7' M can be found for $108 and the MH for about $19 more. My Tatulas are giving me an appreciation for Daiwa's Regular action. I have a couple MH Hammer rods that I was only able to use enough to say that I had tried them. I expect them to be among my favorites. Can say the same for my Phenix Recon 2. The new Mojo blank is getting a lot of love as are the Dobyns Fury and Sierra. A couple rods a generous member sold me (practically a give-a-way) are the Champion 704CB Glass and Orochi XX Diablo Spec R. Love these rods. You would have to stick one of the first two reels I mentioned on them to stay within budget unless buying a used reel. Another low cost rod I like is the Redbone Hurricane. Suggested to me by a fellow member. Lucked out and picked up a discontinued 7' ML for $75. Store had two. Kick myself for not buying both. Saltwater rod rated 3/8-3/4 oz. which is normally considered a MH for bass. It and the Primmus will launch a 3/8 oz. crankbait the well known country mile.

Yes. Correct. Hopefully you are never trying to "snag" anything...with either the line or the rod. What lmbfisherman is saying is to use a direct pull with the line to break the line when snagged. Do not bend the rod like when reeling in a fish to break the line. Any heavy line...no matter what kind...should be pulled this way when trying to break free from a snag. Do yourself a favor. Pick up a short piece of a wood dowel about 6-8 inches long and around 1 inch diameter. Wrap with electricians tape or glue something on that will keep the line from slipping. Wrap the line around the rod a few times and use it to pull on the line. Using a bare hand to break any kind of line over 8-10 pounds can cause some cuts to your hand. Not fun. Do not use the reel to break the line. You can damage the spool. The dowel is much cheaper to replace.

Yup. As previously stated, that rod and gear ratio are often cited as a good all-around, do anything combination. Throw anything on it you want and decide afterwards what works best for you. That will give you an excuse to buy more.

My first baitcast reel was the Fuego when TW was closing them out in 2009. Slightly over half my reels are Daiwas. I don't recall ever accidentally changing the brake setting. Not that I don't believe it can't happen. We don't all hold our reels the same way. I get the impression that it doesn't occur with the vast majority of users. Some reels seem to cast further than others. However, I've never seen just one brand (or model) significantly outcast all others. I have an older Lew's Tournament Pro, a Tournament MB and a Pro Z. On water distance is pretty close between these three and a lot of my other reels. Really don't feel like taking them to a park or somewhere that I could measure distances more accurately.

rippin-lips posted some weights in the other thread. From what I see, the 1/16 Head and TRD Worm total .219 oz. So a bit over 3/16 oz. Provided a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap does weigh 3/16 oz. and not more, then there is no reason to spend 10 times the cost of a spinning combo to be able to cast that weight with a casting rod. Might cost a bit more than a spinning outfit, but not a lot. I bought a couple refurbished Carbonlites (the gold ones). No problem throwing #5 Shad Raps (3/16 oz.) $65 each. I want to try my Black Max 1600C with that weight. Have a feeling it will also cast that weight. Cost: $33.33 each. I will tell you up front that there are quite a few guys here that are much better than I am with a baitcast reel. I was an old fart before ever using my first one.

So converted to oz. for those of us use to thinking that way, then I should have no trouble casting a 1/16 head and TRD Worm as it weighs a bit more than the 3/16 oz. Shad Raps I can cast a pretty good distance on several rod/reel combos. Always provided the 3/16 oz. Shad Rap in fact weighs 3/16 oz. and not something heavier.