aavery2

Many rods have line and lure ratings printed on them. Medium and medium heavy are probably the two most versatile powers in bass fishing rods, meaning they will help you properly use many baits and techniques. Just take a look at the baits you intend to use most and their weights, consider what pound test line you feel is appropriate, then select the power of rod that best matches lure weight and line rating. Another thing to consider is the cover that you will be fishing, if it is weedy, lots of laydowns, things that will make it a little harder to move fish out of, then you may want to step up in power to also match your environment. Medium / Fast and Medium Heavy / Fast, one or the other will probably meet your needs.

Welcome to the forum, you are sure to get a lot of replies to your question. If it were me looking to get back into fishing I believe that I would do it just slightly different. While the Ugly Stick is a good rod in its own right, it does not excel at bass fishing. There are many other options available to you that will serve you well and probably fish a little better than the Ugly Stick. One that I might recommend is to find a Pflueger President combo, good solid equipment that wont break the bank, can probably find the combo for around 80 dollars. The 30 size reel would meet most of your needs well and the combo will save you some money for plastics and other essentials. I think it's great that your Daughter and You are spending time on the water together. Good Luck

One of the things that makes fishing such a great hobby/sport is that anyone who wants to enjoy spending some time on the water can find the level of equipment that fits their budget and needs. Some start out as casual weekend and holiday Zebco 33 fisherman and progress through the ranks and end up true enthusiast and own some of the nicest gear available. Others are very content with using good solid blue collar class equipment that just goes out and gets the job done well. Some are enthusiast and enjoy the ever changing technology and are constantly searching for the latest and greatest equipment so they can test the limits. Anyway you look at it, it is a fantastic hobby/sport and we all enjoy it on our own level and for our own reasons. I always say, "Get in where you fit in" if you are not having fun fishing, then you're doing it wrong.

Your able to get Deep Little N's and Bandit 300's 15+ feet deep?

Two very different reels in terms of profile. I have an older Revo Elite IB, it is smooth, powerful, and well constructed. I also own some mid tier Daiwa reels, they are smooth, powerful and well constructed. You almost can't go wrong with either, I think if it were up to me it would be the one that felt the best in my hand. You could always make use of TW's Try it before you buy it program.

I am very good friends with some people that own and operate a local tackle shop in our area. Their cost on a regular Tatula is $68 dollars and they are not even in the upper tier for discounts.

Believe it also has bearings on the level wind, as it is a 12 bearing reel vs the Tatula and Tatula Type R at 8

and all the varieties of sunfish

I think you have hit it right on the head, the plastic, even a small one adds some considerable weight. Many modern reels stock out of the box can cast 1/4oz and up, but it takes a good setup, both rod, reel and line, to even get started with an 1/8.

Thanks for getting out in the cold and giving that a try. I think the release point is crazy because most rods just can't load properly with that light of a weight. Most of the rods that I have tried an 1/8 on, my casts always fly to the left. Did you use the Phoenix?

I have no problem with the metal pins at all, I actually find them easy to use. But if the Teflon is better and make it faster, then I will have me some of those Teflon pins.

That is why I have been using the bare jig head in testing different setups, seems like it would be about as aerodynamic as anything else.

I think my expectations would be met if I could consistently cast a 1/8th oz bait 15 to 20 yards. Is that to high of an expectation? Most of the reels I have made serious effort with this have either not been very consistent or just were not capable of any usable distance. I am thinking of taking Bootytrain's advice on the ABU LT(X) and give it a go, seems like a reasonable priced reel and would still fit my budget with some micro bearings installed.

Guess I am going to have to get a few of the Teflon pins and give it a shot.

Jeff, it is really pretty easy, put an 1/8th oz bare jig head on which every setup you think casts the best and attempt a cast. Let us know what kind of distance you get. I am not trying to be rude, I am really interested, I have been trying for a while to put together a setup in my price range that will cast 1/8oz baits, not sorta, kinda, maybe 1/8oz baits.

Nice setups, what you thinking of putting the Scorpion on?

There is a great video in one of the Ned rig threads that goes into a lot of detail on how to rig and fish the Ned. I will try to find the video and link it. Hopefully someone else knows right where it is at and can help out. The video is about 10-15 posts into the thread http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/147809-ned-rig/

Think he is looking for a LP BC by the title of his post.

If you can cast an 1/8th oz at all on a sub 100 dollar bait cast reel it would be good distance. I hear a lot of reports that the Curado 50E can do it for under 200, I know that I was not satisfied with mine even with upgrades and the distance was less than 10 yards.

Thanks, you using the Phoenix rod for your testing?

If you get a chance, can you try it with an 1/8th oz and report what kind of performance you get?

I have an upgraded Sol, bearings, drag, handle, level wind bearing, all the usual stuff. I don't find it that great at casting 1/8th oz baits. In fact I own a couple of very upgraded Fuego's and with the 100M spool installed I find them the better caster, but still not great at 1/8oz.

What combination and line are you using to cast 1/8oz on?

Since there are so many stock reels that are capable of casting 1/8th oz weight, can someone post some video of them casting a 1/8th oz naked jig head on a stock reel. I have tried this on a lot of rod and reel combinations, many with upgraded spools and bearings, and I have not found it easy to do with any of them. Help me out with some video, please.

Try the new Zman T.R.D. it is made with a little softer plastic than other Zman products and it screws right on without a problem.