lmbfisherman

Yeah probably around that ballpark, but you'd be waiting a long time to even sell at that price point. It's sad really, mine is beat up and still works well and it is still smooth. Main reason I don't use it as much is that it's not as comfortable to palm as my other reels (I like more bottom contact fishing). Still use it as a backup spinnerbait reel.

Another choice would be Shimano Cumara, although I'd prefer the previous version. I would get the medium for finesse. I'd also go for the 7'2" version.

That rod would be a good all around rod. Might not be very sensitive when using plastics, but the braided line would help. Normally for an all purpose setup I would use a 6 gear ratio BC, but you should be able to use that reel. Just won't be the most "ideal", anyway. Roadwarrior has given you a good link. As far as I would start off with - Spinnerbaits - (Do a search around the boards to find out what would work best for you), My favorite colors are white and chartreuse. Actually anything Chart for me! I use 3/8 to 1/2. 3/0-5/0 EWG Hooks (For Texas Rigs) Bullet Weights - 3/8-1/2 oz Plastics - Worms any one should work fine, but I use Powerbait, Havoc Bottom Hoppers..I would keep it simple by starting off with 1 natural color (clear water) and dark color (for stained/murky water) Frog or Buzzbait - Easiest Top waters to learn imo. I use Booyah Buzzbaits and as for frogs I just grab whatever is on sale. I'd start with this first and learn from the boards to continue building up your tackle/arsenal once you get comfortable with the above techniques. The above tackle will also cover top, middle and bottom water.

Thanks for the tip, I checked it out..it seemed it was too soft for punching. I'll have to up a size.

You found a good place to learn about Bass fishing, welcome!

Welcome Bryan, good to have another fisherman with us.

Hi Welcome to the site, first off you should probably introduce yourself in the Introduction section. As for your question, if you can let us know what the power/action of your rod is it would be helpful to explain what type of tackle you should be using. It would be easier to narrow down what we can recommend to you. Right off the bat though, I learned that it would be better for you to at least use 30lb test for braid and above on a BC reel. When I first started I used down to 15lb test since I didn't know. For some reason for the whole (last) season I didn't have an issue with the line digging in, but when I started using them this year I started to notice they are digging into the line and my cast would go awry. It took some time to iron it out and it worked eventually (by letting the line out with a few long casts), but I'm in the process of changing to higher diameter braided line now for the two I had 15lb braid on. I found my 30 lb test and above don't have that issue.

If you're just starting out on baitcasters, I'd learn how to throw using mono first. I used Big Game to start out 12lb. It won't hurt as much in the pocket.

So I had a question, anyone have any experience on if this can be used as a Punching rod? The main purpose, I know it's XF, but I hear Phenix usually are softer. If possible I'd prefer to buy this (125 from someone with tags/receipt). If, not I am thinking about pulling the trigger on a Kistler Z-Bone LE H/Moderate Fast 7'6", which I'm sure would be ok for the technique, but if I can save 100 bucks. Always wanted to try a Phenix rod and the thing is basically new since he never used it when he bought it last September. Hopefully someone can comment!

I own one and it is a major part of my arsenal. On my flipping stick.

I love swim jigs and will kill it and let sink and hop it like a regular jig. I think it's fun to think outside the box.

x2 - They will go after anything.

Definitely a right hand reel. I own one of these, they are solid reels and the only Quantum I've ever owned. IMHO I think this is the best reel they made, in terms of performance and durability. I can't say enough good things about it, however it now serves as a backup though as I like to fish my Shimanos more. Still a very good reel, as for the price of one used, you will be hard pressed to find someone to pay fair dollar for it. I find just because it says Quantum a majority steer clear from it.

These will be from my own experience. Rods BPS Extreme Rods when they are on sale can be had for 79.99. Regularly 99.99, I owned one very solid rod and decent sensitivity. You can go for a Veritas if you looks for a sale price or online. I can buy them locally for 79.99 regularly. Shimano Convergence or Clarus. Both have lifetime warranty and are decent entry level rods. You can get either for under 80, convergence can be bought for 69.99, Clarus around 79.99. Reels I'd say one of the BPS brands - Extreme or Pro Qualifier. I'd probably stick with the PQ. At my local BPS the Revo S is on sale, for 109.99. Never owned one though, but they get very good reviews. As for Spinning - Symetere or Sahara would be a good buy for under 100. Symetre FJ was on sale at American Fishing Legacy for 59.99, and it still is. Get it, thats a steal for that price!

x2 You should take a picture of that too.

Welcome aboard, you will learn a lot from here!

2nd this, I caught crappies, yellow perch and bass with them. Reminds me I need to re-stock, just last week I caught perch and a 3lb bass using this technique.

I use two rods for Frog Fishing. Veritas 7'3" MH/F Compre 7'2" H/F Both work great and have had no issues bringing fish in. Plus both can be found for under 100. I don't see a reason why to go more than that as this technique like others stated is not feel related. You should be able to tell in general if your frog is taken under and if there is weight. That should be enough to tell you, you got a fish on.

Yes, I've caught smallies in open water with a buzzbait, I use one that has a clacker on it to give it more noise.

Welcome to the forums, of course be ready to be here daily...

Today I just bought two used Chronarch 50MGs for $300. With all the rave reviews decided it was time to get one, but luck would have it the guy had two. Now what to put them on....hrmmm.

I use #2 mostly, but I'll occasionally use #1 when I go bigger.

Looks like it was deleted? Can he delete his post? I've never tried, but the option shows up.

Actually should be reversed. Gs are in the 150s and Es closer to 200.

Great that it came back! I dropped mine from shore which is the funny part. How do you drop it in deep water from shore? I was fishing on top of a causeway and the water is about 8-10 feet deep right in front. I had 2 rods with me, one was leaning against my tackle bag (Custom Loomis stick with a Curado 50E), when I went to cast with my second rod that had a spinnerbait on it. It snagged my rods line when I loaded up for my cast and when I swung it dumped rod in. Luckily I had a quick reaction as I dropped down and grabbed the cork handle as it starting to sink. It was a horrible feeling watching it sink, I felt like I was losing one of my children. lol Glad you got it back.