Looking For A New Rod And Reel Jig Setup For $300

[shimmy]

looking for a new rod and reel jignpig fishing (all purpose-light to heavier jigs--usually 3/4 is as high as i need for this) setup for $300. I know there are tons of posts similar but just wanted to hear some ideas on how to get this type of set up for 300 and get a great rod and reel. The rod preferably 7 ft at least. If you can match some prices for me, i'd love the expertise. Thanks guys, love this site!

[dave]

As as few others have said in the past, for a jig rod/reel, spend most of the money on the rod.

[Hi Salenity]

I like a Lew's TP 7.1 for a reel. You can get them on "the Bay" for $150-160

I have 2 rods that I use that fit your budget somewhat

7'6'' MF Veritas (they also make a 7'11''H)

7'11'' Rage

[LgMouthGambler]

A good tough 7.something ratio reel, and a strong MH or H rod over 7 ft. Maybe a Veritas H Flipping rod, its 7'11.

[shimmy]

great advice thus far. I have narrowed my rod choices down to a dobyns 704 or a 735 and am having a very very difficult time deciding which one to get. I mostly use 1/4 ounce to 3/8 ounce jigs. From all the great stuff i have heard about the 735, i just don't know how well it would cast my 1/4 ounce jigs (bulky jigs, not finesse). This is enough to give a man a migraine. These are truly the most difficult decisions a man can make in his life. HELP!

As for the reel, i still am up for ideas. Still have around 150 to spend on the reel.

[iabass8]

I was once looking at the same set up a year ago for jigs. (I didnt go /w dobyns/) but the consensus was the champion/or extreme 734(open water-moderate cover 1/4oz-1/2oz where this rod shines) 735 for heavier jigs and/or frogs and flipping. Hope that helped. I was almost dead set on the 734 but went with a different company.

[QUIENYO]

Last I checked, TW still had a few high speed Abu STX in stock for $159. That or the LEWS TP would be the reel for me if I was picking a dedicated jig reel. Please let us know what you decide to go with. I'm hoping to get a nice jig reel myself next time I have a little extra money. If I had the cash now, I think I'd get the old STX from the above mentioned e-retailer.

Good luck.

[shimmy]

Last I checked, TW still had a few high speed Abu STX in stock for $159. That or the LEWS TP would be the reel for me if I was picking a dedicated jig reel. Please let us know what you decide to go with. I'm hoping to get a nice jig reel myself next time I have a little extra money. If I had the cash now, I think I'd get the old STX from the above mentioned e-retailer.

Good luck.

i have had 2 brand new revo stx's and both lasted a year and a half to break. The first one was replaced for free by them which was not necessary but incredibly generous. The other one finally had both reel paddles fall off and just feels less smooth than my curados. However, when the revos are working, my goodness, the stx is an incredible reel, the best i have used. But, really no point in getting it if it only lasts a year or two.

[Capt.Bob]

The Lew's 7.1 Tournament Pro is a top choice for your setup, I love mine, hell I love all my Lew's. But I am rather fond of the St. Croix line, for this price range, I'd spend about $30.00 more and for $330.00 total, join the Lew's T.P. with an Avid, 7' in a MF covers your jig's and soft plastics, its the AVC70MF 1/4 to 3/4 oz. rigs, I use this setup more than all my other setups, great balance and good feel, with enough backbone for bigger fish.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Powell Endurance 714C

Curado E7 (slightly used)

[*Hootie]

A good tough 7.something ratio reel, and a strong MH or H rod over 7 ft. Maybe a Veritas H Flipping rod, its 7'11.

WHAT!!!!

No mention of Shimano? I've got to say, I'm rather proud of you LMG. LOL

Hootie

[BassinMD]

My jog rod is my favorite rod in the box hands down ardent f700 and a Dobyns 735, I wouldn't trade it for anything. The reel is on the heavy side but it is soooo smooth and the 22 lb drag is flawless, also the Dobyns rod is great super sensitive and more backbone than you will ever need bass fishing.

[LgMouthGambler]

WHAT!!!!

No mention of Shimano? I've got to say, I'm rather proud of you LMG. LOL

Hootie

oops, I forgot. SHIMANO!

[ww2farmer]

NEW:

Rod: St Croix Avid 7' MH/Fast $180

Reel: Shimano Citica 200G6 (201G6 if you want LH) $130

If you don't have to have it "right now" great condition used stuff pops up here, ebay, or other fishing forums often, then you could save some $$ on the reel with a lightly used D, or E series Citica or Curado, and bump the rod up to a Legend Tournament.

[kschultz76]

When I last looked St. Croix still had a great deal on a 7'0" MH/F Legend Tournament Bass LTBC70MHF in their Bargain Room online. I recently got the 6'6" version and am very pleased with it when test casting it in the creek out back. However I've not gotten out on the boat and really fished with it yet. With the discount being offered on becasue it is the previous model it is a real steal and less then the equivalent Avid right now.

They don't list the specs in the Bargain Room, but they are identical to the current 2012 model of the same LTB rod. If you look around in this forum these rods are very well regarded and have good reviews elsewhere. I can tell you from personal experience St. Croix's customer service is amazing. Plus with this rod you get a lifetime warranty and great service program.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/products/Legend_Tournament_Bass_Casting_Rod_LTBC70MHXF-330-23.html

[Capt.Bob]

When I last looked St. Croix still had a great deal on a 7'0" MH/F Legend Tournament Bass LTBC70MHF in their Bargain Room online. I recently got the 6'6" version and am very pleased with it when test casting it in the creek out back. However I've not gotten out on the boat and really fished with it yet. With the discount being offered on becasue it is the previous model it is a real steal and less then the equivalent Avid right now.

They don't list the specs in the Bargain Room, but they are identical to the current 2012 model of the same LTB rod. If you look around in this forum these rods are very well regarded and have good reviews elsewhere. I can tell you from personal experience St. Croix's customer service is amazing. Plus with this rod you get a lifetime warranty and great service program.

http://www.stcroixro...HXF-330-23.html

Wow "ks" That is a great deal on a rod, and most like the new half cork rods. I definitely like the XF action over the Fast for Jigs and Plastics team that up with a Lews Tournament Pro and you have a setup with a total weight of less than 11 oz. with excellent sensativity and plenty of backbone for Bass or Walleye, that would be a sweet setup and keep you around $20.00 over your target budget!! Even I could talk Jeannine into understanding that move!!! And that is a steel, for that rod at that price,

[kschultz76]

Rats, I actually meant to send the link for the 7'0" MH F not the XF, but that rod is also in the Bargain Room and a great deal. Here's the link for the LTBC70MHF if anyone's interested.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/products/Legend_Tournament_Bass_Casting_Rod_LTBC70MHF-329-23.html

[Capt.Bob]

I prefer the XF action personally, for jigs and plastics, there is a plus on the weight also, the same power rods are a little lighter with the XF actions, and feel are a little better for the hook set as there a little stiffer in the tip.

[JCiurej34]

i would go with a Powell Endurance 764FLIP which is a 7'6" medium action rod. It's rated for 3/16-1oz and 10-20lb line. This rod would be perfect to throw 1/4oz jigs, but it would still have plenty of backbone to throw even heavier jigs. It costs $169.99 and I would pair it with a Lew's Tournament MG which is $129.99.