Need Help With Rod/reel Combos

[Uber]

I have been bass fishing for quite a while and I was using a cheap spinning reel and rod for some time. This past spring I managed to pick up my first baitcaster and decided to go with the Abu Garcia Revo SX, with a 6'6 medium, fast action st. croix mojo bass rod. I am really getting more involved in bass fishing and want to get a few combos before spring for different techniques. I find my current setup is great for both spinnerbait and jigging. I would like to get some ideas on what technique my current setup is designed for, so I could add a few more combos for topwater/crankbaits, spinnerbait, and jigging/soft plastics. I heard a good rod for spinnerbaits would be a 6', what kind of action do I want, what gear ratio baitcaster do I need, and line type and #. and Ive also seen that jigging/pitching/flipping I should use a 7'6 rod? is this correct? I would appreciate if someone would get me in the right direction for 3 or 4 different combos that I can work on, and what type of line and #test to use.

[The Rooster]

That combo you have now can be used for spinnerbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, buzz baits, and chatterbaits. Being a medium power I would normally find it limited for overall lure weight in these categories but I think the St. Croix rods are a little stiffer on average than comparable rods from other manufacturers so it probably isn't as limited as some others would be. I'd probably still prefer a medium heavy for most of these baits in the upper weight ranges though, such as 1/2 to 3/4 oz spinnerbaits, which weigh about twice what they're rated at. But overall, it's a good rod. You could get a medium heavy and still keep that rod to use along side of it. Keep a jig or spinnerbait on one, a Texas rig on the other.

A good spinnerbait rod is a medium heavy capable of up to 1 oz. or more. I like a fast tip. Some like extra fast. Extra fast makes it stiffer overall. Might me useful for pulling fish from heavy cover or ripping through grass. But I think a fast tip is strong enough, and being slightly softer makes it easier to load up and cast farther, especially with lighter baits. 6 foot is good for short casting distances, around docks or overhanging tree branches where you might want to throw back up underneath them. Makes it easier to do so. I think a 6'6" size is an all around rod though. I can still cast under objects (with practice) and still make longer casts also.

After these, you may want a cranking rod for treble lures. A medium or medium heavy, depending on average weight of baits thrown most. This rod will have a moderate action as opposed to fast tip. It will flex more. Treble hook baits can tend to tear out of the fish's mouth if the rod doesn't give enough to keep from pulling the bait out. That's what these rods do. You can fish crankbaits, jerk baits, top waters, and other treble lures on it.

For reel ratios, slower is better for deep diving crankbaits, it helps get the bait down deeper since it takes longer to reel back in, giving more time for the bait to dive. Faster is better for jig fishing where taking up line quick might be needed (fish takes bait and swims toward you, can't set hook until slack is out). Also is better for fast burning baits through water. I think a 6.x is an all around good ratio. Easy to slow down some if needed without going at a snail pace, but not too hard to speed up without wearing you out in the process. This is the ratio I'd get if the rod was for multipurpose use. More specific use, like jigs and plastics only, I'd get a 7.x. For deep diving cranks only, maybe a 5.x.

There are more rods also that you may want but to keep this from being so long I'll let some others offer up some suggestions.

[roadwarrior]

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun

to collect. However, three rigs cover all the basics.

#1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs,

some soft plastics and spinnerbaits.

#2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble

hook lures.

#3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures

and a variety of techniques.

[Arv]

Rooster and RW gave you some awesome groundwork to base your decision off of. The one thing I will say is to be mindful of the conditions/cover you are fishing and what lures you will actually fish when starting out. Whenever I listen to pro's and read stuff online about different set ups, I find it easy to get sucked into thinking I need every different rod/reel combo you can think of. Look at what RW said and build from that. You should be able to fish pretty much everything with those three set ups, find what you like/what is effective and go from there. No need to spend a ton of money on something that looks good on paper but never gets used.

With a little more info on where and what you will be/want to be fishing we can help you more with what equipment to use.

[Uber]

I definitely love the feel of a 6'6 medium fast action rod for spinnerbaits, it is a very strong backbone rod being st. croix, but also has a ton of flexibility at the tip. I will also probably look at another 6'6 medium heavy for jigs, and the 7' medium for trebles. The one thing Im not really sure on is what baitcasters to get next. If I use my revo sx and st. croix 6'6 medium fast for spinnerbaits, I would like to get maybe a shimano curado or a 7-1-1 ratio for jigging. if that sounds correct. Also possibly another revo sx (because i love it) or a shimano citica. Another question is, I seen pinacle baitcasters, what are your guys opinions?.. I also have a spinning reel and rod for dropshot use only too

[rockchalk06]

If you like the SX you will love the STX. I have 2 in 7.1:1. Dual breaking system on them.