Good Combo Under $130?

[VinnieT]

Hi everyone, as some of you know, I am getting a new rod+reel for crankbaits and soft plastics. I also want to get a good rod+reel for some jigs and soft plastics. Also, I want it to cost under $130. Any suggestions?

[Arv]

Unless you find a good deal on something used for your jig/worm rod/reel I do not think you will find a good set up for that application under 130. BPS might have some decent combos for cranking around that price range, but for a jig/worm rod, you want to get the most sensitive rod you can afford. If I was you, I would just get one or the other and make sure you are getting something worth while and that will last. Most combos under 130 will be "disposable," meaning, once it goes bad, there is not much sense in repairing. My suggestion would be to put your money towards one combo in the 250-300 range as opposed to two different set ups.

[LgMouthGambler]

For something decent, expect $200. If you really want to keep it cheap, go with Abu black/silver max style combo. Expect to get short life. Save the money, buy a Shimano Citica at least, then fish long term.

[Dave P]

Berkley Lightning Rod and spend the rest on a aluminum framed reel.

[VinnieT]

For something decent, expect $200. If you really want to keep it cheap, go with Abu black/silver max style combo. Expect to get short life. Save the money, buy a Shimano Citica at least, then fish long term.

Really? I was looking at a Shimano Caenan and Sellus.

[fowlskies]

For $130 Dick's has the abu Garcia Orra combo, its better than the Abu Silver or Black Max someone suggested earlier. Keep within your price range and don't listen to the you "need" to spend $300, there are plenty of people fishing jigs with much less expensive setups that catch fish. The Orra is a really nice reel and will do everything you want it to.

[*Hootie]

Really? I was looking at a Shimano Caenan and Sellus.

Then it sounds like you already had something picked out. What's up with that??........

Hootie

[flyfisher]

Then it sounds like you already had something picked out. What's up with that??........

Hootie

What he can't look around before posting?

I woudl spend more on the rod than the reel for bottom contact baits. If you can bump a little bit you can get a veritas. mojo bass or something similar and then a cheap reel. Once you can save up a little you can then replace the reel and still have a pretty good rod.

[nwmike]

bass tackle depot has verdict rods for 65 bucks which is a good deal.tackle warehouse has quantum tour edition pt rods for the same price.I have a 7'4" pt and am really happy with it.the pt offers great sensitivity.another combo I bought a all star ast 7 mh and a h2o reel to use as a bank fishing set up because I always beat up my nicer rods bank fishing for some reason. the all star combo was only 90.00 at academy it has been reliable and served me well .the verdict and an orra sx would be a great combo for 130.00

[ww2farmer]

Go to ebay. Brand new Fenwick Eagle GT's can be had for $65 with free shipping, a 7' MH/fast would make a good all around jig/plastics rod, paired with a Daiwa Exceler reel, which can also be found on ebay NIB for $65 with free shipping. IMHO thats an excellant bang for the buck on your $130 budget.

[retiredbosn]

IMO you should stay away from any reel with a graphite frame, the Caenan has a graphite frame. Right now you can find some good deals on Rods and reels. I've never used the Verdict so I can't comment on its performance, but the sale on them now is a good sale. FWIW the Convergence and Clarus rods from Shimano are good deals anytime, the Convergence can be had for 59 bucks and comes with a life time warranty. Pair it with a BPS Pro Qualifier now on sale for 80 and you have a good versatile rig that will serve you well. Also I think your budget for the Crankbait set up was around 200 bucks add that to your 130 for this setup. IMO you would be better off putting the bulk of your overall budget into the jig and worm rod, sensitivity is key with bottom contact fishing and less into the crankbait set up. With the two set ups you are looking at, I would put the money as follows bottom contact fishing (ie jigs and worms) I would put more money into the rod, sensitivity is key. With cranking I would put more into the reel, the reel gets a hard workout especially fishing deep divers. Good Luck and tight lines

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Academy h2o ethos rod for 59.99 and the mettle reel on sale now for 29.99 reg 49.99. Cannot beat the quality of these 2 products for a retail price $110.00.

I will give props to the above mentioned orra combo. These would be my second choice.

[LgMouthGambler]

Really? I was looking at a Shimano Caenan and Sellus.

As bosn stated, you want to go for an aluminum framed reel, thus the Citica. Gonna be the best choice for you.

[VinnieT]

So the Citica is good? Whats a nice rod?

[Arv]

So the Citica is good? Whats a nice rod?

For bottom contact presentations, I wouldn't go anything less than a $100 rod. Veritas, Compre and Mojo Bass are good options IMO. I have 2 Veritas' on sale for $70.00 in the fleamarket that are basically brand new if you're interested.

[TylerVC]

Bps sells a carbonlite/ pro qualifier combo for 150. Both rod and reel have good reviews.

[retiredbosn]

Also bass tackle depot has the verdict (step up from veritas) for 65 bucks right now, plus reels deeply discounted too

[VinnieT]

All soft plastics fit under the category of bottom contact bait right?

[tugsandpulls]

i dont think you need spend 200 or 300 for a set up i do quite well with 100-150$ set ups

[J Francho]

All soft plastics fit under the category of bottom contact bait right?

Not if they're rigged "weightless."

Personally, I echo the Al frame as a must. Maybe I have sensitive hands, but I've been able to sense bites on budget rods. They are usually a little bit heavier, have cheaper guides, but for the most part, any fast action graphite rod will work. For years, I used Bionic Blades and Team All Stars that I bought on the cheap. Keep your eyes peeled to the Flea Market here, and eBay. When you see something that interests you, ask us about it.

[VinnieT]

What action and power do you recommend for soft plastics and jigs?

[J Francho]

7' MH/Fast.

[sarcazmo]

BPS Pro Qualifier/Carbonlite combo. Can be had for about 160 which is a tad more than you want to spend. YOu might be able to get it a bit cheaper with current sales.