Rod/reel Combo

[Rich.]

I'm "new" to bass fishing for the most part, I've never been much of a fisherman but being surrounded by lakes has fueled my pursuit of the sport. I'm looking for a "budget" rod/reel combo. The reviews for the *** *** casting rod seem good and I'm confident this is the rod I'm going to purchase. 

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/13-Fishing-***-Black-Casting-Rods/1431749.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Domen%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=***&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

 

 

I need help choosing a reel now, I'd like to stay around $150 but would go up to $200 on it if needed.

 

Recommendations?

[TNBassin']

I have my *** paired up with an Abu Gen 3 STX and it's a great, lightweight combo. The STX will run you $199, but if you shop around it can be had for around $160 and it's a STEAL at that price. It's light, user friendly, and has a dual braking system that let's you fine tune it for any lure weight or fishing conditions.

[Arv]

You have a nice selection in that price range. You could look on the lower end if you wanted to save money. the BPS PQ runs 100 or less if its on sale. A Revo S, Citica, Lexa or Tournament Speed Spool will fit in that 130-150 dollar range. Going towards the 200 dollar range the STX, Chronarch 200 or 50 or Tournament Pro would all be worth looking at. Also, keep your eyes peeled on the flea market. Great deals pop up there all the time.

[Capt.Bob]

Lew's makes a couple that can be had for less than you are wanting to spend, and would be very hard to beat! The Tournament and BB1 can both be had for less than $110.00 and are great reel/s for the money. The Tournament Pro can usually be gotten around the $150.00 mark and at times slightly less. If you want pure refined and smooth casting and retrieve, I have 4 of the Team and Team Gold, and have never paid over $170.00 for any of them, and can compare them to reels costing twice that amount, street price not retail. I am very happy with every reel I have bought from this company.

[TNBassin']

Whatever you do, make sure you get a reel with centrifugal brakes, or mag AND centrifugal brakes. Casting is fool proof with either set up.

[Rich.]

What is the difference between the Chronarch 200 and 50?

[TNBassin']

I believe the 50 is a smaller reel with smaller line capacity. 

[Arv]

What is the difference between the Chronarch 200 and 50?

What TN said. I have a Curado 51e and I love it. Its light and does a great job casting lighter lures. I have it paired with a Dobyns 702c for shakey heads, light jigs, weightless worms, etc. but a lot of guys will use them for heavier presentations as well.