Help For 2 New Bass Setups

[SteelheadJones]

Hey guys,

Newbie here looking for some advice and after scanning this forum the last few weeks, I think this is my best bet.

Currently using a cheap 6 ft ugly stick medium with a cheap Shimano reel. I use it to throw senkos wacky style and have had some really good luck fishing off a dock. I would now like to take it to the next level.

I have done a lot of reading on drop shot, fishing the super fluke type baits as well as some techniques on spinnerbaits (told you I was a newbie, I know a little all over the place). I would like to try and get a spinning set up and a baitcast setup. Any advice on how I can have 2 new flexible setups and where to begin would be helpful. Advice on how I could use my current cheap setup most effectively would give me a third. Budget is around 200 for each set up. Thanks in advance.

[JayKumar]

Lots of possibilities depending on what type of fishing you do or want to do.  But would go for at least a medium-heavy action if fishing for bass. It's all about the hookset and that makes it easier.  An Ugly Stik is a whippy type of rod, not the greatest for bassin' imo.

[TexasRigger21]

Believe it or not, you can sometimes get some good combos at Walmart for good prices. You should look there, especially since you are just starting out. I've had a Quantum Optix combo for a long time. I got it for like $30. Yes it was cheaper than what I usually buy, but it is on of the best spinning combos I've ever used. They also have some nice baitcasters for decent prices. I know you said that you had $200 to spend on each, but I would use the majority of your money on tackle.

If you feel like you've mastered the wacky rig, then move onto something else. I suggest mastering one technique at a time. If you do them all at once, you may get overwhelmed.

Best of luck

[HeavyDluxe]

For the spinning combo, your local StuffMart should have a Pflueger President combo (6935 President reel on a 6'6 M/F spinning rod).  Runs about $70.  Ridiculous value, IMNSHO.  It will serve you well, and the reel would be transportable onto any future spinning rod you'd like to upgrade to.

 

I thought I 'upgraded' my rod this year, so I gave the 6'6 M to my son.  I want it back now, but he's refusing.  It's a really solid setup.

 

As far as baitcasters, I dunno.. I would think you'd want to go with a MH/F to compliment the spinning setup above.  Since I only fish spinning gear, I'd have to leave that to someone else for a recommendation.  Good luck!

[bartdude186]

for a cheap all around spinning combo, i like the bass pro mega cast. Nothing fancy but i liked it enough that when i slammed it in the truck door to go buy another one. i like it alot for a $30 combo. the med/hvy with 10lb line is all i use for my weightless flukes now.

[bartdude186]

also, i don't see the need for spending 200 on a setup unless there is monney on the line, don't get me wrong i have some expensive setups but honestly i enjoy my cheaper (price wise not quality wise) setups just as much. my mega cast spinning combo and my abu silver max have landed more fish for me than any of my others.spend that extra money on more cranks, plastics, and jigs.

[SteelheadJones]

Bratsdude thank you for your feedback. Makes a lot of sense. Thanks everyone.