Looking To Add Versatility To My Lineup

[c.rushing2010]

First of all, this site is amazing. I find myself reading all the time and never posting so I figured this would be as good a time as ever to start.

 

My friends and family know me too well, and as a result, I received around $350 worth of bass pro giftcards for Christmas this year.

 

My question to you all is this: Given the rods and reels I currently have, what would be the best use of that sum of money to really add to what I don't already have covered? I was thinking about a spinning setup for finesse techniques, but am open to suggestions for new technique specific setups that my overall fishing experience could benefit from.

 

My current arsenal consists of:

 

1.) Revo sx 7.1:1 on 7' heavy action castaway rod - used for frogs

2.) Shimano Chronarch 200e7 on 7'6" st croix mojo bass - flipping/pitching

3.) Shimano Citica 200g6 on 7' medium st croix mojo bass - plastics and spinnerbaits

4.) BPS pro qualifier 6.4:1 on 6'9" medium heavy Abu Garcia Veritas - texas rigs/carolina

5.) Quantum Smoke 6.3:1 on 7' Skeet Reese Cranking rod - crankbaits (looking to get a lower gear ratio reel)

 

 

I mainly fish small private lakes and ponds that are full of mostly stained/dirty water. I fish from the bank, my kayak, or my jon boat if the water is large enough. I am wondering if my money would be better spent on a fishfinder rather than another combo.

 

Also, any suggestions for switching my current gear around for better combinations are welcome.

 

I'm in no hurry to get whatever it is I end up getting so waiting for the bass pro spring sale is doable. I'd just like some opinions other than the research I have been doing on my own.

 

Thanks.

[A-Jay]

First off Welcome to BR ~

 

 Perhaps you could hold off on new tackle and after some research, purchase an appropriate sonar/gps for your situation.

 

If you've never used one, I'm betting your fishing is about to take on a whole new meaning.

 

However this, may in turn, may result in more tackle.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[Loop_Dad]

Welcome on board!

 

I fish mostly stained water too. Do you have any use for dropshot? Some days, fish like things to be off the bottom and rather still.

 

However, if you don't have fish finder, I would go with that first.

[Arv]

While you don't have any spinning set-ups, I would lean towards a fish finder. That's going to be my next big purchase for my new yak.

[c.rushing2010]

Thank you for your replies. I have been researching several fishfinders, because I know how beneficial they can be. I'm tired of not knowing what the bottom of the water I am fishing looks like (depth, structure, etc). I am thinking about matching whatever I receive in gift cards with cash, since I would have spent that much to kick off bass fishing season anyways. This way, I could update some gear, and acquire a fishfinder to really start my season off right.

[ksboy]

If it were me I'd start off with an older model depth finder with temperature module installed. The newer, Side Imaging, Down Imaging models are pretty complicated and can cost a lot if you get the bigger ones. BR usually has some used ones in the fishing flea market. You can always go to Ebay or some of the other sights as well.

My 2c worth.

[Felix77]

IMO you can't go wrong with getting a finesse setup.  You should still have plenty left to buy whatever else you need.

 

My suggestion is a 6.5 - 7' Medium with a MF tip.  A 3000 series reel.  8lb Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon.

 

With that you can fish shakey heads, the mojo rig and the drop shot easily.

 

Get some finesse worms (Robos, Zoom, Strike King) and you are good to go!

 

I'm a big finesse fan!  Good luck.

[roadwarrior]

My vote would be for spinning gear. However, if you deside to go with electronics, consider the Dragonfly:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128646-raymarine-dragonfly-review/

 

Here is another option:  http://vexilar.com/info/sonarphone-mobile-depth-sounder-app/

 

 

 

[c.rushing2010]

As far as spinning gear is concerned, I've been looking into the shimano symetre (sp?) but am open to suggestions up to about the $150 range for a reel. I'm clueless as far as spinning rods go.