Huntsman Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Hello everyone, I was turned onto this site today by an associate at Dick's Sporting Goods, who seems to think the world of you all. Anyhow, I'm relatively new to the bass fishing scene, not too many good spots here in Vegas without access to a boat. However, now that I have an aluminum boat, I'm ready to go! I used to fish primarily with texas rigged plastics, and had moderate success. However, this was years ago.I don't know how to work baitcasters, so I'd be more comfortable getting a spinning rod. I've been advised I should be looking for a Medium to Medium Heavy action 6-1/2 to 7 foot rod with a fast tip, and get the best sensitivity I can. I will most likely be using 10-12# mono on whatever I choose, and would like to experiment with other types of plastics/jigs. As more experienced bass fishermen, what would you suggest in terms of Brand/Price for the rod/reel? Which should I pay more for? My price range for both(total) would probably be up to 150 dollars or so, and my friend offered to let me use his BPS discount if I get a rod/reel from their brand. However this range is flexible. I'd appreciate any help, and look forward to speaking with you all. Let me know if you need any other information to set me on the right track, thanks! Quote
MichiganFishing1997 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 If you want to go the Bps route, the Carbonlight is a great rod for the money, and will be even better for your money if you get an employee discounts. I havent used any of their spinning reels, but if you put a pflueger president o it, which is a great bang for your buck reel, you will have an awesome set up and still have money for a little line and tackle. Best of luck! Christian Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted February 12, 2014 Super User Posted February 12, 2014 Considering your situation I believe MF gave you some very good advice. When fishing spinning gear I like 6.5' MF rods with reels in the 2500 size. Quote
MichiganFishing1997 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Oh right, size wise, I like a 2500 size reel, and a 6'6-7' MF rod for general purpose spinning gear. Quote
Huntsman Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Thanks for the tips (: . Looking at the carbonlite series reviews, it seems some people have had trouble with the guides falling out? Do you happen to know if they come with a decent warranty? Also, should I be looking at the regular or micro guide series? Have you had personal experience with these rods? And also in regards to the president, how well does it compare to other spinning reels in that price range? (~ $60). A buddy of mine recommended I go for a shimano reel, as they tend to last. Quote
MichiganFishing1997 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 No personal experience with Carbonlight rods from me, but ive owned multiple BPS rods, and have only heard awesome things about the Carbonlight. As for reels I love Shimano spinning reels, but more so in the $80+ range, for $60 I dont think the president has any competition. I love that reel also, I own both brands, but for $60 I dont know if you can beat it unless you find a reel on sale or used. 1 Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted February 12, 2014 Super User Posted February 12, 2014 Thanks for the tips (: . Looking at the carbonlite series reviews, it seems some people have had trouble with the guides falling out? Do you happen to know if they come with a decent warranty? Also, should I be looking at the regular or micro guide series? Have you had personal experience with these rods? And also in regards to the president, how well does it compare to other spinning reels in that price range? (~ $60). A buddy of mine recommended I go for a shimano reel, as they tend to last. BPS has awesome warranty I with their products. I have heard/read multiple occasions, usually no questions asked. The Carbonlite gets great reviews here, I haven't read too many complaints. The Pfleuger President reels are good reels and should be a good buy. if I wasn't a Stradic/Symetere fan, I'd probably would buy a President. Quote
The Fisher Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I have a carbonlite 7' med fast with a Shimano Sedona spinning reel I've used for about 3 years with no problem. I use it for light weighted Tx rigs and wacky rigged senkos. I've pulled some 3-4 lb bass with no problem. 1 Quote
The Fisher Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Also you might wait until BPS has their Spring sale which I think starts around 2/28. The carbonlites are usually marked down. Quote
Huntsman Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Hm, I'll have to run down to Bass Pro later today and check them out how they feel. Looking at the lure rating, they can only manage around 1/2-5/8 oz max load. Should I be concerned when texas rigging with 1/4 oz weights, using 5-7" worms and lizards? I believe I'd be right around 1/2 oz with a 7 inch. Also, thanks for mentioning the sale ^^. Looking at their prices they're between 70-100 dollars or so, but I believe the bass pro discount is around 40%. Any idea if that stacks with instore markdowns? Also, what $80 or so shimanos were you referring to? I may make the step up if I get a good deal on the rod. (: Quote
MichiganFishing1997 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 My last Shimano Spinning reel I bought was a Sahara, and I love it, run into BPS and play around with some of the stuff we have mentioned and see what you like. In the end it is what you like the most and feel most confident in. Let us know what you end up with! Christian Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I have a 7' MH/F rig & jig spinning rod from Dicks that I use, it's the Field & Stream Tec Spec edition from a couple of years ago. I have it paired with a Quantum Catalyst PTi 20 series reel with 15# braid. The rod is both durable and sensitive with a great price at the time of around $60. The new series Tec Spec Pro, I believe which is the micro guide series is also very good but I have a casting model in that series. Quote
Arv Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 If your friend can get you that BPS discount I'd definitely look at getting a carbonlite. It should make a solid rod for what you want to do with it. They have several combos, some with BPS spinning reels and some with others. I'm not sure how the BPS spinning reels stack up, but one combo is offered with a Pflueger MGX which is a great reel for the money. Talk to your friend and see what deal you can get. Good luck! Quote
Huntsman Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Appreciate the help guys, I'll do a little inquiring later today (: One quick question, do you think the rod would hold up to striper? I hear they're a little more aggressive fighters. Much more striper than largemouth in the lake. My friend regularly pulls out 20-40 lb fish, with the lake record at around 60. I don't expect to hook anything in that range, and I know it's not what this pole is made for, but would it handle a fish under 15 pounds fairly well? I already have some MH/H ugly sticks for bait fishing. So it's just a matter of what I hook while casting lures. Quote
0119 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 If you set your drag properly a med. rod will handle it fine. I use med. spinning on inshore saltwater and it handles tarpon to that size fine. You might loose a few till you get your drag setting right 1 Quote
Huntsman Posted February 13, 2014 Author Posted February 13, 2014 I went to Bass Pro tonight, and checked out the carbon series. The signature II series was especially nice. I ended up talking to the employees there for well over an hour, and they ended up giving me baitcaster lessons lol. Terry, (a sales rep) recommended I get a cheaper baitcaster, maybe in the 50 dollar range, with atleast 5 bearings to learn how to use them properly. He insisted that after you learn to use them properly, you'll rarely pick up a spinning rod for plastics again. I may consider picking one up. Has anyone tried out berkley lightning rods? Particularly the Amp series? They look like nice little rods, and I may pick one up from walmart to learn. Even though I see the benefits, I think I'll go with a spinning rod for now. I tried out the presidents while I was there, but I prefer the feel of the sedona in my hand, so I may go with shimano in the end. Gonna wait a couple weeks to see if the carbons go on sale. Anyhow, what are your experiences with spinning vs. baitcasters for plastics and jigging? Quote
OkeechobeeAngler Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 Spinning will work just fine with plastics and jigs. 2 Quote
Arv Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 I would get the carbonlite pro qualifier combo. It's in your price range and at worst, has resale value. Quote
Huntsman Posted February 13, 2014 Author Posted February 13, 2014 It does look like a nifty combo, however I'd rather not pay for the baitcaster model just yet, as I still have no experience with them. I also don't know how well bps reels perform in comparison to shimano, penn, or pflueger. Quote
Jigs 4 Pigs Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 I have a Johnny Morris sig series II and a Carbonlite, I'm pretty sure it's the same rod blank 85 million modulus. Sig series uses better guides has a carbon cloth material in the handle for added strength. Unless the sig series is on sale I would just get the Carbonlite. I also have a Sustain FE, 2 Stradic Ci-4's, Saros FA, and 2 Pflueger Presidents. I like my Shimanos but in all honesty, the Presidents are hard to beat for the price. And... I forgot to mention, my "fishing buddy" threw my tackle bag from a boat on to a dock right on top of a BPS Bionic Blade, snapped it like a twig right in half. No receipt, BPS did an exchange no questions asked! 1 Quote
Huntsman Posted February 13, 2014 Author Posted February 13, 2014 Well that's good to hear, if I recall they have 1 year warranties correct? I really like how they feel in the store, it'd be nice to take one for a test drive, haha. On a side note, are you able to purchase a longer warranty? Some of the more expensive rods like shimano have over the counter lifetime warranties. The main reason I'm considering the BPS rods are the employee discount. However, if I think the about the long term, would it be worth it to pay a little more for a more durable rod? As for the reels, I've read quite a few reviews on the presidents, and even the reps their said it was quite popular. But, I didn't really have the option of reeling in any line, or testing the drag for either reel, but the sedona just seemed more comfortable when "reeling." Quote
Jigs 4 Pigs Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 Yes 1 year warranty. I'd be all over that 40% BPS discount if I were you!! 1 Quote
Huntsman Posted February 13, 2014 Author Posted February 13, 2014 Do you know of any BPS reels that can compete with the President or Sedona? With the discount I should be able to get a 100 dollar BPS reel at about the same price as them. Quote
OkeechobeeAngler Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 Stick with the Sedona. You stated it felt comfortable. Got with your gut. 1 Quote
Jigs 4 Pigs Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 No experience with the BPS spinning reels, sorry. This is my spinning reel rule: If I have alot of extra $ - Daiwa/ Shimano, not a lot of $ - Pflueger. 1 Quote
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