First Setup Help

[Jassch82]

I am new to fishing.  My budget is $200-250.  Do I spend it on 1 rod/reel or split it on 2 rod/reel's? 

 

Due to being new to this, would it be better to stay away from baitcasters?

 

I am looking to use many different and rigs(crankbaits, topwater, spinnerbaits, jigs and soft plastics). 

 

Please help with suggested rods, reels(baitcaster or spinning), line weight and what lures the suggested setup would be good for.

 

Thanks

Jason

[bflp3]

If I were in your position, I would get one baitcast setup and one spinning setup. If you aren't up to learning to use a baitcaster, get two spinning setups.

Baitcaster: BPS Pro Qualifier $79 at classic sale

7' MH Berkeley Lightning Shock or BPS Tourney Special $49

Spinning: Pfluegar President 6930 $49 at classic sale

6'6" M Berkeley Lightning Shock or BPS Tourney Special $49

Should put you under $250 after tax.

[lmbfisherman]

If I were in your position, I would get one baitcast setup and one spinning setup. If you aren't up to learning to use a baitcaster, get two spinning setups.

Baitcaster: BPS Pro Qualifier $79 at classic sale

7' MH Berkeley Lightning Shock or BPS Tourney Special $49

Spinning: Pfluegar President 6930 $49 at classic sale

6'6" M Berkeley Lightning Shock or BPS Tourney Special $49

Should put you under $250 after tax.

Good advice.

[Jassch82]

Thank you

Which baits would you use with the baitcaster and which with the spinning?  and what line weight?

[OK Bass Hunter]

Don't split up into 2 combos. Buy one quality setup at a time. It will save you the money of hassle of trading up later. Trust me on that point, I made that mistake with my first couple of combos.

[Jassch82]

Ok bass hunter, what would you recommend? A baitcaster or spinning, and what type of rod?

[NathanW]

Good advice.

I agree. A few reasons, 1) If you want to get into this sport you must learn how to use a baitcaster, might as well start now, practice at home. 2) If you only have a baitcaster you may get extreamly frustrated and want to quit, it can be a hassle while learning. You will find yourself useing the spinnig rod much more often at first while the bite is on. 3) BPS pro qualifier is a decent reel and could last a couple years. The President real is a great reel the ones I own I still use, they are the cheapest piece of gear I own that I still use often.

 

Typically you would use all those baits mentioned above on casting gear, with the exception of soft plastics which would vary. But there is nothing to say cant use it all spinning as well.

[WIGuide]

It's up to you whether or not you want to take on the challenge of a baitcaster. You can get away with only using spinning reels. Some people will say you can't, but you can. I used to do it and quite a few people I know still do. I think baitcasters are a little more efficient, have a little more power, and better accuracy. That being said they take more of a learning curve. I would recommend getting a spinning reel and a baitcaster. Bfl3p's advice is good. That gear is not the top of the line, but it's decent and you won't just be buying junk. As far as what to throw on each, use the spinning reel for smaller lighter baits and the baitcaster for the heavier stuff.  

[AnglerNo.2112]

I'm getting the pro qualifier and the president for my first bass combos as well. They fit perfectly in my price range and seem to be great reels for the money, especially on sale!