Suggestions?

[MIbassin]

Hey guys-

 

I'm in the process for buying tackle for the new place in Florida and was wondering if i could get some input from you guys!

 

On a 400-450$ budget, i need a medium heavy fast action rod for spinnerbaits, texas rig soft plastics, and swim baits such as the gambler big EZ. To go with that, i was thinking a 7:3:1 reel.

 

I also need a nice spinning rod for weightless flukes, senkos etc.. as well as some lighter rapala plugs/floating minnows.I also need a good reel

 

What are your suggestions on some good quality brands and products that would fit into that budget? In other words, what would your combo of choice be?

Thanks!

 

[John G]

When I throw 3/4oz spinnerbaits, T Rigs with at least a 1/4oz Tungsten bullet weight and a Big EZ on a weighted hook, I use a Loomis MBR844. That is a 7' H/F. A Big EZ is a big bait and IIRC, it is around 1oz with a 1/8oz weighted hook.

[MIbassin]

I mostly won't be using spinnerbaits that heavy and my texas rig will usually be 1//16-1/8oz depending on the wind. I might even go weightless with the big worms

[new2BC4bass]

Go to ohya and look at the Quantum Superlite and Tour Edition PT rods.  Believe it or not, these are quality rods even though they have "Quantum" on them.  The Superlite lists for $230 and is selling for $125 while the Tour Edition lists for $200 and is selling for $118.  You would have to go with a Tour Edition in a spinning rod as there is only one model of Superlite left.  I have had communications from a couple different Online friends about what great rods the Smokes are for the price.  Very light and strong.  A friend raves about his 6'9" MXF Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth spinning rod.  It will be my next spinning rod purchase.

 

TW still has the T3 Ballistic 7.1:1 for $110.  I don't have the Ballistic, but have a couple of the T3 1016 reels, and like them a lot.  Or call Ron at Beat the Big Box Boys and ask about the Tatula or Lexa.  If you don't mind used, you can find some pretty good deals on the various fishing classified forums.  I don't know what Shimanos are currently going for, but I'm sure you know Shimano has a huge fan base on this forum.  A Curado 51E just sold for $120 on another forum.  I have to say I like mine a lot also, but am not stuck with just one brand.

 

Spinning reels.............Shimano and Pflueger get recommended every time a post is made asking about low cost quality spinning reels.  I'd look at the President or Supreme if you can budget it.  I've also read some good things about the Abu Garcia Orra S spinning reel.  If you have to go even cheaper, look at the Cardinal or Trion.

 

I keep 3 baitcassting and one spinning rod in Florida for visits.  A rod I bought there was the Diawa Jupiter 7' MH baitcast rod made for Walmart.  I am not a fan of white rods, but it has performed well for me so far.  Also stop by a Dick's Sporting Goods store if you have one near you and look at the Quantum Escalade.  I haven't fished one (waiting for a sale), but was impressed with how light the MH rod was when I handled it in the store.

[new2BC4bass]

I mostly won't be using spinnerbaits that heavy and my texas rig will usually be 1//16-1/8oz depending on the wind. I might even go weightless with the big worms

 

I throw 10" weightless worms on both the Jupiter rod previously mentioned, and on a Falcon Original 7' MH.  A Gen 1 STX-L with 40# Sufix Performance is always on the Jupiter while the Falcon will carry a different reel each year.  I try to take different reels down each visit.  The reel on the Original will almost always have 12# mono on it.  My spinning rod is a 7' MH Quantum Superlite with a Daiwa SS1600 Tournament and 30# braid.

[SirSnookalot]

I live in the area and familiar where you will be.  Unless you plan on leaving equipment here for a winter trip I would not buy any thing special for bass.  Bass fishing is not very hot right now in this area, the focus is elsewhere.  As they say here in Florida, there is always a good bite going on someplace.  If I were to go back to Michigan, I'd never bass fish because I got them here, I'd be fishing for something I don't normally catch like pike, muskie, trout, etc.  I'm always going to try and steer a vacationer to saltwater, not only is the the time of year for it, but you may catch something you never caught before.