Need Help Choosing A New Set Up

[ThatFishin'Guy]

I figured I would post up here because of the wealth of knowledge on this forum and you guys could probably help me out more than anyone I know. I just recently got into bass fishing pretty hardcore witihin the past year and have decided that its time to get a quality set up. As of right now I have a Quantum Baitcast combo that has treated me well for the time I've had it and want to upgrade. Now i know you guys will say that no one rod set up can be good for all applications but this is what im trying to achieve. I am predominantly a bank fisherman and occasionaly get out on my inflatable boat. I mainly throw cranks, t-rigs and weightless plastics but I like to use a lot of different techniques and presentations. I am also not willing to shell out $300 for a set up, I am willing to go $100 for rod and $100 for reel. I have been looking on TW for things that I belive will suit my style of fishing and I have decided on The *** Black M/F 6'10" or the Duckett Ghost M/F 6'10", I have heard great things for both of those rods. As for the reel I currently have a 7.1:1 and love it so for a new reel I was looking at the Lews Speed Spool LFS in either 6.8:1 or 7.5:1 (I want it to be as close to 7.1:1 as that is what I'm used to using). So basically am I on the right track here or way off? I also use braid exclusively as I am tired of loosing lures on mono and feel much more confident with braid. The current rod combo I have now is the Quantum Advantage Baitcast Combo (not much info on it) and I seem to do pretty well for myself. Any reccomendations or advice would be great! Good or Bad!

 

Thanks!!

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Not sure how it compares to the LFS, but you can get a Tatula for 100.

[FishTank]

If u are able , check out Gander Mountains Elite Rod and reel. Not the Elite combo. Despite the name, the combo is different from the sold separate Elite rods and reels. It's a good ,solid setup for under $200.

[sofarfrome]

*** 7'1" MHF and a Pflueger Supreme XT. I know the reel is $150 at TW but I got mine, new, for $115 shipped from ebay. Might be my favorite rig and I own several that are much more expensive.

[new2BC4bass]

It is the accepted norm that crankbait and bottom baits are best served with 2 rods.  Normally I consider a Fast action rod to be the best compromise.  In fact all my rods are Fast except for about 4 rods.  However, a recent thread has me considering another option.  Especially in your case where you want one rod to do it all.  I don't know what kind of cover you fish or what weight lures you use, but I would prefer a MH rod if reduced to only one option.....but I'm no longer positive it would be a Fast action rod.  I am now thinking a Med-Fast might be a better option.  I feel a MHF would probably be too powerful for the shallow cranks and squarebills I fish.  Of course a light drag and not using braid might make it viable.  I would try to find a rod rated from 1/4-1 oz. for maximum versatility.

 

Read the reply by "ghoti" in this thread.  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/144848-the-regular-action-of-tatula-rodsis-it/

 

I had posted asking about the Tatula regular action rods.  Went back the very next day to order one, but the 2 options I had been considering were already sold out.  Walmart was asking less than $90 for the Tatula rods.  Kick myself for not ordering one the night before.

 

I have to mention that Fenwick rods are becoming favorites of mine.  The HMG is within your price range.  Try to handle one.  I've had a couple people tell me that the Quantum Smoke is a very under-rated rod.  I ordered a 7' Medium-Moderate last night leaving 4 left in stock at that time.  Total cost to my door with shipping was $99 plus change.  Needless to say I am very anxious to try this rod.

 

EDIT:  I have zero experience with Duckett rods.  I do own a 7'3" MF *** Black.  Although I'm not thrilled with the handle, I really like this rod otherwise and initially mounted one of my favorite reels on it....an Alphas.  Over a year later and I still haven't removed the reel from this rod.  They go together reel well.  (Pun intended.  )

[smalljaw67]

You can get a medium heavy, fast action rod which will be good for any kind of bait except crankbaits, there is only two ways to deal with crankbaits, you either get a seperate cranking rod which is 2 set ups which you mentioned you don't want, or you get a medium power, fast action rod which limits you to smaller baits and places to fish. There is a 3rd option but you aren't going to spend the kind of money you need, and that is to get into a Megabass rod or other JDM rod as they use high modulus graphite for sensitivity but they tend to use a mod fast taper that has enough backbone to get a single hook to penetrate the mouth of a bass, yet still soft enough not to rip the treble hooks free from the mouth of a bass. If you don't mind using Texas rigs that are less than 1/2oz with lighter wire hooks in sparse cover then a medium power rod with a fast action will work for you but remember, cranks and other baits will be limited to 1/2oz and spinnerbaits and jigs will be around 3/8oz because of trailers and blades, that would be your best bet. The reason a MH-F won't work is the rod is too stout for crankbaits, and you aren't going to get a good enough quality rod in a mod-fast taper to let you fish cranks and still have enough power to set a hook with a larger wire diameter, it would be like trying to drive a golf ball with a 5 iron, it can work but not real well. So now that you know what will work, look for a 6'6" to 7' medium power, fast action rod, that will cover everything you like to use.

[ThatFishin'Guy]

Thanks a lot guys, seems I wasn't too far off. One thing I am unsure about is if I should go with the 6'10" or 7'? What are the benefits or disadvantages of both? Or will I not really notice a difference?

[Pettis]

The 7 footer will get you a bit more casting distance, and isn't really more difficult to handle unless you are a short fella.