Jiggy With It Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 What's up y'all, I'm in the market for my first baitcaster setup after being a long time spinner guy. Since I don't have the largest budget, I'm looking for a rod/reel combo that I can use for a small variety of fishing. I'm really looking for a Jiggin/Flipping and basic Topwater setup (Frogs mainly). Right now I'm looking for a 7'-7'6 MH-H rod and a 6.3.1-7.3.1 reel (BPS Pro Qualifier & Daiwa Tatula) specifically. As for the rods I have no clue, I'm looking for something that's quality but won't break the bank. I'll probably top this off with 40-65# braid since the areas I fish get thick hydrilla mats come August. How does this sound? I've been reading around a good bit, but there is a lot of information to take in. Quote
Ozark_Basser Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 Temple fork outfitters signature series in 7mh or 76mh is only 100 bucks. I've been fishing with my 7mh for about six months and I like it a lot. Has a super soft tip but with a lot of backbone. More backbone than most mh's. Quote
Super User smalljaw67 Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 If all your fishing is going to be heavy, say 1/2oz jigs or even 3/8oz but in heavy cover and your topwater doesn't include anything with a treble hook then you can certainly find a rod that will work for both and it won't break the bank. Everyone will have a favorite so what kind of price range are you talking about? Anyway, look for something 7'3" to 7'6" H/F stay away from extra fast. Quote
Super User Senko lover Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 If you plan on throwing crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters a lot, go with a medium. If you're more of a spinnerbait/soft plastics/jigs type of guy, get a MH. If you're trying to do both, stick with the MH. 1 Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 Take a look at the new Berkley Lightning Shock Rods. A very nice rod at a very competitive price. I'd probably go with the 7'6" MH rod for your applications. Another feature is that rod has been designed for use with braided lines. Although it retails for $55.00 (BPS & Cabelas) you can get it for a lot cheaper through Walmarts online. Sounds like you've decided on the reel, but if not, a decent match up would be an Ambassadeur 5500-C. Which won't break the bank either. Quote
LunkerFisher Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 For jigs and frogs, definitely go for a 7.1:1 ratio reel and 50-65lb 4 carrier braid. The 7'3" mh Veritas is a stout Rod that is very versatile and should suit your needs if you're looking at the $100 range for a rod. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 For the techniques you're looking for using the rod for, I'd take a look at the 7' MH/F St. Croix Mojo Bass rod. It might not be the perfect match for everything, but it'll do what you're asking of it. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 For the techniques you're looking for using the rod for, I'd take a look at the 7' MH/F St. Croix Mojo Bass rod. It might not be the perfect match for everything, but it'll do what you're asking of it. This is a good suggestion especially for a versatile rod. The St Croix MH fishes a little heavier than other MH's but still not a Hvy. 1 Quote
DocNsanE Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 If all your fishing is going to be heavy, say 1/2oz jigs or even 3/8oz but in heavy cover and your topwater doesn't include anything with a treble hook then you can certainly find a rod that will work for both and it won't break the bank. Everyone will have a favorite so what kind of price range are you talking about? Anyway, look for something 7'3" to 7'6" H/F stay away from extra fast. Why are you recommending he stay away from XF rods? Is it because he plans on using braid? I thought that XF were a good choice for bottom contact like jigs for the added sensitivity, but I can understand that the combination of XF and braid would not allow for much give in a hookset or a fight. Although I have braid on one of my XF spinning combos and I've never had any issues. For OP: I just bought my first baitcaster as well; a tatula 7.3:1 and tatula 7'1" MHXF for pretty much the same applications you have listed. I'm pretty sure you can find both the rod and the reel around $100 each if you look hard enough. Quote
tommiller76 Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 Most of the replies here offer excellent advice but I would also add that if you are going to actually go into the store to purchase your setup that you try several different brands, lengths, weights, etc, it's possible that you find something that feels right to you that you hadn't previously considered. Also by going to the store you can talk to someone and offer more information about exactly what it is you're looking for to which they can then make recommendations to you. Good luck. Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 The Tatula rod series is pretty darn good bang for your buck. I've seen them online as cheap as $90 Quote
Jiggy With It Posted March 17, 2015 Author Posted March 17, 2015 I may pull the trigger on the Berkley Lightning Shock then, I've seen them on sale at the local Walmart for $40 if I remember correctly. I'm also looking into a used tatula or BPS Pro Qualifier used on the classifieds here. My budget is cheaper the better right now as a college student. My main concern is what I "want". I'm trying to get into specific rigs such as a worm rod, jig rod, topwater/swimbaits ect.. I guess I couldn't go wrong with a MH Fast Tip 7' rod for a majority or what I'm looking for. Quote
Joedodge Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I've got a 7' M/H berkley lightng Rod shock there $39 at Walmart regularly and make sure you ask for the two year replacement plan. It's $3. Great sensitive rods for the money. It compares excelent to my more expensive halo rods. And I also basically fish all M/H rods for my apinners, jerk and minnow baits, and finesse soft plastics and swim baits. I prefer the stiffness. Don't care for whippy rods. Quote
Turkey sandwich Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 One thing to consider is long term. A cheap stiff Rod (fast, or extra fast) will chuck heavy lures without a problem. However, if you want to make sure you're feeling the bottom, pieces of cover, and subtle hits, it's worth it to invest a little more if you can. A big part of finding fish is feeling, and a good rod is a good investment. I use a 7'2 St Croix Rage for fishing jigs and soft plastics, both casting and flipping and love the SCIII graphite blanks. They sell for around $150, but offer a lot of the same features as $250 rods at a fraction of the price. If that's still a bit pricey, the Mojo Bass or Premier series are still great rods for around $100/apiece. Quote
CRANKENSTIEN Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 Duckett 7'3 MH ghost $100 unless can find on sale. This rod can be used for most applications. I have it paired with a Lews BB1 and love the combo. I also have a tatula reel. You wont go wrong with either reel. Quote
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