Rod And Reel Help

[GoTakeANap]

Hello everyone. I need help setting up 2 casting rod/reel combos. I would like your opinion on a jig/worm combo and a crank bait combo. The rods i'm interested in are full cork grip handles. M, MH or H? I never know which rod-power to choose when setting up a combo. Could someone explain what each rod-power is used for? Reels I would like to go with Abu Garcia. What gear ratio? The waters I fish in aren't any deeper then 20 ft. I have $1000 to spend. 

[Mista bass]

With $1000 your possibilities are endless. I can answer but I need to know a few things. What size jigs are you throwing and what size cranks? Rod power is going to differ a lot between manufacturers. If you're using light jigs and weightless/weighted worms I'd go with a medium or even a medium light. I like the sensitivity on those bottom contact baits and I'm sure you will too. I'd use a reel with a 7.1.1 gear ratio so you can pick up that slack fast when you need to. Now as for the cranking rod I'd go with something like a med or med/hvy at no less then 7' 3". If it's specifically going to be used for cranking I'd also go with a glass rod over graphite. As for the reel, I'd go with a 5.1:1 or a 6.4:1. It'll be easier cranking all day with the lower gear ratio. That's what I personally use for the situation I think you're talking about. To give you a better reccomendation I'd need you to be more specific with what you'll be using them for. Are you set on Abu Garcia for both rods and reels?

-matt

[papajoe222]

Something you need to understand about how rods are rated. First there is a power rating such as med. heavy and then there is a tip rating, fast, x fast. That is basically how quickly the tip recovers after flexing. The other thing is that different companies rate their rods power differently. Some companies will also give you a general idea of what application the rod is designed for.

With the budget you have I would seriously consider giving DVT a call. Give them a idea of the applications you want to use it for an the type and size of line and lures and they will gladly make some recommendations.

Reels are a whole different can of worms and the fact that there are an abundance of quality ones available makes it mor of a personal preference thing. Generally speaking a 6.0-6.3:1 is a good all around gear ratio, but some guys like a faster reel. Consider what size lures you'll be using most often and choose the size and model based on that. Some reels are better at casting lighter lures than others.

[gulfcaptain]

Here is a quick guideline.  Don't fish any Abu products so I can't advise anything except basics to look for.

 

Reels:  Jig/worm reel look for a reel that picks up somewhere between 26-30" IPT.  Don't get hung up on gear ratio's look into the details.

 

             Cranking reel look for something in the range of 21-24" IPT.  If you're not going to do any deep cranking and mainly fishing squarebill style baits, then 24-26" IPT will suffice nicely and not wear you out.

 

Rods:  Jig/Worm,  I'd say something in the range of 7'-7'3" in a MH say in the range around 1/4oz to 3/4oz or 3/8 to 1oz range will cover most of your needs. I'd go with a fast action(my preference).

 

           Cranking look for something in the 7'-7'4" in a moderate action. Depending on the baits you're going to use will dictate what rating.  1/4oz 5/8oz I'd say a Med, if you're gonna be fishing bigger baits say 1/2oz to1oz I would opt for a MH. 

 

Action of the rod states where the rod will bend and shut off.  XF normally about 12-18" from the tip.  Usually have a softer tip.  Fast normally about a third of the way down the rod before it shuts off.  Then you have Moderate which basically means it's quite parabolic and will bend about two thirds down the blank which is great for cranking and helps absorb the impact and help keep from pulling hooks.

[CRANKENSTIEN]

Well gulf captain Sumed It up well. X2

[GoTakeANap]

i just would like the reels to be abu garcia. I dont care what the rod brand is.

 

I wouldnt be using anything bigger than 3/4 oz jigs on the worm/jig combo.

 

Crankbaits wouldnt be no deeper than 20 ft. 

 

 

Is there any brand of rod out there thats preferred over others? 

[gulfcaptain]

Well gulf captain Sumed It up well. X2

Thanks. Tried to give general guidelines.

 

i just would like the reels to be abu garcia. I dont care what the rod brand is.

 

I wouldnt be using anything bigger than 3/4 oz jigs on the worm/jig combo.

 

Crankbaits wouldnt be no deeper than 20 ft. 

 

 

Is there any brand of rod out there thats preferred over others?

 

Abu Garcia's are fine just look into the details and the IPT on the reels and pick

 

Rod brand you're opening up to all kinds of opinions.  Bottom line is YOU are the one that is going to be fishing it and not knowing your price range then it's hard to give you any suggestions.