help Opinions on my beginner/intermediate rod and reel arsenal?

[lbriggs]

I have been seriously fishing for maybe 2 years. I am just out of high school and own three rods and three reels. Here they are;

SPINNING

1.) Abu Garcia Veritas (6'6" medium power fast action) 

Pflueger President (3500 series I think, maybe a 5.4:1 gear ratio)

---Mainly using this for live baits, drop-shot, ned/neko rig, finesse jigs

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASTING

1.) Field and Stream Tec Spec (6'6" medium power fast action)

KastKing Royale (6.3:1 gear ratio)

---Just got these over Christmas. Planning on using jerkbaits, lipless cranks, and squarebills

2.) Black Max Rod (7" medium heavy fast action)

Black Max Reel (6.3:1?)

---I like to throw heavy spinnerbaits and some topwater on this rod. I will start throwing football head jigs eventually with this.

 

I really love my spinning combo, absolutely no problems there. I like the black max reel, but despise the rod on the black max combo. I plan on replacing it with a No8 Fishing *** most likely. I also have yet to fish with the Field and Stream combo but hope it performs. 

What are your opinions on these rods and reels for a small arsenal? Do each of these combos work for what applications and lures I will be using? 

[Bruce424]

GREAT! Honestly with these three setups you can cover almost any lure presentation.

Check out gandermountain line of rods. I hear good and bad about no. 8 rods. Eyes crooked or break easy but i also heard those rods are the best for the price. Just buy the best that is in your budget. I just recently purchased a *** black gen 2 rod. 

How does that kast king feel? And is that black max the new 2015 model or older.

[lbriggs]

Thanks for the quick response! New to these forums, only a lurker here..hope my post is alright. 

The KastKing reel comes in tomorrow, I will be sure to update this thread. Christmas deal on Amazon, 60 dollars down to 36 dollars! Can't beat that for a reel that (supposedly) performs on the same level as a Abu Pro Maxx, it even has 11+1 bearings. The Black Max reel I purchased is a 2015 model, the drag is smooth and has yet to slip. 

Do you guys think that the Field and Stream Rod is up to snuff? I haven't heard much but what I have heard is very good. Will that combo handle squarebills and lipless cranks well? They are my favorite baits by far.

[new2BC4bass]

The Veritas and Pflueger have good reputations.  Many like the Black Max casting reel for a beginner.  I've no idea about the Black Max rod or the KastKing reel.  Is the Tec Spec black (original) or blue (Elite)?  Both have received positive comments at their price range.  I have the original black model in a 6'8" MF.  I agree it is a decent rod for the $60 price.  Tip recovery is slower than I like, but you can't expect too mush at this price point.

[lbriggs]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

Should work okay for the lighter ones.  The little I have used mine has mostly been with crankbaits.  My lipless crankbaits are big enough that I use a MH rod for them.

Perfect. Thank you. I love the KVD 1.5s and 1.0s. I also fish the Rapala Rattlin Rap in 3/8 so that's perfect. Thanks.

 

[Darren.]

Looks like you may have your answer(s), so I'll just
welcome you to the forums!

[lbriggs]

3 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Looks like you may have your answer(s), so I'll just
welcome you to the forums!

Thanks, very helpful of everyone.

 

[lbriggs]

Update: Tec Spec rod is good. Decent lipless rod, it's good for 4" grubs, and jerkbaits. Just about a true fast action but still loads good for a cast. 

KastKing reel is better than the Black Max. Only complaints is a very temperamental drag to set, along with noise when cast really far. Otherwise it's a good reel, no complaints.