Shakespeare Catch More Fish Baitcaster

[kybasspro]

Is this a good beginner rod and reel combo for a persons first baitcaster? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shakespeare-Catch-More-Fish-Bass-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Kit/33588671

[greywalls]

You could do much, much better for a little bit additional investment.  In my experience, there are few things more likely to frustrate a budding angler -- or a first-time baitcaster user -- than learning on extremely inexpensive and usually poorly constructed gear.  That's not to say that anyone needs to drop a ton of cash, though -- rather, I think that you'll save yourself a ton of frustration by purchasing a better reel.  For example, if I were purchasing a setup for my young son (he's too young currently, as he's only 5 and is still "mastering" his Zebco spincaster, but the same rationale applies), I wouldn't be at all concerned about the rod (plenty of $25 decent graphite rods to be had on sale at the big box stores); however, I wouldn't skimp on the reel, itself (which, IMHO, means that I'd be looking into Lews, Abu, Shimano or Daiwa offerings @ the $50+ pricepoint).

If you're stuck on purchasing a matched combo, I would recommend the Lews American Hero combo or the Abu Garcia "Max" combos (there are SilverMaxes, BlackMaxes and ProMaxes).  I think if your budget allows you $70-$80, then you'll find a setup that ultimately should be much better quality and make you much happier in the long run.

[Lendiesel22]

5 hours ago, greywalls said:

You could do much, much better for a little bit additional investment.  In my experience, there are few things more likely to frustrate a budding angler -- or a first-time baitcaster user -- than learning on extremely inexpensive and usually poorly constructed gear.  That's not to say that anyone needs to drop a ton of cash, though -- rather, I think that you'll save yourself a ton of frustration by purchasing a better reel.  For example, if I were purchasing a setup for my young son (he's too young currently, as he's only 5 and is still "mastering" his Zebco spincaster, but the same rationale applies), I wouldn't be at all concerned about the rod (plenty of $25 decent graphite rods to be had on sale at the big box stores); however, I wouldn't skimp on the reel, itself (which, IMHO, means that I'd be looking into Lews, Abu, Shimano or Daiwa offerings @ the $50+ pricepoint).

If you're stuck on purchasing a matched combo, I would recommend the Lews American Hero combo or the Abu Garcia "Max" combos (there are SilverMaxes, BlackMaxes and ProMaxes).  I think if your budget allows you $70-$80, then you'll find a setup that ultimately should be much better quality and make you much happier in the long run.

What he said

[aj88kc]

academy mettle camo combo for $99 will get you into a decent rod and an above average cheaper reel and will work for a starter combo that is very versatile. 

I just picked up a silver max combo for $40 at cabelas on sale. good starter rod and reel that will throw up to 3/4 oz. I have thrown jigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, swimbaits(hard and soft), t-rigged plastics and it has handled them all. Decent little combo. 

With the spring classic coming up at bass pro on the 12th I am sure that you can get you some good deals on some decent setups for cheap. 

[new2BC4bass]

No specs given in the link for the rod or the reel.  I'd be very leery.  Have to agree with the other posters.  The Academy reels get very good reviews.  I also feel the reel is going to be more important for you as a beginner.  Sports Academy should have a sale coming up shortly.  So should most stores.  I'd do a little more research, find something a little better, and then wait for the sales coming up.

[robster80]

get a combo from academy sports. one that uses their mettle reel

[XzyluM]

Bass Pro has the Pro Qualifier with a Carbonlite rod on sale starting on the 12th for $99.99 which is another decent combo I would recommend to someone on a budget.