Best all around set up

[espowell15]

I am a young bank largemouth fisherman with not much money to spend. I also do not want to carry around a lot of rods fishing from the bank. What rod, reel, and line would be the most versatile to use in my situation.

[roadwarrior]

 

[SMITTY0045]

I would get a 7' MHF rod. Most people would consider this to be the most versatile rod size available. If you are on the shorter side, you could always get a 6'6" rod instead. As for the reel, I would get something with around a 6.4:1 gear ratio. This speed is falls somewhere in the middle of most retrieval speeds as far as bait casters go, so it would probably be the best for your setup. Lastly, I would pick up some 15lb test line. I would get complymer, or something along those lines. I personally like PLine fluroclear. It is a pretty versatile line and it's very manageable.

I'm sure you will get more opinions on what kind of set up you should get, but this is what I would personally use.

[Fishin' Fool]

1 hour ago, espowell15 said:

I am a young bank largemouth fisherman with not much money to spend. I also do not want to carry around a lot of rods fishing from the bank. What rod, reel, and line would be the most versatile to use in my situation.

How do you plan to fish? Also what's alot of money? You could put yourself into a Daiwa Tatula reel and Dobyns Fury rod for under $200. Is that alot of money for you? There are people on here that won't flinch spending $400 on a reel. Everyone has a different comfort zone.

Also are you looking for a casting rod/reel or spinning?

[Rbm18]

As far as a spinning rod I have a shimano sienna 2500 on a 6'6'' shimano convergance rod with 12lb mono. The whole combo cost me less than $100.00 . Its a pretty good reel to be only $29

[Caliyak]

My two cents; Abu Garcia black max 3 with a Berkeley shock 7 or 6'6 with 12 lb mono- trilene. Get the same combo with 30-40 lb braid. All you can get at walmart. Rbm just gave you a great spinning combo. 

[KP Duty]

This is the rod I would recommend.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress-ethos-7-mh-freshwater-casting-rod

 

 

[smr_hga]

I'm not sure how "young" you are but i am 13 myself and know the struggles of getting money for gear. You say you are fishing for bass. What i want to know is how much fishing experience you have in general. Also you should not try to be spooked by all the choices of gear out there. Pretty much any rod, reel, or line will catch you a bass. If you are seriously low on cash you might as well go to your local walmart pick up a cheap, prespooled, spinning combo for like $20. If you have more money available, then here is what i'd suggest personally. Go online and look for a Abu Garcia Black Max 6'6" medium action combo. If you are as young as me a bigger rod may be more uncomfortable and less fun. The combo i mentioned was $60 for me, overall a great deal. If it is not prespooled, then pick up some 8lb monofilament, with that you can cover a good amount of water without losing bigger bass. Whatever you do just remember that almost any combo will catch fish. If you are new to bass fishing you may have a hard time figuring out how to catch them. Do not get discouraged, we are here for you

[22hertz]

You need to specify what your budget is and how you plan to fish.

I prefer my baitcasters but a spinning setup will allow you to throw any weight lure making it more flexible.

Tell us your budget and you'll get specific recommendations.

Do you live near a Bass Pro shop, Cabelas, Academy Sports?

[espowell15]

My budget will be around $150 give ot take a few, I would rather a baitcaster, and I live near a bass pro shop.

[EllisJuan]

BPS ProQualifier/CarbonLite combo sounds right up your alley.

[new2BC4bass]

Welcome. 

My first choice is always a casting rod.  I do have to ask one question, tho.  Are the banks clear where you fish?  It is much easier for me to cast in a constricted area with a spinning rod.  Cover and lure size can narrow your search.  A Medium Fast is plenty if you never fish over 1/2 oz. and in light cover.

The H2O gets good reviews as does the Berkley Lightning.

Look at the Black Max and H2O Mettle...new.  Used is generally a better value for your money.  Many times you can find one in good to excellent condition for about half the original price.

I am partial to mono or co-polymers for line unless fishing in something like lily pads.  I use a 12# mono or co-polymer on the majority of my MH rods.

As always...keep an eye on places such as the St. Croix Bargain Room. Cabela's Bargain Cave and FFO.  Some very sweet deals can sometimes be found.

I have no idea about combos sold by places such as BPS, Cabela's and Sports Academy.  Others can chime in on those.

[22hertz]

Here is my advice for a budget of $150

Buy a spinning rod and reel.

Spinning gear will allow you to buy higher quality for a lower price.

Spinning gear is necessary in some situations. For example I have been fishing the shad lately and throwing a small lightweight jig to catch them. No way could I throw the jig on my baitcaster. You can also throw into heavy wind. You can cast at night etc...

If your budget has to include line and possibly some tackle you will need to budget for that to get setup.

Don't assume rod/reel combos are the best deal. Do your research and wait for sales. Spend your money wisely.

IMO Pflueger (like the President) makes some great spinning reels for the money.

Go put your hands on a lot of rods and find what feels best in your hand.

Dont overlook house brand rods (BPS, Cabelas) as they often have rods made by the same places that make name brand rods and they go on sale often. They usually come with a more hassle free warranty as well.

For line, I have used braid for longer than I can remember so I cant give an objective opinion on braid vs anything else. I can say I don't like Power Pro but do like Sufix.

I have caught a LOT of fish on a spinning rod and reel so don't get too hung up on this vs that. Buy the best quality your budget allows and budget for everything you need before spending a penny.

Wait for the sales that will come like this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/rod-reel-combos/spinning-combos|/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/pflueger-reg-president-reg-cabela-s-tourney-trail-reg-split-grip-spinning-combo/1325675.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fspinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580

[IndianaFinesse]

First off, don't buy from basspro, there stuff is way marked up.  Instead, order from Fishing Factory Outlet and wait a couple weeks for the 15$ off over fifty, 25 off over a hundred, etc. They do that sale about once every six weeks or so.  Get yourself a 7 foot medium-heavy casting Abu Garcia villain for 72$, with the retail price being 200$.  Then get the the pfluegar supreme xt low profile casting reel (although it's shown as a recon, it's never been used in like new condition) for 88$ instead of the retail price of 150$.  If you wait for the sale, it should only run about 140$ or so for a set up worth 350$.?

[trick worms]

I would get a 6'6 medium heavy. The carbonlite/ pq combo would be good for your price range. Being a shore fisherman myself, having a shorter rod is helpful. If you don't have a spinning rod get a spinning rod but almost everyone has a crappy spinning rod laying around someehere. Put some 15# mono/fluoro or 30# braid on your setup. Tight lines!

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

BSP Pro Qualifier/Caronlite combo. You can thank me later. Great set up no matter price but also fits your budget which is main thing. I have some higher end set ups and honestly I dig this exact setup and prefer it. As long as you take care of your gear it will take care of you believe me

[BillyBassMaster]

Any shimano reel above $100 and with a 7 foot MHF rod I like the St. Croix mojo bass, but if that's out of your price range look at the Abu Garcia vendetta.