Which rod and reel

[robp78]

Hi guys, I'm having a small dilemma. I'm about to purchase my first baitcasting rod and reel. Here are my two options that I have narrowed down to: 1. Medium rod with moderate tip and 5.1:1 reel, which from my understanding would be good for crank baits and some top water. 2. Medium rod with fast tip and 6.4:1 reel which would be a better all purpose rod for most techniques out there. So my question is since I will probably end up with a crankbait rod anyways should I just buy option number 1 or becuase since this is my first and only baitcaster for now should I go with option 2. I'm interested in what you guys think. thanks

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

I'd start with the all-purpose combo, then
go technique specific.

[robp78]

Do you agree with the all purpose being between 6.7 to 7ft medium with fast action with a 6.4:1 reel?

Or maybe a medium heavy would be more in the middle 

[JigMaster4]

For one all around rod I would go with a medium heavy/fast action, I use to fish this and caught fish with squarebills, lipless, jigs, texas rigs and more.

[Raul]

MH fast + 6ish:1 reel + 10-12 lb monofilament ( choose your poison: Nylon, FC or Copoly ) line and pretty much you can fish 90% of the baits, in 90% of the places, in 90% of the time, 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

Go MH/F(I'd go with a BPS Carbonlite) 12LB Yo-zuri hybrid Pro Qualifier reel. Can do jigs in light cover, cranks if need be, T-rigs and on.

[robp78]

Ok so I'm going to listen to you guys otherwise why post the topic. So this is what I have in mind http://www.basspro.com/St-Croix-Mojo-Bass-Casting-Rod/product/2244807/ , M/H Fast 6,8 ft with this reel http://www.basspro.com/Abu-Garcia-Revo-SX-Baitcast-Reel/product/1207130446073/ , 6.4:1. Thoughts?

Although I'm reading that this specific M/H rod from Mojo Bass acts more like a Heavy I am thinking of maybe getting the medium?

[Raul]

22 minutes ago, robp78 said:

I am thinking of maybe getting the medium?

Get the MH, better have more than less.

 

[PennBass]

Yeah, for St. Croix get the Medium if you want a "standard" MH: St. Croix's rods are under-rated. My MF Avid X is quite similar to my Tatula MHF in terms of power.

[robp78]

Thank you for that PennBass. Also someone here suggested Mono line. Doesn't Mono have too much of a memory and is too stretchy so it will likely give you those twirls when it comes off the reel therefore leaving a lot of line between you and the lure. Wouldn't Fluoro be a better line for an all purpose rod, due to its non stretch and less memory, even if it sinks instead of floating like the Mono?

Going back to the M vs the M/H wouldn't it be better for a starting all purpose rod to be medium this way as you try on the different techniques and applications you can than decide if a certain technique would benefit from a heavier rod or even a lighter rod? Just throwing it out there

[PennBass]

6 hours ago, robp78 said:

Thank you for that PennBass. Also someone here suggested Mono line. Doesn't Mono have too much of a memory and is too stretchy so it will likely give you those twirls when it comes off the reel therefore leaving a lot of line between you and the lure. Wouldn't Fluoro be a better line for an all purpose rod, due to its non stretch and less memory, even if it sinks instead of floating like the Mono?

Going back to the M vs the M/H wouldn't it be better for a starting all purpose rod to be medium this way as you try on the different techniques and applications you can than decide if a certain technique would benefit from a heavier rod or even a lighter rod? Just throwing it out there

Line choice depends a lot on the applications you're going to use the rod for. When fishing treble-hooked baits, I prefer some kind of shock absorbance, but not too much. For example, I pair either braid with a moderate-action rod, or mono with a fast-action. If you combine both a moderate-action rod and mono, I feel there's too much stretch. If you're looking for an all-purpose rod, I'd suggest 30-40 lbs braid. (less will make the line cut into itself, causing backlash) or a quality 12-17 lbs. fluorocarbon, but if you're going to use any type of topwater, stay away from fluoro. 

With baitcasters line memory doesn't quite have the same level of negative effect that it has on spinning gear, since the line comes straight on/off, not in "springs", so using heavier mono/fluoro line is certainly an option. I really like the limpness of braid, but since this is your first baitcasting setup you should start off with mono. Backlashes with mono/fluoro are much easier in general to get out than braid. 

 

With rod choice, I think a medium is more versatile than a MH because you'll be able to cast a good variety of baits, from weightless soft plastics to jigs. However, choosing a M would limit you when fishing jigs/frogs and might not have the backbone you might want. The rod power varies from brand to brand, so see if you can get your hands on one to see how it feels. Again, if you're buying St. Croix, highly recommend the M over the MH because the MH is more on the Heavy end of the spectrum.

Hope this helps!

 

["hamma"]

If this is to be your 1st baitcasting rig, go to a basspro shops and handle a rod with both a right hand retrieve reel, and a left hand retrieve reel

 I did this many many years ago and dont own a right handed baitcaster, the left handed reel just felt right, and offers me a quicker reaction especially when flipping, skipping, pitching, and for topwaters, or quick striking bass on any lure for that matter

Keep in mind that not all reels are offered in a left handed model,.. doesnt bother me though because most shimano's are,  and i prefer curados anyways

[roadwarrior]

[lmbfisherman]

I would base my decision on rod power on what you like to fish most of the time.  If you fish the lower end or below the MH rod lure ratings then you will have difficulty casting the bait.  Especially since this is your first baitcaster.  I'm assuming you are learning the ropes.  Keep in mind that a rod tends to have a sweet spot in the middle of the ratings.

[Ski]

18 hours ago, JigMaster4 said:

For one all around rod I would go with a medium heavy/fast action, I use to fish this and caught fish with squarebills, lipless, jigs, texas rigs and more.

This ^^

[Raul]

15 hours ago, robp78 said:

Thank you for that PennBass. Also someone here suggested Mono line. Doesn't Mono have too much of a memory and is too stretchy so it will likely give you those twirls when it comes off the reel therefore leaving a lot of line between you and the lure. Wouldn't Fluoro be a better line for an all purpose rod, due to its non stretch and less memory, even if it sinks instead of floating like the Mono?

Going back to the M vs the M/H wouldn't it be better for a starting all purpose rod to be medium this way as you try on the different techniques and applications you can than decide if a certain technique would benefit from a heavier rod or even a lighter rod? Just throwing it out there

I said monofilament line, also said FLUOROCARBON, NYLON or COPOLY, choose your poison, all of them are MONOFILAMENT !

 

[new2BC4bass]

I would choose rod power based on type of cover and lure weights you plan on fishing.  I prefer a MHF for an all-around rod, and 7' to 7'3" length.  Normally I fish lures that can be cast on a MH with ease.  However, mix in crankbaits, and I would prefer a MF.  Sure they could be thrown on a MHF (reduce drag and don't use braid).  I used a MF for crankbaits for several years until I broke down and bought a dedicated crankbait rod.  Some treble lures are better used with a MH rod.  It is going to be a compromise either way.  Try to pick a rod that will cover the most lures you plan on fishing.

The Tatula 6.3 would make a good all-around reel.  Personally I'd err on the side of too much speed than not enough.  I have no problem cranking slow when necessary.

 

17 hours ago, robp78 said:

Thank you for that PennBass. Also someone here suggested Mono line. Doesn't Mono have too much of a memory and is too stretchy so it will likely give you those twirls when it comes off the reel therefore leaving a lot of line between you and the lure. Wouldn't Fluoro be a better line for an all purpose rod, due to its non stretch and less memory, even if it sinks instead of floating like the Mono?

Going back to the M vs the M/H wouldn't it be better for a starting all purpose rod to be medium this way as you try on the different techniques and applications you can than decide if a certain technique would benefit from a heavier rod or even a lighter rod? Just throwing it out there

If you think mono has too much memory, then don't bother using fluoro....especially in the 17# or heavier as suggested.  Also it is a myth that fluoro doesn't stretch....kept going by some people on forums such as this one.  Go over to TackleTour and read their fluorocarbon line tests.  If you don't believe their results, try it yourself.  You will only have to try it once.