Best Rod and Reel Combo on a Budget

[ftownangler]

Hey guys, just wanted to toss this out there to see what you all are using out there.  I'm pretty new into bass fishing and this forum.  Trying to find my first Baitcaster rod and reel, hoping to keep it anywhere between $100 and $150.  Thanks for any feedback!

[Choporoz]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/forum/12-fishing-rods-reels-line-and-knots/

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

Have a go at the links from @Choporoz, I was going
to recommend the second one as it's a fairly common
question we see on the forums.

[Yudo1]

I'd pick up a daiwa fuego on sale @ American legacy for $78.  I don't think you'll a better reel under $80.  As far as rods I've heard good things about Berkeley lightening shock for about $50.  

[Aloff10]

A great new casting rod and reel would be the Lew's American Hero Speed Stick Casting Rod (medium heavy) pair up with the Lew's Speed Spool LFS Series Casting Reel.  This will add up to around $170 but it is definitely worth it.  It's an all-purpose rod that you can throw almost everything you want except for some large swim baits.  The rod is very sturdy and comfortable in your hand.  The Speed Spool LFS is very smooth and perfect for anyone coming into the baitcaster world.

[Choporoz]

I'm going to suggest something a little different.  I think that by doing the 'normal' thing and trying to get a very good reel and a very good rod both for under $150..or $100....or whatever your budget is....consider getting a $100 reel and a $50 rod....or a $50 reel and a $100 rod. 

    My thinking is that there are very few rods or reels well under $100 that are going to be satisfactory to you after a few months or a year of use.  There's exceptions out there, but, by and large, I think most folks will tell you that you'll want to upgrade a $75 rod or reel before too long.  However, I see $100 as sort of a fairly solid threshold for both rods and reels.    That point can be argued at great length, but I don't think you'll be disappointed with a decent (better?) reel (or rod) now paired with a 'lesser' component that you can upgrade in 6 months or a year and have a 'good combo' instead of settling for the next half year and looking to replace both. ...not a strong suggestion, just something to consider

[trick worms]

H20 express ethos 7" med heavy and h20 mettle. That'll run you 120 plus line

[Chance_Taker4]

4 hours ago, trick worms said:

H20 express ethos 7" mex heavy and h20 mettle. That'll run you 120 plus line

x2

[fishnkamp]

Consider one of the Diawa Excellers , Fuegas or a Tatula, but keep an eye on places like Amazon, and Gander Mountain,  Recently I picked up 3 Tatulas that regularly run between $140 and $199 for $100 and $135 shipped to the house.  Twice this spring Gander Mountain sold Excellers that run $100 for less than $60.  Now you are still buying a $100 reel but caught on sale for $49 to $60. These reels cast very nice and will  last you for a long time.  This means you won't be "upgrading" anytime soon.  I just let you know I have a friend that is really hard on his equipment, fishes at least 3 to 4 times a week on average and even chases large stripers  with those reels and they seem to hold up well for him.