Help picking a solid setup

[Sam Martin]

Hey guys! new member here! thanks for having me on board

So i have been wanting to taking my fishing more serious, ive always just had cheap rigs but now the paychecks are getting bigger thanks to a new job and i wanna get some better quality equipment. I live in north texas and right now do fishing on the shore or on my standup paddleboard. right now i got my eye on the shimano caenan for a reel (i prefer baitcast) but not sure as to what line or rod to run with it. Im new to fishing so any info or suggestions will help. Thanks!!!

[Stingray23]

First off, what is your budget?

[Fish4bigfish]

Get a reel with a better frame. Dobyns rods are what I like.

If you like shimano maybe look at the citica I. Dobyns fury rods is where I would point you but lots of manufacturers make good rods at around 100 bucks. Welcome to the forums.

[fishnkamp]

Absolutely  the Dobyns Fury and Powell Infernos would do you well. For the price of the Shimano  i would suggest to go on Amazon and pick up a Diawa Tatula for $100. That is a $150 retail reel, or pick up a Diawa Tatula Type R for $130 and that is a $200 reel. They will hold up very well for you.

[Sam Martin]

7 hours ago, Stingray23 said:

First off, what is your budget?

im thinking sub $400

[new2BC4bass]

  Sam.

 

I don't know the cover, weights, types of lures, etc. that you will be fishing with, but a 7' to 7'3" MHF is always a good starting point for an all-around rod.  If cover is light and lures not too heavy, then the same length and action rod in a Medium power is also a good choice.  Power ratings are not standard.  Some company's put out rods heavy for their rating...some that are a bit light.  If you fish from shore with a lot of surrounding cover, then a shorter stick would be a plus.

You gave yourself a decent budget.  Lots of options.  You can go the route where total for rod and reel is about $200 or less....or buy better gear.  I would suggest going the better route if you think fishing is something you will become serious about.  Tons of fish are caught on $40 or less rods and reels.  However, if you wind up like many of us you will get more pleasure knowing you are using quality equipment.  The more expensive rods will have better components and better sensitivity.

If you want to keep price around that of the Caenan, I would suggest looking at the Lew's Tournament MB on ebay for $109.  Has dual brakes.  The Tatula is also a reel better than its price.  The Caenan is liked by some on here...and Shimano makes nice reels...but I'd rather have a reel with a metal frame for my only reel.

If you decide to go braid, I would suggest 40# as an excellent line size for someone to learn on.  Sufix Performance is a good low cost braid.  Quieter than PowerPro Original.  Color does fade fast, but that doesn't affect the lines performance.  I like mono or co-polymers.  Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate Mono, Sufix Siege, Silver Thread AN40, Trilene Big Game, Sunline Super Natural are some of my favorites.  There are many more good lines such as McCoy Mean Green, Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Izorline XXX, P-Line CXX (has more memory, but is very abrasion resistant) to name a few.

Is there a big store near you where you can handle different rods and reels?  The Tatula is an excellent reel, but some don't like its size.  Personally I've never had a reel that size or weight bothered me, but maybe it would you.  Ideally you would be able to mount the reel you want on the rod you want to see how well the combo feels for you.

[Stingray23]

8 hours ago, Sam Martin said:

im thinking sub $400

Ok. If you're looking for one set up that will do a lot of things, a 7' mh/f will cover most. My brother just picked up a new Daiwa Tatula CT type-R for $150. Great reel. I would pair that with a Megabass Levante Tour Versatile or spinnerbait special. Very versatile rods that will be good for many techniques.

[fluna]

Shimano Casitas is a very nice reel. Lews Tournament MB Speed spool is a  very nice reel as well. I am still looking to buy a baitcaster reel and rod. I have narrowed mine down to these 2 reels. Check out the sales on St.Croix web. nice rods with good pricing. I suggest finding a reel you like and then walk around the store looking at rods, most places will let you put reel on the rod to see how it feels. Welcome aboard, I have learned a lot by reading the forums.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Sam!

For $400 you could get a very nice
casting combo of a nice Citica I, or a
Curado I plus a St. Croix Avid.

I also have experience with the Daiwa
Lexa casting reel which is also very nice.

Plenty of options in your price range.

Good luck choosing!