Looking to get a good, all around bait casting rod

[Omahabass]

I'm new to bass fishing. I have a 6'6" medium action spinning combo from scheels but I'd like to get a bait casting rod and reel that I could use for any application; frogging, Texas worms, jigs, etc. Any suggestions? 

[ghost]

It's cheap, I bought one. It's the Berkley Amp casting rod.  There are 2 versions, the new one has EVA camo split grip. I bought the 7' MH, 3/8-1oz lure weight. Sells for $30.00, it comes in others lengths and actions. It has a good feel, good balance and very good sensitivity.

I like rods that I consider good all around rods.  This Amp rod, I can use crankbaits, jigs, flukes, Senkos, topwater, frogs, buzzbaits, spinner baits, Texas rig, any rig, etc. 

There are much better casting rods that cost so much more, depends on you how much you want to spend. I have quite a few casting rods from $300 on down.

If you're looking to getting into baitcasting, spend big dollars on a first time rod, well that's your call.  The nice thing about this rod, it can do all what a more expensive rod can do. Eventually after using it you will fine tune what you eventually want to get in an expensive rod.

Also, the Berkley Amp rod looks great

 

[Bluebasser86]

 

[strikefc34]

pretty tough to beat the Dobyns 734 for an all around rod. Pick your price point from $109 to $250, not many baits that action won't handle well.

[the reel ess]

It should be a MH in the 6'-6" to 7' range to get the most uses out of it. It should probably have a Mod-fast action to give some tip for casting and letting fish take trebles, while still being stout enough for single hook hooksets. Go with a good high graphite content if you plan to do everything with it. By that, I mean, shy away from the composite rods, and definitely, no fiberglass. You'll need sensitivity. I don't think you gave a price point, but you can do what you need under $100. If you're thinking more like under $50, look to the store brands from BPS, Cabela's and Academy.

I got into bass fishing when a good rod could be had for $30 and we did alright. My first bass rod was a 5'6" Skaespeare Liberty 96% graphite from probably 1983. I just yard-sold it last fall. Now I have rods from $130 all the way down to an Eagle Claw I bought under $10 in the 80's. They all catch bass.

That article link is good. Good luck.

[Fish4bigfish]

1 hour ago, strikefc34 said:

pretty tough to beat the Dobyns 734 for an all around rod. Pick your price point from $109 to $250, not many baits that action won't handle well.

Nailed it! As far as a versatility, I think the fury 734 is hard to beat! 

Lots of comparable "good rods" but the fury 734 is extremely versatile! In a pinch I've thrown weightless worms, senkos, drop shot with 1/4 oz, spinnerbaits, lighter t rigs or jigs, whopper plopper a and small swimbaits!

[WIGuide]

The St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" MH/F is a great all around rod. It might be a little light for super heavy froggin' but you can make due until you're ready to invest in a heavy power rod. The newer rod has a little slower action than the last generation. It makes for a great all around rod. 

[scaleface]

I'm astounded by how good some of the inexpensive rods perform . My most expensive rod is a Shimano Compere that cost 100 dollars . I picked up a 7 foot med hvy IM8 graphite rod at Gander Mountain for 20 dollars . I used it for the first time yesterday and was blown away  by it . It reads Lady Guide LOL  and was marked down but I think it was only a forty dollar rod to begin with . My local Farm store has IM7 quantums for thirty dollars . They are so much lighter than the pool cues of yesteryear .  The rod snobs will say they are junk  .I'im impressed with them .

[fishnkamp]

The thing you left out was your budget.  It takes a bit of money to buy a decent baitcasting reel with enough quality that it does not hinder your learning curve. Good quality but moderately priced reels include reels like the Abu Garcia Silver Max, and some of the lower end Diawas, but Lews has been doing a great job putting together a combo called the Lews Mach 1 Speed Spool combo. It is a 6'10 MH IM8 rod and a rather high end 10 ball bearing reel with a dual braking system.  Now this reel cost $99.00 by itself and the combo is selling for $129.99. This is not a combo you will get, fish, and outgrow. I really do not like to suggest going that route.  $130 for a complete combo is a really good deal especially when you are getting higher end stuff.  As for the Dobyns, I love them and the Fury FR734c  is a great choice, but it sells for $109. If you go that way consider, a Diawa Exceler reel, it sells for $99,  but can be had for around $75. Another good choice is the Diawa Tatula, the Excelers bigger brother and a terrific reel for its price. It normally retail at $149 but can easily be purchased for around $110.  The Lews Mach 1 Speed Spool is a good choice for a reel at its $99.00 price. Your budget will determine what to look at. Give us an idea what it is.

[racedad]

On a budget get the Dobyns 734c Fury rod. Great all around rod and can be had for under $110 bucks.

[S. Sass]

If you can afford a better rod, look at the $180 Fenwick Aetos on sale for $95 on Fenwick's website to me is a no brainer. As was said  "great rod at full price." 

They have done free shipping twice for me so if it doesn't come up right on the website call them. 

[Raul]

GLoomis MBR784 IMX, pretty much the perfect rod for almost everything in my neck of the woods.

[WRB]

On August 8, 2016 at 7:56 PM, Omahabass said:

I'm new to bass fishing. I have a 6'6" medium action spinning combo from scheels but I'd like to get a bait casting rod and reel that I could use for any application; frogging, Texas worms, jigs, etc. Any suggestions? 

What is your budget or ball park price range?

3 to 4 power or medium heavy fast action bass rod in the 6'10" to 7'3" length fits you request.

Tom

[Omahabass]

Well I have a 200$ bps gift card, and I'm torn between getting another pole, or looking into a float tube. The pole I have now works fine, but I would like to learn hot to use a bait caster

[WRB]

So you are looking for a bait casting rod & reel combo witching your $200 gift card price range.

Daiwa Tatula reel and rod would be a little over budget but with it IMO.

Tom