single rod and reel setup

[jwalton]

If this has been posted before I apologize, I know its probably a redundant question.  I am a bank fisherman and really new to bass fishing, ive caught 3 dinks so far, I am going to be getting a bait cast setup soon and wondering what would be a decent setup that I can get that will cover most of the techniques ie: top water, cranks, texas rig, Carolina rig, spinners, chatter baits, etc.  I have a spin cast right now, so I am only wanting to carry 2 rods.  Also any input on what I can try to do to increase my luck aside from a fish dance would be appreciated.

[Onvacation]

A MH fast rod in the 7 foot range with a 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 gear ratio reel will suffice for most of what you are looking to do. However, it won't excel at all you are looking to do and in the case of baits such as crankbaits for example, could be a hindrance. 

You said spin cast, but did you mean spinning?  If not, a spinning outfit might be a better choice for the next step up.  I throw t-rigs, c-rigs, spinners and obviously finesse baits all the time on a spinning set up.  It's all my wife uses and she has thrown light topwater, chatterbaits and square bills. I think a spinning setup with plastics is also a great way to learn how to feel bites which in my opinion, is one place a lot of people have problems with when it comes to catching bass.  

[timsford]

What kind of budget are you wanting to spend on the baitcast combo? Knowing that will help a lot with recommending a good one for your price range

[JustJames]

If I go for bank fishing and can only bring one rod with me, I alway bring my Medium rod Fast Action. I m not worry much about power of the rod but weight of the lure. I can cast anything from 1/10 oz up to 3/4 oz with M rod. If you fish in rough area where you have to pull the fish out fast then MH would be better.

[bigfruits]

if you have a spincast, I would replace that setup with a spinning combo. ML or Med 6'6"-7' rod. fast or extra fast action.

for the all around baitcaster id go with a 6'6"-7' MH power fast action combo. that's a good all around rod.

I'd spend at least $100 on each rod and reel once you know you are into fishing for years to come.

[jwalton]

I'm sorry for the confusion, it is a spinning reel, fluker 7:1:1 on a 6.5 foot I believe?!?!! Medium fast action rod.   Thanx for all of the replies, I think I know what I will get for the next setup, now on the baitcaster will 30lb braid be good to put in it?

[roadwarrior]

[new2BC4bass]

With crankbaits thrown into the equation, a MF would probably be a better option than MHF.  Or possibly a MH-MF.  Either way it will be a compromise.  Before getting a dedicated crankbait rod I used a MF for my crankbaits.  You can use a MHF, but have to be careful with how much pressure you put on the fish.

You will get specific suggestions if you give a price range.

[Angry John]

If you have a medium fast spinning I would get a mhf casting and call it a day.

[JustJames]

6 hours ago, jwalton said:

I'm sorry for the confusion, it is a spinning reel, fluker 7:1:1 on a 6.5 foot I believe?!?!! Medium fast action rod.   Thanx for all of the replies, I think I know what I will get for the next setup, now on the baitcaster will 30lb braid be good to put in it?

Now again braid or mono, depends on your application. I normally use braided line on spinning but hybrid/copolymer line on baitcaster except one that I have bradied line on  which I use that reel mostly for top water and jig in deep and heavy cover water.

For all around, I think hybrid/coplymer is good enough. With bradied line if you fish with any type of plastic then you have to have leader, that another knot for you to be worry about. Your next question would be what lbs test line. I would say somewhere from #8-#12 would be good enough. Im not a fan of heavy line so I use #4-#8 hybrid/copolymer line. #8 zoyuri hybird has a strength of 14lbs mono which to me is good enough for all type of application. However  I will mostly use #6 for plastic finesse.

[Poolshark]

I have too many rods and people might disagree with me on this, which is fine... But I think the most versatile rod that I own the bass pro extreme 7 ft med/heavy fast action. It's not my lightest rod but I take this one with me hiking and kayaking. when I can only really take one or two rods and does almost anything I want it to. it has more tip and slightly more moderate action  than my higher end worm rods. I can easily throw frogs, t rigs, senkos, spinnerbaits, square bills and lipless cranks with it. If I found a lighter rod, with its extract taper and power I could do 90 percent of my fishing with it. Its rated 3/8 to 1 ounce but it throws 1/4 to 1 1/4 just comfortably. 

[Raul]

90% of my fishing is done with a MH/F, so if I were to fish only with one rod that would be my choice, if I were to fish only with 2 setups then it would be MH/F trigger + M/F spinning.

[new2BC4bass]

11 hours ago, jwalton said:

I'm sorry for the confusion, it is a spinning reel, fluker 7:1:1 on a 6.5 foot I believe?!?!! Medium fast action rod.   Thanx for all of the replies, I think I know what I will get for the next setup, now on the baitcaster will 30lb braid be good to put in it?

I would use this rod for crankbaits and lighter lures.  Get a MHF casting rod for everything else.  Preferably one rated for (and able to handle) 1/4 - 1 oz. lures.  I assume you don't want to spend a lot of money on the rod or reel.  Bass distributing has the Lews Tournament MB for $99.18.  If it has free shipping, then it would be very tough to beat this deal.  Fine reel.  Many...including yours truly...like the Tatula which can be had for about $95.  For cheaper I would look to Academy Sports for an H2O Mettle when they go on sale.  Possibly an Abu Silver Max whenever Walmart has a sale on them.

Sportsman's outfitters has the original Tatula rods for $110.  I'd look at the 6'10" MHF first, the 7' 1" MH-XF second.  I've got 3 rods from this line and really like them.  Normally I would suggest checking out the rods at FFO (Factory Fisherman's Outlet), but right now pickin's are pretty darn slim over there.  In the same price range there is the Powell Inferno, Dobyns Fury, Fenwick HMG (I've got a couple and like them), Falcon Original (caught my PB on one), Daiwa Tatula XT and a couple from Enigma to name a few.  Got to admit to not having experience with any Cashion rod, but am wanting to try a CRT real bad.  Just a few dollars over $110.

You've got a tough row to hoe narrowing your search to just one.  Beware of the Bait Monkey.  You might wind up with several.  

EDIT:  30# braid will work,  Just keep it spooled on tight.

[jwalton]

Awesome, thank you all for all the good info.

[new2BC4bass]

Meant to mention the Redbone Hurricane.  It is a saltwater rod.  I've got a 7' ML rated for 3/8-3/4 oz.  This is the older IM6 blank.  New ones are IM7.  Ratings have changed and the Medium now carries a 3/8-3/4 rating while the ML is rated 1/4-1/2 oz.  A $100 rod I got for $75.  Small mom-and-pop store where I bought it had 2 left.  Wish I had bought both.  Nicely built rod and nice looking.  Casts a 3/8 oz. Yo-Zuri 3DB a country mile......with the help of my Primmus.  Keep the rod in Florida.  One day earlier this year that combo and a 3DB Sexy Shad were the only thing I was catching fish on.  Not that I tried a lot of other lures given the success I was having.    Purchased the rod on the recommendation of SirSnookalot.  No regrets.

This is not a rod you will see mentioned on this forum.  Nor have I seen the Hurricane Calico Jack spinning rods mentioned in a long time.