MH Baistcasting Combo under $200

[HistoryNerd27]

I started this post earlier but I guess I'm not allowed to mention certain brands or something. Anyways, I'm looking for a baitcasting 6'6" or 6'9" combo for under 200. I'm leaning towards the abu garcia revo s3 and *** since they are on sale. Just wanting some other suggestions before I go all in. Thanks everyone

[DogBone_384]

My advice is to skim through this forum and read members' opinions.  There are numerous threads on the 'best' rod/reel combo and you'll get an idea of what you want.

 

After you've read some, head down to your local shops and handle the rods you're most interested in to get a 'feel' for them. There are enough good rods at $99, to pick a price point, it'll make you dizzy.

 

For example, I own Abu Garcia, Shimano, Kistler, BPS, Fenwick, Diawa, St. Croix, G. Loomis, and other rods.  Some are duplicate power/action but one brand 'feels' better with this bait versus that bait.

 

As for reels, I started baitcasting in '12 with a BPS Pro Qualifier because it has a reputation as being easy to learn on, well built, and durable.  It sure was.  I still have two of them.  After owning Diawa and Shimano reels for multiple seasons, I'd say you can't go wrong with any of the three manufacturers' $99 offerings, IMO.

 

Like rods, it's also a good idea to go see/touch them in person if you can.

 

Best of luck with your set up!

 

 

[fishnkamp]

Certain brands have asked to not be mentioned or reviewed here in the past. Glen is just complying with their wishes.

 

Dobyns offers some Fury rods in 6"6 and 7' for $110. These are really nice rods.  

 

The Bass Pro Shop's Pro Qualifier is considered by many to be a great reel at $99.  It is on sale right now for $50.

 Lots of places online to find a Diawa Tatula CT for $100 shipped to your door. That is a super reel  It retails for around $130.

 

Powell offers the Inferno series for $99 and there is a 683 MH CEF that is very similar to my Powell Max 683 MH xf (CEF) That rod can do it all. It is so versatile.

 

Look at an Abu Veritas 2 in a 6'6" medium (1/4 to 3/4) or 6'9" MH (1/4 to 1 oz,)  These run $79.

Any of these will make a nice combo.

[DogBone_384]

I'll add to fishnkamp's post: I own the 6'9" MH/F Veritas rod he mentions.  It's my favorite MH rod.

[fishnkamp]

I own the 7 foot MH. It makes a good all purpose texas rig, jig rod and I also throw hollow bodied frogs on it.  I have the 7 foot heavy and that is my punching rod.  That rod is a BEAST!  Both of mine are original Veritas rods which makes no difference.

[CTBassin860]

SC Mojo Bass and a BPS PQ.....Boom.

[new2BC4bass]

Dick's has the Escalades for $50 right now....a $100 rod.  IM8 48 ton blank.  Never fished one, but they feel nice in store.  Even 4 oz. for the MH.  Add a $50 PQ and you can buy 2 outfits for your $200 budget.    Academy Sports Ethos rods and H2O reels get good reviews.  Buy on sale and you could get 2 outfits there as well.  Another fishing site has 2 new H2O Mettles for $30 each TYD or $55 for both.  One of those reels and the brand new Hammer 7' 3" MH for $150 on the same site would give you a great combo.  Well....a great rod.  The reel I only know about from reading reviews.

 

Alternatively a Tatula or Tatula CT and Fenwick HMG would just make the cut.  Or the Fury fishnkamp suggests for a few dollars more.

[HistoryNerd27]

3 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Certain brands have asked to not be mentioned or reviewed here in the past. Glen is just complying with their wishes.

 

Dobyns offers some Fury rods in 6"6 and 7' for $110. These are really nice rods.  

 

The Bass Pro Shop's Pro Qualifier is considered by many to be a great reel at $99.  It is on sale right now for $50.

 Lots of places online to find a Diawa Tatula CT for $100 shipped to your door. That is a super reel  It retails for around $130.

 

Powell offers the Inferno series for $99 and there is a 683 MH CEF that is very similar to my Powell Max 683 MH xf (CEF) That rod can do it all. It is so versatile.

 

Look at an Abu Veritas 2 in a 6'6" medium (1/4 to 3/4) or 6'9" MH (1/4 to 1 oz,)  These run $79.

Any of these will make a nice combo.

 

I felt the veritas today at gander and was considering it. Does feel very nice in my hands. Didn't realize they had dropped recently to $79. Obviously my local gander hasn't caught up with competitors yet.

 

The only baitcasting setup I have now is with a BPS PQ, so I was hoping to try another brand just to experiment a bit.

 

20 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Dick's has the Escalades for $50 right now....a $100 rod.  IM8 48 ton blank.  Never fished one, but they feel nice in store.  Even 4 oz. for the MH.  Add a $50 PQ and you can buy 2 outfits for your $200 budget.    Academy Sports Ethos rods and H2O reels get good reviews.  Buy on sale and you could get 2 outfits there as well.  Another fishing site has 2 new H2O Mettles for $30 each TYD or $55 for both.  One of those reels and the brand new Hammer 7' 3" MH for $150 on the same site would give you a great combo.  Well....a great rod.  The reel I only know about from reading reviews.

 

Alternatively a Tatula or Tatula CT and Fenwick HMG would just make the cut.  Or the Fury fishnkamp suggests for a few dollars more.

 

You're trying to get me in trouble with the girlfriend if I come home with 2 combos instead of 1 :P. Thanks for the tips though.

 

[new2BC4bass]

An earlier thread on this site.

And another thread on the H2O Mettle.

 

I've got the 7'3" MH Hammer and feel it along with one of those H2O Mettles would make an awesome first combo.  The Mettle has an aluminum frame which is something not in other reels of this price...that I know of.  $180 leaves you with enough money for line.  I'd suggest a mono or cop-polymer to learn on.  Others have suggested braid.  I mostly use the former lines.  I'd stick with a softer line to start with as it will have less memory.  Some to pick from are Trilene XL, Suffix Elite, Stren (although I am not familiar with any Stren, but a fishing buddy used it many years ago while I used XL) and Sunline Super Natural.

[jimf]

Mojo Bass + $49 BPQ that is on sale now.  As mentioned above.  

[fishnkamp]

Hey I forgot the Quantum Escalade. I own two.  One of mine is a 7 foot MH baitcaster and use it for heavier plastics. For $50 it is a bargain.  Match that with a Pro Qualifier or Diawa Tatula CT for $150   That is what I have on mine, a 6.3 to 1 Tatula CT. It balances pretty well and I have caught a bunch of fish.