Good rod/reel for crankbaits and multi purpose use?

[JackW8]

I want to spend more time bass fishing because it's a lot of fun and I don't have to spend as much time doing it compared to trout fishing, although I need to get a good setup going. Currently I have a good frogging rod, nice and stiff medium rod and a bait caster spooled up with braid, but I want to fish other lures especially now that we are in the middle of winter. I want a rod/reel combo thats a good multi purpose combo and is good for crank baits. As for budget, maybe around $120? Not sure if I can get something decent in this price range and I'm new to bass fishing and bait casters in general

 

Thanks.

[Yudo1]

Which rod/reel are you currently using?  It sounds like you're already set up for multipurpose fishing with this combo.  I wouldn't frog with a medium powered rod personally.  I use a heavy powered rod for frogs because I use it in heavy cover.  Unless you're fishing in open water, a medium wouldn't do well pulling the fish through slop and pads. 

[Bruce424]

Maybe look at kast king reels majority of them are inexpensive. And for rods you have options with ugly sticks. House rods from cabelas or bps. Like a whuppin stick or cranking stick. You are looking for a rod that has give in it maybe a moderate or maderate fast. As for combos im not familiar with them i usually buy rods and reels seperate. Your can go to the store and check a couple out. Sorry i cant be of more help.

[the reel ess]

I use a M 6-6 Lightning Rod for cranks and trebles. It's a $40 rod because sensitivity isn't important with trebles. I mostly use it for Rat L Traps, but it's a catch all for treble lures, including topwaters. I'd probably take your M rod for this purpose and get a MH for the single hook applications and the frog if you're not going to get a dedicated frog combo. I have a Cabela's 7-3 Hvy frog model rod for that purpose.

[Fun4Me]

I think a Diawa Fuego $75-80 ish on Ebay, would be a great reel. As for rods, I think you will get some good options from members. Personally, I have an Academy brand ethos composite cranking rod that I really like. I found it on clearance for $20 and it's a fantastic rod for the price. I also have a Berkely lightning rod shock (bought from Walmart for $30) in MH for my froggin/jig/carolina set up that I like as well. A medium Lightning rod shock might be a good option for cranking, but I don't have any first hand experience with it. 

[CTBassin860]

I bought a 7' M Abu Garcia Vengeance rod for 30 bucks at walmart.Paired it up with an Orra Winch 5.4:1 which you can get for 80 bucks or less.There you have it.110$ cranking setup.

Plus anyone who has that reel can tell you its a workhorse.

[fishnkamp]

Personally I always suggest starting with a good spinning rod to handle lighter finesse baits and the bread and butter basic bass tackle.  I also do not like "starter" gear.  Now that does not mean high end either.

 

 Lets look for a good reliable reel. One of the most reliable reels sold in the last 10 years has been the Pflueger President for $59.99.  Here are some good more moderate priced rods that you could consider.

 

Look at a Berkley Lightning Shock rod.  My wife and I use many rods that cost well over $200 each, but we both use several of these for throwing rattle traps and small to mid sized cranks.  She uses a 6'6" medium moderate action rod.  This rod could do double duty for throwing cranks and throwing light weight texas rigs, tubes, grubs, Sencos, even spinnerbaits if they weigh less than 3/4 of an oz.  This rod cost $50

 

Abu Garcia makes a Veritas 2 spinning rod.  If you were to get one of the 7 foot mediums it will work well for just about any of the same baits.  They are running $79. Just a month ago they were $99.

 

Lastly look on Tackle Warehouse they have the Powell Diesel that runs $80 on sale for $60.

 

Now if you really do want another baitcasting setup here is what i would do right now. Go to Bass Pro and purchase their Pro Qualifier for $49 dollars. I would get it in a 6-1 ratio.  The regular price on that reel is closer to $99.

For a rod again a Berkley Lightning shock rod would work well. Choose the 6'6" foot medium.  A Veritas 2 in a 7 foot medium.  Another great idea is a Powell Inferno 683. I own the same rod in the higher end Max series. That rod is the most versatile rod in my LARGE arsenal.LOL  I usually have at least 16 rods for myself on the boat at any one time.

 

Any of these rods and reels are going to allow you to fish a ton of different baits.  Good Luck.