New to bass fishing, need help on rod selection!

[Texasraised97]

Im fairly new to bass fishing and i need some guidance on buying a rod. Can someone give me advice on what rod and reel to start using as an all around set up, (something i can throw any lure on), atleast for right now while im learning. I know every rod has a special purpose but i just want something that'll help me get by for now. I live in Texas and usually fish on ponds or rivers. Thanks!

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

I would recommend a 6'6" Medium Heavy power

spinning rod for an all-around rod. You don't have

to spend a lot, there are plenty of great rods in the

$50 range, or less if your budget is limited.

 

To keep costs down, I'd recommend a solid spinning

reel like a Shimano or Pflueger President.

 

I'd also recommend using soft plastics for beginning.

I've had most of my success (even as long as I've been

fishing) with bait like a Senko thrown either wacky style,

Texas Rigged, drop shot, etc.

[Texasraised97]

Thanks for replying, what rod would you recommend?

[detroit1]

I would get a bps combo  pflueger/ tourney special combo 7' medium for $80.

[fishnkamp]

I agree with Darren,the  most versatile bass rod is a 6'6 to 7' medium power fast action spinning rod.

Here is where I come down on gear for new anglers. You will have to make a decision on the budget, but in my opinion buying beginner gear is not the best value in the long run.  I have seen lots of angler fish with it for a while and then upgrade.

 

IF your budget can go up to $150 for a rod and reel, then look at several items.

I would agree with Darren again and get a Pflueger President reel, it is a well made reel and will perform for years. Go to Dicks Sporting Goods and purchase a pack of gum, a jig, or anything that is cheap. Next go online with your receipt and fill out the questionnaire ( takes 5 minutes). Print your own $10 off coupon.  Now go back to the store. Right now the President 6930 reel is on sale for $50.

In terms of a rod look at an Abu Garcia Veritas for around $80 or for a really nice rod look at a Dobyns Fury FR 703 SF.  That will run $110.

 

If the budget is $100 for a combo purchase the reel from Dicks and look at a Quantum Escalade 6'6 medium spinning rod. It is a nice rod ( I know I fish with one). The rod ordinarily sells for $100, but now sells for $49.00. That would make a nice $100 combo.  

[Turkey sandwich]

There's some good advice here.  Your budget it going to impact exactly what to buy, but the above advice on a 6'6-7' Medium Power Fast Action spinning rod is spot on.  It'll give you enough versatility to do most things, and even if your rod collection grows, it's still a rod you'll find some kind of use for.   

 

Also, pay attention to threads on here like the latest deal or for lines to get upgraded by manufacturers.  At different times of the year you may see $200 rods selling for under $100.  Still, you can pick up a decent rod for $50-$100 that'll get you started.  I would also suggest to spend closer to the $100 range on a rod because the quality you can get for around that value now is excellent and you'll enjoy fishing it more.  It'll also help you learn to feel things a lot faster.  

[bueshy]

10 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

I agree with Darren,the  most versatile bass rod is a 6'6 to 7' medium power fast action spinning rod.

Here is where I come down on gear for new anglers. You will have to make a decision on the budget, but in my opinion buying beginner gear is not the best value in the long run.  I have seen lots of angler fish with it for a while and then upgrade.

 

IF your budget can go up to $150 for a rod and reel, then look at several items.

I would agree with Darren again and get a Pflueger President reel, it is a well made reel and will perform for years. Go to Dicks Sporting Goods and purchase a pack of gum, a jig, or anything that is cheap. Next go online with your receipt and fill out the questionnaire ( takes 5 minutes). Print your own $10 off coupon.  Now go back to the store. Right now the President 6930 reel is on sale for $50.

In terms of a rod look at an Abu Garcia Veritas for around $80 or for a really nice rod look at a Dobyns Fury FR 703 SF.  That will run $110.

 

If the budget is $100 for a combo purchase the reel from Dicks and look at a Quantum Escalade 6'6 medium spinning rod. It is a nice rod ( I know I fish with one). The rod ordinarily sells for $100, but now sells for $49.00. That would make a nice $100 combo.  

Great info here. Being new to fishing myself, I purchased a cheap combo.  As good as the entry level combo was, I upgraded within a month. It took one time of using a friends setup that was better, for me to realize I should have opted for a better combo from the beginning. A cheap rod will still catch fish, it'll just feel better and be more fun on a quality setup. 

[Darren.]

On 6/16/2017 at 1:24 PM, Texasraised97 said:

Thanks for replying, what rod would you recommend?

 

Good responses above. Dick's Sporting Goods has good starter

combos, as does Bass Pro Shops.

 

What I like at Bass Pro is the ability to put different reels with

different rods that they offer in combos. These will definitely

keep your costs down.

 

In terms of rods, I meant to include a Medium power with a 

Fast or Extra Fast rating (extra is a little stiffer, but not as 

stiff a backbone as a Medium Heavy power).

 

For Bass Pro, I like their Carbonlite series ($100 range), but 

they offer great rods down into the $30 range depending on

your budget.

 

Another brand at Bass Pro is the Berkeley Lightning Rod Shock.

These are just below the $50 range and offer a good quality for

the money. Cheaper still are the Berkeley Cherrywood sticks you

can find at Walmart, on Amazon, at Bass Pro, etc.

 

You don't need to drop a ton of money starting out. In fact, I'd

recommend the opposite. Start simple, become proficient in the

simple, then move up if you feel the need to.