Need to get a couple baitcasting setups

[jmcarriere]

Ok i have a 7' MH fast spinning rod with a 2500 series spinning reel. Im looking to get a couple baitcasting setups wpuld teally only like to spend 250 combined but realistically know that i need to spend 200-250 per setup. I know 1 reel should be a 7-8:1.

[new2BC4bass]

Look at the used market first.  Especially for reels.

 

At the $250 combined limit you might want to consider Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock rods.  Still won't leave you much for a decent reel, but is doable.   New reels look for something like a Black Max or H2O.  I can't comment on house brands, but I know some guys on here can and can offer some good suggestions.

 

Now the $200-$250 budget is going to allow you to get a couple nice combos.  I like my HMG rods ($100), but the Fury rods ($110) are often mentioned.  A rod I really like is the Original Tatula (some still left for $110 at Sportsman's Outfitters).  Choices are narrowing at Sportsman's Outfitters, but I own the 7' MLRB and 7' MRB.  I would also look at the 7' 1" MH-XF (which I might add to my arsenal).  Those 3 are my preferences of what is left.  Add a Tatula from ebay for about $100.

[Fishin' Fool]

You have good timing. There is a Tacklewarehouse sale that just started. For rods check out the Dobyns Fury. For reels look at Shimano or Daiwa.

[fishnkamp]

Here is what i would do.  Tackle Warehouse does have its 4th of July sale on till 7/7/17.

 

I would order a Diawa Fuego CT reel or a Daiwa Tatula Ct reel in 7,3-1

Match this with a very sensitive and versatile rod.

I would order a Dobyns Fury FR 734C. Tackle Warehouse refers to it as "7'3 Heavy Fast"  This rod will fish any jig, texas rig, spinnerbait, spook type top water, chatterbaits, etc. It rates for baits ranging from 1/4 to 1 ounce.  This rod regularly costs $110 and the reel costs either $99 or $129, so total with the 15% sale means it would cost either $178 and $203.  That price buys you an amazing versatile combo. I would hurry to take advantage of the 15% sale. They are offering either free shipping on orders above $50 or two day shipping for $5. To me that is a no brainier, I would spend $5 to get if expedited.

 

Next I would go to Walmart and see if you can find a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock in a 6'6" medium model.  It will probably be marked as $49. Recently many of the members have taken them to the checkout line for a price check. They have found them on an unmarked clearance for around $15.

I would match that with an Abu Garcia Black Max3 reel. This will be a 6.4-1 reel. Total for that combo may be less than $70 bucks.  This will fish crankbaits, rattle traps, spinnerbaits and more

.

If you do that you would have two combos to handle a lot of the usual bass techniques and your total outlay would be around $280. Not too far from your preferred budget, which even you thought might not be possible.

 

Now if it were me, I would buy two of the Daiwa reels and yes I do fish Tatula CTs and another reel Daiwa called a Daiwa Exceler. The Fuego CT replaced the Exceler and is a good upgrade.  I would happily fish any of the reels Daiwa makes. So far I fish with 7 of them.  I also own 3 Berkley Lightning Shock rods. Two are the 6'6" medium baitcasters and one is a 6'6" medium spinning rod.  I regularly use them to catch bass and stripers  with 1/2 to 3/4 ounce Rattle Traps, Red Eye Shads and XCalibur traps.  So I do fish with all of these rods except the Dobyns Furys. My Dobyns are Sierras and Champion XPs, but my friend Ed fishes 4 Dobyns Fury rods and loves them.  I have thrown the FR 734C and that is a great rod.

Good Luck!  I think I laid out a good plan for you.