Baitcaster to complement spinning set up

[LCG]

I am looking to purchase my first baitcaster. I would like to get something that compliments my spinning set up which consists of a fenwick hmg 6'9 ml-f and a st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf. 

 

Most of the time I prefer soft plastics and only occasionally throw traditional lures. I live in Ontario, Canada and only fish freshwater from the bank 95% of the time. 

 

What would you recommend for the rod and reel? I was going to use 15-20 lb p-line cx premium. Any suggestions would be appreciated. No experience using a baitcaster yet just thought it would be interesting to try it out. 

[Fishin' Fool]

Tatula rod and reel can be found for around $200 combined. 12 pound cx would be perfect.

http://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/daiwa-tatula-freshwater-baitcast-fishing-rods/

[new2BC4bass]

Budget?  A 7' to 7'3" MHF rated for 1/4-3/4 or 1/4-1 oz.  The latter is rated Heavy for some like the Fury, but MH for some other makers such as the Daiwa Fuego.  Fishnkamp highly recommends the Fury line in the $110 range.  I don't know if you can still find an original Tatula rod in 7'1" MH-XF, but it would make a good plastics rod.  The Tatula 6'10" MHF is a versatile rod.  There is one for sale with a Tatula CT Type R 6.3:1 ratio (RH) for $250 elsewhere.

 

I would prefer a 7 ratio reel that specifies at least 125 yards of 12# (which is a popular size used by manufacturers when listing line ratings).  That would give you plenty of 15# line.

 

The Dobyns Fury 7'3" HF with either a 7.3:1 Fuego CT or Tatula CT or a 7.5:1 Lew's Tournament MB would make a very nice combo in the $210 to $220 range.

 

EDIT:  Buying used is also a great way to go if trying to keep costs down.

[LCG]

Thanks for the advice. I will look at the tatula in store and get a feel for it. 

 

Is a MH strong enough to pull bass out the weeds and Lilly pads? 

[Fishin' Fool]

It depends on how heavy of weeds and lily pads but a MH can be used in Michigan lakes for the conditions you describe.

[LCG]

Would it make sense to get a 6'8" mh-xf/f  to complement the spinning set up or is longer better with baitcasters? 

 

I love the st Croix mojo spinning rod I have but I can't seem to flip or pitch worth a d**n with a spinning rod so hoping a baitcaster will improve that. Or maybe I just need more practice. 

 

 

[Fishin' Fool]

I learned on a 7'3" heavy rod this past winter but trust me I sucked at first too. Practice, practice.

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, Luke G. said:

Thanks for the advice. I will look at the tatula in store and get a feel for it. 

 

Is a MH strong enough to pull bass out the weeds and Lilly pads? 

There are 2 Tatula rods...the original and the Tatula XT.  The XT is cheaper (price), but I have never seen one so can't comment on how good they are.  I really like the originals.

9 hours ago, Luke G. said:

Would it make sense to get a 6'8" mh-xf/f  to complement the spinning set up or is longer better with baitcasters? 

 

I love the st Croix mojo spinning rod I have but I can't seem to flip or pitch worth a d**n with a spinning rod so hoping a baitcaster will improve that. Or maybe I just need more practice. 

 

 

Length is up to you.  We all have our preferences.  Personally I prefer 6'6" or less for spinning, but prefer at least 6'10" for baitcast rods although I do have an Aetos 6'6" MLM that I love.  I also am very fond of a 6'9" M-XF Smallmouth.  However, a 6'9" MHF doesn't do it for me.

 

[Dtrombly]

6'6"-7'3" MH/F 

[LCG]

Thanks for the helpful direction. I am heading to bass pro next week and will get a feel for what has been mentioned here. Anyone have any experience with the st Croix mojo casting rod 6'8" mh-f? 

[Chance_Taker4]

I'll put my $.02 in. If you are learning to use a baitcaster I would suggest Bass Pro Brand Bionic Plus, Pro Qualifier or Carbonlite. Reason being they are a dual breaking system but the inside is not a traditional centrifugal breaking system it is more forgiving. I started my wife on the Bionic Plus and she loved that reel. I have both the Bionic and the PQ that I will occasionally use on wind days because of their breaking. And keeping with the BPS theme I would pick up the Carbonlite rod to pair which ever with.

 

Reel I would go 6:1 ratio and a 7' MH/F rod.

[JustJames]

I think you put it in wrong order. It should say " Spinning to compliment baitcaster" ? 

Since you have ML and prefer soft plastic, I would get M/F casting rod. Lightning rod is good and cheap,

also check fenwick website they have HMG on sale lately. I would spend money on quality reel like daiwa tatula or shimano curado I.

[WRB]

Dobyns 734C or IRod IRG744 in a price within your budget and Daiwa Tatula reel of your choice.

Tom

[LCG]

Update : I found a shimano compre 6'10" mh-f casting rod rated for 3/8-1oz lures (jig and worm) paired with a tatula 100 7.3:1 left handed reel (which just feels more natural to me)  and spooled with 40 lb power pro for $120 used. 

 

Here in Canada our prices our much higher. That combo new is $340, so based on everyone's advice here I went ahead and bought it. 

 

Not sure about the rod yet, but the reel is very nice. Now to begin the learning process. Thanks to everyone for the help. 

[JustJames]

Shimano compre is pretty good rod but quite a few ppl don't like it. If its IM9 green bank which is the same bank as crucial. I have both compre 6'10 worm jig M/F 1/8-1/4 and crucial 6'10 dropshot M/F 1/4-3/8?, those are my fav rods, sensitive is good with some nice backbone. 

[LCG]

Yes it's the green blank with Eva foam grips. I will try it out and see how it does. If not I will sell it and look for something else.