[HELP] Spinning and bait casting setup

[balurgo]

Hello everyone, first of all I will like to thank everyone in this forum for all the great information that I was able to find and all the questions created at the same time ?.

Now onto the question. I purchased and moved into a short sale house about a month ago and due to the short sale of the house a lot of stuff was leftover. One of the things that was leftover was an uglystik gx2 spinning combo along with some soft plastic and weights. I have never bass fished before but have been fishing saltwater inshore and beach surf fishing for about 6 years. Now I know that an uglystik gx2 combo is not the greatest setup out there but it's something to try bass fishing with and not spend a lot of money in case I don't like it. The reel is not the greatest so I was thinking about purchasing a Pflueger president spinning reel and using it for  possible future rod upgrade. I was also thinking of spooling the reel with 15 fluorocarbon or 20 pound braid with 15 pound fluorocarbon leader. With all this is mind what could I use this setup for? Texas rig, Carolina rig, spinnerbait? I'm pretty confused as to what is too heavy or not recommended on bass spinning rod.

Lasty, I will like to purchase a baitcasting setup later if I enjoy the sport. Any recommendations? Rod and reel total under $180. Also what lures or techniques will that rod be used for?

I will only fish ponds and very small lakes from the bank. Don't think anything deeper than 10-15 feet. And this is why I want to stay with only two rods.

 

[LCG]

Ugly stick gx2 would be decent for treble lures, crack baits, spoons, in line spinners, etc. 

 

I think you need to find what techniques you prefer and then focus on the gear. 

 

All around recommendations will probably be a 7 ft (ish) spinning rod, medium power, fast action with a 2500/30 size reel. For a baitcaster probably a 7 ft (ish) medium heavy power, fast action with a 6-7:1 ratio reel.

 

 

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Since you're starting out, I'd try out what you've got, but

upgrading the reel to a President is a fine choice.

 

What is the power of the rod? Medium, Medium Heavy?

 

As for spooling up the reel, I'd go with braid + leader, but 

you don't need to go too heavy.

 

I'll let others chime in on the casting setup as I've gotta

run. Good luck!

[balurgo]

  On 9/14/2017 at 1:37 AM, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard!

 

Since you're starting out, I'd try out what you've got, but

upgrading the reel to a President is a fine choice.

 

What is the power of the rod? Medium, Medium Heavy?

 

As for spooling up the reel, I'd go with braid + leader, but 

you don't need to go too heavy.

 

I'll let others chime in on the casting setup as I've gotta

run. Good luck!

Expand  

It's a medium power rod. Do you

[LesterKTM]

The Pflueger is a great reel. For $49 the Lews Speed Spin is also an excellent choice. I have 2 a 100 and a 300, both smooth and enjoying them more than the Tem Lews Gold Spin I have. Cant beat them for $50.

 

As for a baitcaster setup. The Lews Speed Spool LFS is $100 and a great buy. Love mine.

Also been happy with the Abu Garcia Black Max for about $55-$60 but my lews has been bulletproof.

And start with a MH/F rod from a reputable company in the $80 range. Shimano Abu Lews all make great rods in that price range.

 

 

[Yudo1]

A pflueger president in 25 or 30 size would be a great reel. I prefer the 25. I would go with 20lb braid and a leader because braid handles so well on spinning reels.  I don't like heavier fluoro on spinning reels because of coils and line twist. With that current set up and fishing from the bank on small bodies of water I'd use soft plastics like senkos, fat ikas and flukes. You could also use it for light t-rigs, wacky rigs, ned rigs etc.  As far as a bait casting combo, you could get a daiwa tatula ct on ebay for about $80. I'd get go with a left retrieve 7.3 gear ratio because if you are used to using a left hand retrieve with spinning reels, it will feel more natural and 7.3 is a good speed for bottom contact and some general reaction baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and shallow cranks.  You probably won't be doing much deep cranking.  This leaves $100 for a good medium/heavy, fast action rod. There are a ton of good rods in that price range. The daiwa tatula comes to mind or a dobyns fury.