cwl000cc Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 Hi guys. Fairly new to fishing and needing some advice from people who have more knowledge of tackle. I currently have a ugly stik gx2 spinning combo. I like it, but I feel like I am missing out on sensitivity and just all around fishing quality experience. I am wanting to add 1 all around baitcasting set up. I only bank fish in small ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. I fish all kinds of techniques, from senkos, Texas rigs, jigs, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, weightless plastics, and swim baits. I am looking for something that is decent quality, but won’t break the bank. Is it more important to get a better rod or a reel? I have no problem buying used or new. Have to stay under $200 for an entire set up. Have a wedding coming up. Just looking for suggestions. Thanks Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 2, 2018 Super User Posted January 2, 2018 You can find a Tatula 7' MR at Sears for less than $90 with free shipping and a Tatula 6'10" MHF at jet for $93.28 and I believe shipping was free (I bought one from them). You can find a RH Tatula CT at Walmart Online for $89.95, a LH for $89.74 with free shipping on ebay. I seriously doubt you will find a better set up (new) at that price. If you want to spend a little less, look at the Fuego CT on ebay for less than $70. If you can add a few dollars more, look at the Tatula SV for less than $135 although I have seen one go for just under $125. EDIT: These are the original Tatula rods that list for about $150. You won't be disappointed. 3 Quote
thinkingredneck Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 A Berkley Lightening Shock with a Pfluger or BPS reel is a good start if you just want something to try. They are good, especially for the money. Also look at Bass Pro combos. I caught a bunch on Tourney Special rods before I upgraded. Still use them. I have a St Croix Mojo Bass in your price range, that I love. I think Pfluger has a great reel for the money. So if you are looking for long term investment in a reasonable set up, I suggest St. Croix Mojo Bass MH with a Pfluger President. I think cheaper, low end reels will drive you crazy! And I recommend braid to start with, 50 lb. 1 Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted January 2, 2018 Super User Posted January 2, 2018 10 hours ago, new2BC4bass said: You can find a Tatula 7' MR at Sears for less than $90 with free shipping and a Tatula 6'10" MHF at jet for $93.28 and I believe shipping was free (I bought one from them). You can find a RH Tatula CT at Walmart Online for $89.95, a LH for $89.74 with free shipping on ebay. I seriously doubt you will find a better set up (new) at that price. I haven't seen these prices on a Tatula rods or reels, but even for prices like what I paid they're worth it (around $110 for a Tatula rod and $135-155 for a Tatula SV reel -- I also see the Tatula CTs for under $100 on ebay). If that's too much, try getting a Tatula CT or similar quality reel and a Berkley Lightning Shock or an Abu Garcia Vengeance rod. The Shocks aren't as stiff, but I like them better for moving baits. I got a Pflueger Supreme XT rather cheaply on ebay, but haven't got to try it out yet. Quote
Super User the reel ess Posted January 2, 2018 Super User Posted January 2, 2018 Read here. There are plenty of baitcast combos that come in well under $200. I only have 1 that cost more. I'd probably spend more on the reel than the rod. I'd be looking for a MH at 6'6" or 7'. I'd want a strong, good quality reel. I don't mean a reputable brand because they all sell high end and cheap stuff. There's a big difference between $80 and $130 MSRP on the reel. I'd go for one with a solid frame (not graphite) and a high retrieve ratio because there will be some techniques that need a faster reel. The mention of Lightning Rod is a good one. I have three and they're very durable. The Cabela's Tournament ZX series rods are on sale right now, marked down from $100 to $70. I have the Frog model and it takes a beating and is very sensitive and light. If you want to save a little on a good reel, you can look to Academy. Their store brand has great reviews and is a good bit cheaper than the big name brands for the same features. Then you can spend the extra on a more sensitive rod. Quote
Al w. Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 For around $150, you can get an Abu Garcia Orra sx and an Abu Veritas rod. I have both of these and like them a lot. I prefer a medium power rod under 7 foot. The Veritas seems to me to be a little stiffer than some other mediums. I feel I have my bases covered pretty well with a medium power rod plus I just like the “feel” of them. Just an option to consider... Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 3, 2018 Super User Posted January 3, 2018 9 hours ago, Boomstick said: I haven't seen these prices on a Tatula rods or reels, but even for prices like what I paid they're worth it (around $110 for a Tatula rod and $135-155 for a Tatula SV reel -- I also see the Tatula CTs for under $100 on ebay). If that's too much, try getting a Tatula CT or similar quality reel and a Berkley Lightning Shock or an Abu Garcia Vengeance rod. The Shocks aren't as stiff, but I like them better for moving baits. I got a Pflueger Supreme XT rather cheaply on ebay, but haven't got to try it out yet. I went to Google and did a search. I believe these prices will stay the same on the rods...at those 2 stores. Reel prices on ebay often change from day to day. Today the best I could find for the Tatula SV was a bit over $132. Two or three days ago I found one listed for just under $125. 1 Quote
DropShotHotShot Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Cabelas has their arachnid reel (tatula r) for $105. Awesome reel for the money. They also have thier ZX tournament rods on sale for $70. I own one and just ordered another. Whole set up is under $180 and a great setup 1 Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted January 3, 2018 Super User Posted January 3, 2018 1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said: I went to Google and did a search. I believe these prices will stay the same on the rods...at those 2 stores. Reel prices on ebay often change from day to day. Today the best I could find for the Tatula SV was a bit over $132. Two or three days ago I found one listed for just under $125. Right now it's $108 at Sears for the 7'1" Tatula but $102 for the 6'10" MH/F -- still really good prices and everything on Jet is quite a bit more at the moment, but I have honestly never thought to check either site before. What I did notice when I bought my 7'2" Tatula glass cranking rod, the price did change several times a day, even sometimes every hour or less ranging between $110 and $150. I think I ended up getting it for $115 or $120 and for that price, I'm still not complaining. I have seen some Tatula SV's as low as $125 on ebay as well, but I think I paid $135 for my last one because I used the seller before with a good experience (tricetackle2016) and they consistently list them around that price point. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 3, 2018 Super User Posted January 3, 2018 Sears. 7'MR Says $98.72 on my screen, but I have a card with points available so maybe that is making a difference on my computer. Jet 6'10" MHF $93.28 bassresource won't let me post either link. Search google. Quote
SWVABass Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 I have two bass pro original pro qualifiers. They weigh a little more than some other reals but have held up excellent for me. They used to sell for right around 100. Might be able to find them cheaper on eBay now. I can’t really chime in on a rod to keep you under two bills though I’ve payed around just that for my rods. Look at tw the have a bunch of rods on sell and think you might even get free shipping on it right now too. Good luck, and tight lines. Quote
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