Ideas for a new Rod/Reel

[Backroad Angler]

Hey guys I am thinking about purchasing a new bait casting set up, maybe not right off the bat, but I am thinking of buying one before summer hits, so any suggestions would be helpful! I currently only own 2 baitcasters. ***/St croix bass x 6'8 medium xtra fast tip and a Abu Silvermax/ugly stik elite 6'6 medium heavy fast tip. For the new rod/reel I would want it to be primarily for spinner baits 1/4oz and up but be able to use other lures decently such as crank/jerk baits, t rigs, frogs and so forth. I'm really open to anything if y'all could list any suggestions and thoughts, it would be much appreciative.

I would like to keep the price range below 250.

[Lendiesel22]

It may help to know what cover you are fishing regularly as well as the average size fish you are dealing with. IMO that info could change recommendations from members. The tournament angler may advise different from the weekend guy as well. The market on 100 rods that will do what you need has blown up which leaves you 150 for a decent reel. Use online shops like Tackle Warehouse to look at rod offerings from each company in the 100 to 125 range and go from there. 250 can spend well once you narrow your search down. Take a look at a lews custom speed stick mag bass 1 and a 7 ratio lews reel. Good luck. 

[new2BC4bass]

You are asking a lot for one rod.  However, if you aren't fishing heavy cover I imagine it could be done.  I wouldn't want to use my dedicated frog rod for any treble lures (a HF rod).  Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula 7'2" MHR.  Rod lists for about $150, but you can find it for less on ebay.  There is one at $120 right now, but I paid less than $110 for mine.  That rod and a Tatula CT reel will keep you within your budget, and you will have a very nice combo that is pretty versatile.

[MassYak85]

To put it simply, the rod you are asking for does not exist. To have a rod that fishes both frogs and jerkbaits well is not going to happen unfortunately. 

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

You are asking a lot for one rod.  However, if you aren't fishing heavy cover I imagine it could be done.  I wouldn't want to use my dedicated frog rod for any treble lures (a HF rod).  Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula 7'2" MHR.  Rod lists for about $150, but you can find it for less on ebay.  There is one at $120 right now, but I paid less than $110 for mine.  That rod and a Tatula CT reel will keep you within your budget, and you will have a very nice combo that is pretty versatile.

Now I have and can definitely second this combo, it is really nice and it is versatile. But again, do I ever use it to fish jerkbaits? No. Do I ever use it to fish frogs? No. Does it fish spinnerbaits really well? Yes and that is what I primarily bought it for along with lighter swimjigs and chatterbaits. It will cast frogs and jerkbaits no problem but I think you will lose fish, especially with frogs as it really doesn't have the right action for frog hooksets. Other than that though definitely go for it. 

[Backroad Angler]

6 hours ago, Lendiesel22 said:

It may help to know what cover you are fishing regularly as well as the average size fish you are dealing with. IMO that info could change recommendations from members. The tournament angler may advise different from the weekend guy as well. The market on 100 rods that will do what you need has blown up which leaves you 150 for a decent reel. Use online shops like Tackle Warehouse to look at rod offerings from each company in the 100 to 125 range and go from there. 250 can spend well once you narrow your search down. Take a look at a lews custom speed stick mag bass 1 and a 7 ratio lews reel. Good luck. 

I generally fish in a creek which includes a lot of trees, bushes, not really rocky, the fishes don't get extremely big, only in some parts further down stream (big hike to get to) seen people catch 5-6 lb large mouths though. I still consider myself new to fishing and do it on my free time. I appreciate your input sir!

5 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

You are asking a lot for one rod.  However, if you aren't fishing heavy cover I imagine it could be done.  I wouldn't want to use my dedicated frog rod for any treble lures (a HF rod).  Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula 7'2" MHR.  Rod lists for about $150, but you can find it for less on ebay.  There is one at $120 right now, but I paid less than $110 for mine.  That rod and a Tatula CT reel will keep you within your budget, and you will have a very nice combo that is pretty versatile.

Honestly I couldn't decide what was more important to me so I put everything down, my apologies. Thank you for your input, I have looking at the tatulas, hear a lot of good things about them.

3 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

To put it simply, the rod you are asking for does not exist. To have a rod that fishes both frogs and jerkbaits well is not going to happen unfortunately. 

Now I have and can definitely second this combo, it is really nice and it is versatile. But again, do I ever use it to fish jerkbaits? No. Do I ever use it to fish frogs? No. Does it fish spinnerbaits really well? Yes and that is what I primarily bought it for along with lighter swimjigs and chatterbaits. It will cast frogs and jerkbaits no problem but I think you will lose fish, especially with frogs as it really doesn't have the right action for frog hooksets. Other than that though definitely go for it. 

Like I said initially spinner baits was my must have so that seems good to me! I appreciate your suggestion!

[Lendiesel22]

In this scenario I would use a 6-6 to 7ft MHF of your choice. It would do spinnerbaits, trigs, and square bill cranks pretty well. When I fish around laydowns I want enough in the rod to move the fish away from cover but not too much I am pulling hooks out when cranking. You can get away with a MF rod as long as the spinner baits and trigs are on the lighter side. A 6-6 helps with roll casting under overhangs and to tight shoreline targets. Again the market on decent multipurpose rods is vast. Enjoy your search

[new2BC4bass]

No need to apologize.  Same scenario question gets asked all the time.  If trees and bushes constrain your casting, then a shorter rod is the way to go.  Nothing more frustrating than snagging your lure on the backcast.  Or smacking the rod tip on an obstacle behind you.

[Sam]

Josh, to add to the above posts: get on the Internet and Google "spinnerbait rods" and see what pops up.

 

Then, go to Tackle Warehouse and look up "spinnerbait rods" and see what they have.

 

In today's fishing industry, you can actually find rods designed especially for spinnerbaits.

 

So do some research, based on the input above, and see what is out there in your price category.

 

And don't forget to check out the G. Loomis spinnerbait rods along with Ike's new rod line and Skeet Reese's spinnerbait rods. Then there are the KVD rods.

 

Enough choices to confuse you for at least six months!!!!!

[Boomstick]

17 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

You are asking a lot for one rod.  However, if you aren't fishing heavy cover I imagine it could be done.  I wouldn't want to use my dedicated frog rod for any treble lures (a HF rod).  Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula 7'2" MHR.  Rod lists for about $150, but you can find it for less on ebay.  There is one at $120 right now, but I paid less than $110 for mine.  That rod and a Tatula CT reel will keep you within your budget, and you will have a very nice combo that is pretty versatile.

I have the glass version of the Tatula 7'2" MH/R rod paired with a Tatula SV reel. It's a great rod for all moving baits -- actually perfect for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits up to 1/2oz, but isn't too stiff for a crankbait either. I got the rod for around $110 on Amazon and the reel for $135 on ebay and I would buy it again.

 

I would not use it for frogs, jigs and soft plastics and what but Josh said he has a MH/F rod too, so what I would do is load that up with 40lb braid and an appropriate sized leader and use that frogs, jigs and soft plastics (and fish spinnerbaits over 1/2oz on the MH/F rod as well).

[Backroad Angler]

3 hours ago, Lendiesel22 said:

In this scenario I would use a 6-6 to 7ft MHF of your choice. It would do spinnerbaits, trigs, and square bill cranks pretty well. When I fish around laydowns I want enough in the rod to move the fish away from cover but not too much I am pulling hooks out when cranking. You can get away with a MF rod as long as the spinner baits and trigs are on the lighter side. A 6-6 helps with roll casting under overhangs and to tight shoreline targets. Again the market on decent multipurpose rods is vast. Enjoy your search

I'm leaning towards getting another St Croix 6'6 now. Appreciate your help buddy!

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

No need to apologize.  Same scenario question gets asked all the time.  If trees and bushes constrain your casting, then a shorter rod is the way to go.  Nothing more frustrating than snagging your lure on the backcast.  Or smacking the rod tip on an obstacle behind you.

True that, I can't tell you how many times I've got birds nest from hitting a tree behind me or above me lol. Appreciate your help man!

1 hour ago, Sam said:

Josh, to add to the above posts: get on the Internet and Google "spinnerbait rods" and see what pops up.

 

Then, go to Tackle Warehouse and look up "spinnerbait rods" and see what they have.

 

In today's fishing industry, you can actually find rods designed especially for spinnerbaits.

 

So do some research, based on the input above, and see what is out there in your price category.

 

And don't forget to check out the G. Loomis spinnerbait rods along with Ike's new rod line and Skeet Reese's spinnerbait rods. Then there are the KVD rods.

 

Enough choices to confuse you for at least six months!!!!!

I took that into mind and did search it but I'm finding a lot of rods above my price range and I can't say I've heard of Skeet Reese's spinnerbait rods but I've heard of the others and they sure are pricy lol. And yes sir you bet! Appreciate your help!

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

I have the glass version of the Tatula 7'2" MH/R rod paired with a Tatula SV reel. It's a great rod for all moving baits -- actually perfect for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits up to 1/2oz, but isn't too stiff for a crankbait either. I got the rod for around $110 on Amazon and the reel for $135 on ebay and I would buy it again.

 

I would not use it for frogs, jigs and soft plastics and what but Josh said he has a MH/F rod too, so what I would do is load that up with 40lb braid and an appropriate sized leader and use that frogs, jigs and soft plastics (and fish spinnerbaits over 1/2oz on the MH/F rod as well).

For the reel I acutally am leaning towards the Tatula, I've heard many good things about Daiwa. Not too sure about a daiwa rod though. And yes sir I do, and thats a good idea i currently use 14 lb mono on that one, but I was thinking about switching to braid sometime soon. I appreciate your help sir!

[fishnkamp]

Hello Josh  All rods are a compromise one way or another. There are lots of rods designed to really excel at certain techniques. That is why you will usually find at least 12 baitcasters in my rod locker at all times. However, there are several that I own that are more versatile than others. In your price range here are some that I would consider if I were you.

First up is the most versatile rod I own. It is a Powell Max 683CEF. Now mine is a Powell Max. Those have been replaced by a Powell Max3D and Tackle Warehouse has 3 left in stock. They run $135  Take a look at the original Tackle Tour test review on this rod. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

 

My next suggestion would be from Falcon, it is a Bucoo Micro series rod. BMC-7MH Trap Caster

It is a 7 foot, medium heavy- mod action rod listing for 12-20 lb line and lures ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 oz  Lures like buzz baits, crankbaits, rattle traps, and spinnerbaits all fish well with this rod. Try pulling larger crankbaits or making long casts with 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits with this one."  You can get one of these from here for $130

http://www.lltackle.com/Home/tabid/61/ProdID/2536/FALCON_BuCoo_Micro_BMC7MH.aspx

 

Another nice choice would be an Irod IRG693C “Harold’s Lone Star Special”  The Genesis II series are nice rods. This rod can be found for around $150 Harold designed it to do a bit of everything.

 

Lastly, (not in order of favorites or quality, just how I listed them) I would suggest a Gary Dobyns Fury series rod.  A rod like a Fury FR734C. That will run you $110. I have a friend and fellow member on here that has changed at least 5 rods over to Fury rods and really likes them. I fish several other rods from Dobyns, but mine are Champions and Sierras.

 

Now for a reel I would get a Tatula CT in 6.4-1 ratio and that is just to make sure this was as versatile a setup as possible.  You will be very happy with the Tatula CT, but if you go this way send me a pm and I will give you some links for how to set the reel up best. They adjust a bit different than any other reel out there. I fish with 6 or 7 Tatula family reels.

 

I am sure any of these rods will cover the baits your current setups do not cover well.  None of these rods are designed to fish a hollow bodied frog well, but you can fish a bait like a Stanley Ribbit and that is a cool bait to throw. It skips well and hooks up pretty nicely, since it uses a single hook normally.

[Sam]

Josh, the Tatula is an excellent reel.

 

If you can get to a sporting goods store that sells rods and reels, ask to put a Tatula on the rods you are considering to get a feel of the weight and performance of the combination.

 

Not to cast, just to get a feel for the setup.

 

 

[Backroad Angler]

5 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Hello Josh  All rods are a compromise one way or another. There are lots of rods designed to really excel at certain techniques. That is why you will usually find at least 12 baitcasters in my rod locker at all times. However, there are several that I own that are more versatile than others. In your price range here are some that I would consider if I were you.

First up is the most versatile rod I own. It is a Powell Max 683CEF. Now mine is a Powell Max. Those have been replaced by a Powell Max3D and Tackle Warehouse has 3 left in stock. They run $135  Take a look at the original Tackle Tour test review on this rod. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

 

My next suggestion would be from Falcon, it is a Bucoo Micro series rod. BMC-7MH Trap Caster

It is a 7 foot, medium heavy- mod action rod listing for 12-20 lb line and lures ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 oz  Lures like buzz baits, crankbaits, rattle traps, and spinnerbaits all fish well with this rod. Try pulling larger crankbaits or making long casts with 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits with this one."  You can get one of these from here for $130

http://www.lltackle.com/Home/tabid/61/ProdID/2536/FALCON_BuCoo_Micro_BMC7MH.aspx

 

Another nice choice would be an Irod IRG693C “Harold’s Lone Star Special”  The Genesis II series are nice rods. This rod can be found for around $150 Harold designed it to do a bit of everything.

 

Lastly, (not in order of favorites or quality, just how I listed them) I would suggest a Gary Dobyns Fury series rod.  A rod like a Fury FR734C. That will run you $110. I have a friend and fellow member on here that has changed at least 5 rods over to Fury rods and really likes them. I fish several other rods from Dobyns, but mine are Champions and Sierras.

 

Now for a reel I would get a Tatula CT in 6.4-1 ratio and that is just to make sure this was as versatile a setup as possible.  You will be very happy with the Tatula CT, but if you go this way send me a pm and I will give you some links for how to set the reel up best. They adjust a bit different than any other reel out there. I fish with 6 or 7 Tatula family reels.

 

I am sure any of these rods will cover the baits your current setups do not cover well.  None of these rods are designed to fish a hollow bodied frog well, but you can fish a bait like a Stanley Ribbit and that is a cool bait to throw. It skips well and hooks up pretty nicely, since it uses a single hook normally.

True that haha, I've seen some people with crazy amounts of how many reels/rods they own! and thank you so much for the list of those rods, I will definitely check them out. I actually did do some research on the Dobyns Furry and am leaning towards that rod as of right now. Heard the customer service on Dobyns is the best in the fishing world and its a great line of rods. For the reel I probably will decide to go with the tatula CT after I do a little more research on it. Appreciate the advice man!

2 hours ago, Sam said:

Josh, the Tatula is an excellent reel.

 

If you can get to a sporting goods store that sells rods and reels, ask to put a Tatula on the rods you are considering to get a feel of the weight and performance of the combination.

 

Not to cast, just to get a feel for the setup.

 

 

I actually have a Bass pro near my college so I will definitely hit that up and check if they carry it and see how I like it. Appreciate it man

[Boomstick]

8 hours ago, JoshFromBolo said:

For the reel I acutally am leaning towards the Tatula, I've heard many good things about Daiwa. Not too sure about a daiwa rod though. And yes sir I do, and thats a good idea i currently use 14 lb mono on that one, but I was thinking about switching to braid sometime soon. I appreciate your help sir!

The Tatula rods are pretty well made and it's going to be extremely hard to beat one for the price, especially the $110-120 you can get them for on Amazon at the right time of the day. As far as a reel I should add that if you ever throw a 3/8oz or smaller spinnerbait which I imagine would be a staple on the new rod, you will like the Tatula SV as the SV spool helps with braking and will minimize backlashes. If you expect to be throwing only baits larger than 3/8oz, then I'd save some money and go with the Tatula CT.

 

Also I run a similar setup as to what I recommended to you. I have the glass MH/R Tatula which I will use 14-17lb mono or fluorocarbon on depending on the season and depth I expect to be fishing and then a 6'10" MH/F Tatula with usually 40lb braid as I use it for frogs, jigs and soft plastics, which I can tie on an appropriate sized leader. Then add a spinning rod and you have most baits covered pretty decently.

[Backroad Angler]

7 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

The Tatula rods are pretty well made and it's going to be extremely hard to beat one for the price, especially the $110-120 you can get them for on Amazon at the right time of the day. As far as a reel I should add that if you ever throw a 3/8oz or smaller spinnerbait which I imagine would be a staple on the new rod, you will like the Tatula SV as the SV spool helps with braking and will minimize backlashes. If you expect to be throwing only baits larger than 3/8oz, then I'd save some money and go with the Tatula CT.

 

Also I run a similar setup as to what I recommended to you. I have the glass MH/R Tatula which I will use 14-17lb mono or fluorocarbon on depending on the season and depth I expect to be fishing and then a 6'10" MH/F Tatula with usually 40lb braid as I use it for frogs, jigs and soft plastics, which I can tie on an appropriate sized leader. Then add a spinning rod and you have most baits covered pretty decently.

I will for sure do some more research on dawia rods as I am basically in the dark about them lol. And will do! 

 

Also guys, what are yalls thoughts on the shimano casitas 150? I am seeing some great reviews on it and I'm loving the price lol.

[Boomstick]

13 hours ago, JoshFromBolo said:

I will for sure do some more research on dawia rods as I am basically in the dark about them lol. And will do! 

 

Also guys, what are yalls thoughts on the shimano casitas 150? I am seeing some great reviews on it and I'm loving the price lol.

Shimano makes some great reels too. I would probably go Daiwa for the SV spool, but if you decide you are only throwing heavier baits then you may want to consider Shimano as well. You can get a Curado K on ebay for as low as $135 shipped though, which is a few models up so I would personally go that route if I went Shimano.

[Backroad Angler]

5 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Shimano makes some great reels too. I would probably go Daiwa for the SV spool, but if you decide you are only throwing heavier baits then you may want to consider Shimano as well. You can get a Curado K on ebay for as low as $135 shipped though, which is a few models up so I would personally go that route if I went Shimano.

Yeah I've always wanted to try a shimano so I will definetly add that to the list of my research but the daiwa tautla is still up there!

[Boomstick]

Oh yeah, here is a very detailed tackletour review of the Tatula MH/R glass cranking rod if you're interested. Almost forgot about this. As you see it runs on the stiffer side so is perfect for a spinnerbait.

 

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatat721mhrbg.html

 

 

[Backroad Angler]

48 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

Oh yeah, here is a very detailed tackletour review of the Tatula MH/R glass cranking rod if you're interested. Almost forgot about this. As you see it runs on the stiffer side so is perfect for a spinnerbait.

 

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatat721mhrbg.html

 

 

Appreciate it brotha! I'll take a look at it for sure