Adequate setup?? and how to best use it

[Brett Stair]

Ok... I’ve recently come back to bass fishing and have been working to get some gear that allows me to fish different techniques and provides versatility. I’m still trying out some stuff which I will outline below but I’m wanting some of you experienced bassers to help me understand the best uses for what I have and if it’s adequate.

 

1st set up:

Reel: Abu Garcia Revo RX 6.4:1 baitcaster

Rod: Cabela’s 7’1” MH Tournament ZX rod

Line: currently Trilene Transoptic 12 lb but going to 15 lb at next line change ... I’ve used a few different monos and like the transoptic because it’s helping me “watch my line”

Uses: I’ve been using this for a little of everything but since adding the 2nd rod I’m trying to use it for mostly spinnerbaits, swimbaits, jigs, crankbaits, and some drop shot, Texas rig, and shaky head stuff... even flipping and pitching until the 2nd rod.

 

2nd set up:

Reel: Abu Garcia Revo X HS 7.3:1 baitcaster

Rod: TFO 7’6” Heavy Professional series

Line: just put Power Pro Slick 8 50# braid with big game 12# backing... haven’t fished with the line yet. Previously had bass pro 20# mono on it

Uses: I’m flipping and pitching with this ... Texas rigs, frogs, jigs, really anything in cover including weightless senkos 

 

3rd set up:

Reel: Lew’s LRX30 6.2:1 spinning

Rod: Lew’s Laser RZ Carbon speed spin IM7 7’0” Medium

(this is a new Lew’s combo from Cabela’s)

Line: 8# Trilene Transoptic mono

Uses: haven’t fished with it yet but I’m thinking this becomes my drop shot, shaky head, top water, weightless fluke/Senko, and crappie jig rod

 

Is this a good set up or am I missing a necessary rod?

 

What suggestions do you have for the set ups or uses?

 

[PatrickKnight]

Looks like a solid start to me. I cant imagine there is much you couldn't do with those three. Personal taste but I would put braid on the spinner and use a mono leader. Will help a ton with line management.

[SMITTY0045]

I think you’ve got a pretty good line up to get you started. I can say from experience that that model of the tournament zx rod is extremely versatile and you’ll be able to cover a lot using it. 

[lmbfisherman]

You can fish everything with those three rods.  The next rod in my opinion should be a crankbait rod with a moderate action.  My personal preference though, although you're spinning setup can handle CB duty no problem.  However for me I found crankbaits on a spinning setup awkward.  

[Brett Stair]

25 minutes ago, lmbfisherman said:

You can fish everything with those three rods.  The next rod in my opinion should be a crankbait rod with a moderate action.  My personal preference though, although you're spinning setup can handle CB duty no problem.  However for me I found crankbaits on a spinning setup awkward.  

Yeah... I’m torn between the spinning setup and the first setup on crankbaits

[lmbfisherman]

5 minutes ago, Brett Stair said:

Yeah... I’m torn between the spinning setup and the first setup on crankbaits

It really depends on what you fish most and confident with.  For me I'd rather have the spinning setup because it is more versatile, in a sense that I can use the setup with more techniques than a crankbait specific setup.  For me I fish the drop shot, weightless plastics and lighter lures more than a crankbait.  So for me it is an easier decision.  You will have to think that through as well.  Of course there are factors like the type of water you fish as well.