More tackle or new Rod/Reel?

[Sharkicane]

Hey All,

 

I am getting some extra money as a graduation present. I’m wanting to get some feedback on how to invest it in bass fishing.

 

I’m still pretty new just fishing from the banks at local ponds and stuff. I’ve got some basic tackle, a frog, a spinnerbait, a crankbait, and some soft plastics and terminal tackle. I’ve got a little 6’5 MH rod and a KK assassin.

 

I’m guessing it’ll be close to $250-300 so with that I have some options. Just wondering what is more important to focus on when you are just starting out. Getting more tackle or acquiring more rods/reels for different techniques. 

 

[Glaucus]

You'll easily be able to get a Lightning Rod, Silver Max, spool it up, get a good supply of tackle, and maybe even have enough left over for a spinning combo. No need to go balls out on expensive gear or a boat load of tackle at this stage.

[dgkasper58]

I would agree.  I started with more is better and once I had several set ups for what I wanted to do I waited and waited until I had the funds to upgrade.

 

I now have 2 upgraded set ups and around 10 other simple combos I fish a lot with.

[fissure_man]

I would put it toward a used fishing kayak.  Getting off the bank will open up your fishing opportunities far more than any number of rods/reels/lures ever will.

 

Congrats on your graduation

[DropShotHotShot]

half on a good quality, moderate cost combo

 

other half on tackle

[burrows]

Spend it all on a new combo! You can always pick up tackle here and there later on!?

[NittyGrittyBoy]

1 hour ago, fissure_man said:

I would put it toward a used fishing kayak.  Getting off the bank will open up your fishing opportunities far more than any number of rods/reels/lures ever will.

 

Congrats on your graduation

I second that

[Glaucus]

Your rod, reel, and kayak ain't gonna catch a thing without the right lures. Very erroneous to go that route imo. Reminds me of the guys who recommend a 7' MH baitcast rod and high speed reel with 50+ braid for shore fishermen. Preparing for the worst vegetation and double digit bass whilst ignorning reality and context.

 

 

[Dtrombly]

13 minutes ago, Glaucus said:

Your rod, reel, and kayak ain't gonna catch a thing without the right lures. Very erroneous to go that route imo. Reminds me of the guys who recommend a 7' MH baitcast rod and high speed reel with 50+ braid for shore fishermen. Preparing for the worst vegetation and double digit bass whilst ignorning reality and context.

 

 

I fish a 7'4" H with 65lb braid from the shore ?

[LionHeart]

37 minutes ago, Glaucus said:

Your rod, reel, and kayak ain't gonna catch a thing without the right lures. Very erroneous to go that route imo. Reminds me of the guys who recommend a 7' MH baitcast rod and high speed reel with 50+ braid for shore fishermen. Preparing for the worst vegetation and double digit bass whilst ignorning reality and context.

 

 

Still, I would recommend someone new to bass fishing not spend $250 on lures.  Odds are $200 worth will sit in a tackle box for years.

 

Funny enough it would seem, I would recommend a 7' MH rod with braid and a high speed reel to any new fisherman.  Has nothing to do with vegetation.

37 minutes ago, Glaucus said:

 

[WRB]

Get yourself a descent Rod & reel combo.

Dobyns Fury FR703C and Daiwa Tatula CT reel.

Tom

[NittyGrittyBoy]

I still say kayak. 1 rod and reel, and couple packs of plastics in a yak will go further than 2 poles and lots of tackle on the bank

[WRB]

59 minutes ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

I still say kayak. 1 rod and reel, and couple packs of plastics in a yak will go further than 2 poles and lots of tackle on the bank

If you can transport the yak go for it.

[J.Vincent]

Well you want fishing advice but I'm going to give you financial advice also. Spend $100 on gear and put the remaining $200 in a savings account . When you get another extra $300 dollars , do the same thing. Spend $100 on gear and save $200. Do this for the rest of your life and you will be a happy man !

[jr231]

Lol wish I could spend a 3rd of my earnings on fishing ?

[NYWayfarer]

You have a decent baitcasting set up already. My vote is for a nice spinning set up for some finesse fishing.

 

If you like your Kastking Assassin then know that they make some nice spinning reels as well. I would recommend the Sharky 3 reel or the Kodiak in the 2000 size. A decent medium light action rod to go with it and you should be set for Ned rigs or drop shots.

[optimator]

11 hours ago, Active_Outdoors said:

Well you want fishing advice but I'm going to give you financial advice also. Spend $100 on gear and put the remaining $200 in a savings account . When you get another extra $300 dollars , do the same thing. Spend $100 on gear and save $200. Do this for the rest of your life and you will be a happy man !

Best advice so far!

[J.Vincent]

14 hours ago, Yeajray231 said:

Lol wish I could spend a 3rd of my earnings on fishing ?

I was referring to when getting an EXTRA unexpected gift of cash...not referring to spending a 1/3 of expected income : ) 

[fishwizzard]

18 hours ago, WRB said:

Get yourself a descent Rod & reel combo.

Dobyns Fury FR703C and Daiwa Tatula CT reel.

Tom

 Yea, lures are a temporary thing, good equipment is a far better "investment". 

[LCG]

Quality equipment will last you a long time. But I would put that money aside until you know what techniques you want to focus on. Or what equipment you want. I suggest thinking of the long game here. 

[Chris at Tech]

Tackle or rod/reel or kayak...

 

The answer is obviously yes.

[Montanaro]

I will interject into the financial advice.

 

Dont put it into savings, the interest rate is non existant.  Invest your money into CDs from local banks...but a $100 CD for a year would onky net a dollar or 2....so invest in yourself; buy a cheap sit inside kayak and life jacket.  Your skills and knowledge will flourish.  Rods and tackle can be had second hand if need be especially from local clubs when guys have rod sponsors and need to dump their old models

[blckshirt98]

I'm a shore guy and use a single rod/reel to catch 90% of my fish.  Phenix M1 with a Shimano spinning reel and I can throw almost anything needed from shore, all depths, both finesse and reaction.  It's nice to have another setup but if you're just starting out and still in school it's more of a luxury.  It's never too early to learn a new technique so I'd spend $50 or so buying some baits to try some new techniques, but don't blow it all on a new setup.  Active_Outdoors said it best, have some fun with it, but put most of it away.