Next Rod/Reel addition?

[Eric J]

Hey all...

With this being my first season back in some time I have been content to stick with a spinner on a 6'8 Med/Lt rod and a Baitcaster on a 7' Med/Hvy. Both are the Lew's Carbon Fire combos and I love them. I'm ready to add to the toolbox. Any suggestions as to what to add next would be appreciated. I'm asking about rod/reel types more than brands.

 

(I also have a Lt and an Utra Lt for panfish and trout)

[Mikeltee]

When I came back after a 15 year time out, I got a MH (Dobyns 734) and lures from all the different techniques. I threw them all and decided what I wanted to get proficient at. First was swimbait and got a Dobyns 795. Next was finesse and got a Tatula Elite AGS. Now on the frog wagon and have a Dobyns 736 inbound. The mistake I made was not waiting and I invested $250 in a Dobyns 705 spinning rod. I threw it about 2 weeks until I realized spinning reels are for amateurs and now it collects dust. Luckily Dobyns does trade ins at roughly 80%

 

Boat or shore? With shore only you dont need 7 different rigs, you need 3 max. Maybe a XH to flip/punch/swimbait? 3 power for finesse and jerkbaits? Heavy for topwater and frogs? Id first ditch the spinner. That MH is gonna cover just about anything. You wont be asking this question when you are ready for a specialized rig. Maybe kick the baitmonkey in the nuts this round, stash the cash, and when you know you are ready, get a really good rod which is way more important than the reel (baitcaster of course).

 

 

[Eric J]

2 minutes ago, Mikeltee said:

When I came back after a 15 year time out, I got a MH (Dobyns 734) and lures from all the different techniques. I threw them all and decided what I wanted to get proficient at. First was swimbait and got a Dobyns 795. Next was finesse and got a Tatula Elite AGS. Now on the frog wagon and have a Dobyns 736 inbound. The mistake I made was not waiting and I invested $250 in a Dobyns 705 spinning rod. I threw it about 2 weeks until I realized spinning reels are for amateurs and now it collects dust. Luckily Dobyns does trade ins at roughly 80%

 

Boat or shore? With shore only you dont need 7 different rigs, you need 3 max. Maybe a XH to flip/punch/swimbait? 3 power for finesse and jerkbaits? Heavy for topwater and frogs? Id first ditch the spinner. That MH is gonna cover just about anything. You wont be asking this question when you are ready for a specialized rig. Maybe kick the baitmonkey in the nuts this round, stash the cash, and when you know you are ready, get a really good rod which is way more important than the reel (baitcaster of course).

 

 

I'm shore now but plan on investing in a Kayak for next season. This is my first baitcaster and yeah... game changer. But why so down on spinners?

[Mikeltee]

We are in the exact same position. I'm stuck on shore as well but will be yakking it next season. Your spinner will suit you fine for dropshot, ned rigs, weightless sencos, etc etc. Maybe I shouldnt have said to ditch the spinner. Just get the idea of investing in more spinning gear out of your mind.

Spinning Reels-

Less accuracy, less casting distance (non-finesse),  wind knots, larger profile, feels imbalanced and chunkier and not an extension of the arm like a BC. Most of these reasons are subjective. I'm sure many people prefer a spinning setup but they usually aren't bass fisherman. 

 

Spinners are amateur hour in my opinion. No need to even hold it upside down and crank the wrong way. LOL

[Jar11591]

I always recommend a topwater-dedicated setup. Something like a 6’6” M-F rod and a 7:1 reel.