All around combo for $120 or less

[Dom Undorte]

Hey guys been awhile since had a baitcaster as iv been fly fishing the last 5 years. I want a bait caster that'll be good for all around use wont be throwing anything to big with it. What length and action do you recommend for this? Iv always been a abu garcia fan how ever Id like the best option out there for $120 or less what do you guys recommend? I seen a lews american combo at sportsman's warehouse today any input on it? 

[Dr. Watson]

For a good all arounder, I'd say 6-1/2 to 7' MH fast rod. Look at a Falcon Bucoo, USA made for under $100 and you might even be able to find an older one cheaper. I have one from their first run and for the price they are out of this world in terms of quality/sensitivity.

 

For a reel, try to find an older Shimano Curado 200E7 or Citica 200E, they are darn fine reels and can be had cheap now. You might also look into one of the Kast King reels, I've heard good things about them; if you aren't worried about it being made in China, that is.

 

Otherwise, try looking at the Vengance or Vendetta rods from Abu. They are cheaper, $50-$80, so you could spend more on a newer reel.

[CroakHunter]

7' MH Berkley lightning rod 

7:1 gear ratio daiwa fuego from ebay.

[Catt]

Lew's American Hero or Lazer TXS both come with a 6' 6" or 7' rod & both can be had at Academy for $80.

 

[Deleted account]

I picked up a couple of Furies for $80 each, and 2 more mettles for $40 each to my door. Darn monkey!

[ratherbfishin1]

I would definitely consider used if I were you

[new2BC4bass]

 

4 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

7' MH Berkley lightning rod 

7:1 gear ratio daiwa fuego from ebay.

X2

 

OP, pretty sure you won't find a Curado 200E that would allow you to buy a rod and stay within your $120 budget.  Ones I have seen for sale have been going for more than $120.  Don't know about the Citica.

 

RH or LH?  There are 5 LH Patriarchs for sale on another forum for $80 each.  These are $200 reels when new.  My last Patriarch XT (older blue model) cost me $65 and was $250 new.  This is why a lot of my reels are used. 

 

The Patriarch and Lightning would put you right at $120 unless you can find a Lightning on sale.

 

Another choice is a Daiwa Aird X rod with the Fuego CT.  Shopping ebay would put you around $110 or slightly less for the combo.

[Dom Undorte]

How are the Berkley lightning rods? I actually have no experience with them. Im looking at a veritas paired with a orra sx for $140

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Lew's American Hero or Lazer TXS both come with a 6' 6" or 7' rod & both can be had at Academy for $80.

 

My local sportsmans warehouse has a American hero set up for $60 on sale right now 7 foot set up.

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, Dom Undorte said:

How are the Berkley lightning rods? I actually have no experience with them. Im looking at a veritas paired with a orra sx for $140

My local sportsmans warehouse has a American hero set up for $60 on sale right now 7 foot set up.

Berkley Lightning Shock was ww2farmer's number one budget rod before the Daiwa Aird X came out.  He is a guy whose opinion you can trust.  Haven't used an Aird X...yet.  I have an old Berkley Lightning spinning rod (not the Shock) that has caught more fish than all my new rods put together.

 

I have no experience with those Abu products.  Be aware that Abu rods fish a bit heavy.  I've been reading some good things about the new Gen 4 reels.  Mine are either Gen 1 of Gen 2 STX and Premiers.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

I have a couple Berkeley lightning shock rods, great rod for the money. 7" MH is great all round size.

 

Get a 70$ Lew's reel and your set for awhile. Bassin on a budget!

 

My grandpa uses that rod to redfish with paired up with black Max Abu reels. He loves that combo, tough, dependable, and easy on the wallet

[BrackishBassin]

I’d suggest a Daiwa Tatula CT paired up with a Daiwa Aird X. You’d be about $10-20 over your budget, but I’ve loved mine. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

BPS Pro Qualifier 2 combo when it’s on sale. Was at $79.99 not too long ago.