New angler looking for rod arsenal help/direction

[Cgiroux86]

Hi all. I'm a new angler who's looking to get into fishing more seriously and joining some local tournaments. I have purchased 6 setups and realized I'm just buying rods without really knowing what I need. Im looking to add 2-3 more setups. I know 1 I need is definitely a moderate cranking rod. I live in MD and will be fishing mostly reservoirs and small lakes/ponds. Let me know what you guys think and would add/modify.

 

1) Shimano slx 7'2 MH fast combo (7.3.1)

2) Shimano slx 7'5 H xfast combo (8.3.1)

3) Lew's custom xp combo 7'0 mh fast (feels more like M) (7.1)

4) 13 *** 7'1 MH fast w abu pro max (7.1.1)

5) 13 *** 6'7 M fast w slx (7.3.1)

6) BPS pro qualifier 2 spinning combo 7' M

 

If you could add 2-3 more setups in the 200-250$ range what would they be? I'm considering a Dobyns fury spinning and cranking. 

 

I really appreciate the help. This can get overwhelming with all the choices and I don't want to have remorse over a silly purchase!

 

Chris

[MN Fisher]

You've got some duplication in there, but if you're tying on different lures to each it's not a bad thing.

 

Depending on what you want to learn, there's a few options

 

6.?:1 baitcaster on a M to MH rod for deep-diving crankbaits

6.6:1 to 7.1:1 baitcaster on swimbait rod for those heavy lures

L to ML spinning rig for finesse applications - drop-shot, Ned-rig, etc

 

The Fury looks to be a good rod - I'd put an aluminum frame baitcaster on the new BC rig (I'm partial to Diawa and Pflueger for my BCs- so Fuego, Tatula, Supreme or Supreme-XT would be my choices)

Spinning reel - Again with a Supreme or Supreme-XT, but Mitchell is my other brand for spinners...so a 300-Pro or a Mag-Pro would be my options.

 

That's all I can think of off the top of my head - I'm sure others will have other suggestions.

[Cgiroux86]

MN Fisher, thank you! I found myself looking at more MH fast rods just because they are versatile. I'm tying different types of Texas rigs, jigs etc on the MH rods so a few is fine, but I realize I probably need other rods more. Figured I would ask more knowledgeable people before pulling the trigger. When I decided to take up fishing again this spring I thought it would be cheaper than my other hobby, golf. Boy was I surprised lol! I am starting fresh with no rods or lures, so i hope it will get better for my wallets sake. I still don't know my fishing style and am trying to get a well rounded lineup. This really helps, I appreciate you and everyone taking time out of your day to respond. Cheers!

 

Chris

[MN Fisher]

One thing I do know - you don't have to have dozens of setups so long as you're willing to change lures. The 5 rigs I have cover everything except heavy swimbaits/topwaters and deep-diving crankbaits. Sure I have to change lures to try a new technique, but as I'm on a limited budget it's worth it.

[LionHeart]

I'd say slow down on buying gear.  Fish the stuff you have for a while and figure out which lures you throw the most.  Then spend your money on a rod and reel that works best for the techniques you plan to use.

 

Any time you buy a rod and reel, it's best to already know what you will use it for (so says I).

 

 

[CrankFate]

I would have said get one heavy rig and one light—or even the standard “get a quality medium heavy.” You’re better off getting out there with something decent to start with then fine tuning your gear to where and how you’ll be fishing the most. Jumping in head first with a whole box full of rods and reels is only going to get you into the buy sell trade or eBay. My advice is always fish first, buy stuff later. Like when your sitting there going over every fishing day of last season in your mind in January and February.

[Cgiroux86]

32 minutes ago, LionHeart said:

I'd say slow down on buying gear.  Fish the stuff you have for a while and figure out which lures you throw the most.  Then spend your money on a rod and reel that works best for the techniques you plan to use.

 

Any time you buy a rod and reel, it's best to already know what you will use it for (so says I).

 

 

That makes a lot of sense and something ive considered. If I could do it over I probably wouldn't buy the *** combos. I do like being able to rig stuff up and fish whatever I want and not worry about tying on new lures. I want to have a basic arsenal that covers all the presentations with some versatility. How important is a moderate fast cranking rod vs a standard fast action? Is a cranking rod something you guys would recommend?

[Cgiroux86]

16 minutes ago, CrankFate said:

I would have said get one heavy rig and one light—or even the standard “get a quality medium heavy.” You’re better off getting out there with something decent to start with then fine tuning your gear to where and how you’ll be fishing the most. Jumping in head first with a whole box full of rods and reels is only going to get you into the buy sell trade or eBay. My advice is always fish first, buy stuff later. Like when your sitting there going over every fishing day of last season in your mind in January and February.

That's good advice. Being new and getting caught up in the hype and all the YouTube videos I watched I thought I needed to have a lot of rods. I dont mind spending money on something worthwhile. My mentality is there's no need to buy high end when I don't have a baseline for comparing. I do want to have a selection of rods that are rigged so I dont have to worry about that on the water. I'm happy with what I have, just wanted some suggestions on holes I could fill in such as a cranking or another spinning rod to fill any gaps I have. Thanks for your help!

[LionHeart]

1 hour ago, Cgiroux86 said:

That makes a lot of sense and something ive considered. If I could do it over I probably wouldn't buy the *** combos. I do like being able to rig stuff up and fish whatever I want and not worry about tying on new lures. I want to have a basic arsenal that covers all the presentations with some versatility. How important is a moderate fast cranking rod vs a standard fast action? Is a cranking rod something you guys would recommend?

Total opinion but a cranking rod is a staple.  It should be pretty whippy also.  Moderate is a good cranking action but if the rod is lighter power moderate fast works very well also.

 

Like it or not, you will never have enough rods so that you don't have to retie lures.  I have 5 casting rods and 1 spinning rod.  I have gone through many setups but have found that I usually take 5 rods max when I fish from the boat and 2 max when I bank fish.

 

I have 2 rods for moving baits: spinner bait, chatter bait, buzz bait, swim bait, and crank bait.  One is a tad stouter than the other and gets used for the heavier lures with bigger hooks. Reels are a 6 speed and 7 speed.

 

I have 2 rods for bottom contact: jigs, worms, trigs, also frogs.  Same as above.  The stouter rod is for 3/8-3/4 and the other is for 3/8 and under. Both reels are 8 speed.

 

My 5th casting rod is a misc super versatile lighter power rod that goes great with anything below 1/2 oz and has a 6 speed reel.

 

My spinning rod almost never gets used.

[Mobasser]

It sounds like you've already got some nice rods. For tournament fishing and re tying? Keep in mind that you still may have to do some changing of baits. One of the best tournament fisherman I ever fished with kept 4 rods on deck. I saw it work for him many times

[CrankFate]

1 hour ago, Cgiroux86 said:

That's good advice. Being new and getting caught up in the hype and all the YouTube videos I watched I thought I needed to have a lot of rods. I dont mind spending money on something worthwhile. My mentality is there's no need to buy high end when I don't have a baseline for comparing. I do want to have a selection of rods that are rigged so I dont have to worry about that on the water. I'm happy with what I have, just wanted some suggestions on holes I could fill in such as a cranking or another spinning rod to fill any gaps I have. Thanks for your help!

Just fish. Everyone always says “the fish will tell you” what to use. IMO, this is even more true with rods and reels.

[Cgiroux86]

On 5/23/2019 at 7:29 PM, Mobasser said:

It sounds like you've already got some nice rods. For tournament fishing and re tying? Keep in mind that you still may have to do some changing of baits. One of the best tournament fisherman I ever fished with kept 4 rods on deck. I saw it work for him many times

I see people making such a big deal about technique specific rods it makes me think I'm going to be losing fish left and right without proper gear.  One thing that I wish YouTube channels like flukemaster would do is be more transparent about their affiliations with companies. They make videos aimed at beginners with titles like "best rod under 100$ or best combo under 200$" and its all one brand of products they are pushing (for most part). Not saying it's not good stuff, but it would be nice to know. Hope you get a chance to throw some lures this weekend!

[MN Fisher]

After having been out and tried my new setups - 3 of my rigs are new this year - I have to say that you can find some fairly good combos for well under $200.

 

Saying that, having more than one rig that's nearly the same is something I won't do. I don't mind swapping lures on a rig, it's not THAT much time out of my fishing. I've caught bass on everything from my Pres-25 rig (Ultra-light) to the Fuego (Heavy). It's finding where they are and what they want that makes the difference...not that you have two-dozen rigs that cost $400-$500-whatever each. My five rigs cost under $400 total, and I'm catching bass on them.

[LionHeart]

On 5/23/2019 at 8:17 PM, Cgiroux86 said:

I see people making such a big deal about technique specific rods it makes me think I'm going to be losing fish left and right without proper gear.  One thing that I wish YouTube channels like flukemaster would do is be more transparent about their affiliations with companies. They make videos aimed at beginners with titles like "best rod under 100$ or best combo under 200$" and its all one brand of products they are pushing (for most part). Not saying it's not good stuff, but it would be nice to know. Hope you get a chance to throw some lures this weekend!

With the setups you have, you should be able to fish just about any lure in your tackle box.  The whole technique specific rod thing is very subjective.  There are some generally agreed rod power/actions that are best suited for certain techniques, but they aren't hard and fast rules.

 

For instance, you likely wouldn't want to throw a jig on a crankbait rod, nor the other way around.  Then again, just because a rod manufacturer write the name of a lure on a rod handle, that doesn't mean it's all the rod can do.

 

This is why I say you may want to spend some time with the gear you already have, and find out what your preferences are before spending more $.  What you already have should take you far.

 

 

[Somd Fx4]

On 5/23/2019 at 8:17 PM, Cgiroux86 said:

I see people making such a big deal about technique specific rods it makes me think I'm going to be losing fish left and right without proper gear.  One thing that I wish YouTube channels like flukemaster would do is be more transparent about their affiliations with companies. They make videos aimed at beginners with titles like "best rod under 100$ or best combo under 200$" and its all one brand of products they are pushing (for most part). Not saying it's not good stuff, but it would be nice to know. Hope you get a chance to throw some lures this weekend!

I too am a new angler in the bass world. It is easy to get sunked in to having a huge arsenal but you don't. I usually only take 4 rods on my kayak. 1 spinning, 1 MH/M cranking rod, 1 MH/F rod, 1 H/F. All my rods are 7' except for the Heavy which is 7'3. 

 

Where are you from in MD? i'm a marylander also

[roadwarrior]

 

[Fishes in trees]

Rather than get a few "all purpose" rigs that you have to re-tie to switch baits, consider going "technique specific"

This will justify the expense of many more rods, not just 2 or 3 more.  Consider that if you take care of your gear , they will all last longer because you won't be using any one rig as much.

 

You've got a decent start for your first half dozen rigs, consider what you might want to learn next.   A few recommendations from a technique specific tackle junkie . .. .. Ned Rig,  Alabama Rig,  separate rigs for spinnerbaits, chatter baits & buzz baits, something to throw poppers with and something to throw Spooks & Sammy's with.

 

Don't forget a Frog rig, finesse frog rig, drop shot & Bubba drop shot rigs, something to throw those ounce to ounce and a half square bills.  A jerk bait rod would be nice and then a separate one to throw soft plastic jerk baits.  A bait casting rig to throw quarter ounce sliders on and a spinning rig to throw lighter ones on.

 

I'm leaving quite a few rigs out . . . on purpose . . wouldn't want you to get overwhelmed.

 

Don't forget "back up" rigs.  When you get a difficult back lash on one of your bait casters, it is much simpler to put the out of commission rig back into the rod locker and pull out a similar rig - think how much time you'll save.   Put it into perspective by reminding yourself that you can buy fishing gear, but you can't buy extra fishing time.

[GeekOutdoors]

3 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

Rather than get a few "all purpose" rigs that you have to re-tie to switch baits, consider going "technique specific"

This will justify the expense of many more rods, not just 2 or 3 more.  Consider that if you take care of your gear , they will all last longer because you won't be using any one rig as much.

 

You've got a decent start for your first half dozen rigs, consider what you might want to learn next.   A few recommendations from a technique specific tackle junkie . .. .. Ned Rig,  Alabama Rig,  separate rigs for spinnerbaits, chatter baits & buzz baits, something to throw poppers with and something to throw Spooks & Sammy's with.

 

Don't forget a Frog rig, finesse frog rig, drop shot & Bubba drop shot rigs, something to throw those ounce to ounce and a half square bills.  A jerk bait rod would be nice and then a separate one to throw soft plastic jerk baits.  A bait casting rig to throw quarter ounce sliders on and a spinning rig to throw lighter ones on.

 

I'm leaving quite a few rigs out . . . on purpose . . wouldn't want you to get overwhelmed.

 

Don't forget "back up" rigs.  When you get a difficult back lash on one of your bait casters, it is much simpler to put the out of commission rig back into the rod locker and pull out a similar rig - think how much time you'll save.   Put it into perspective by reminding yourself that you can buy fishing gear, but you can't buy extra fishing time.

The extra fishing Time is true when doing tournaments. I'd say an ML spinning Rod for nedrig and dropshot. If you want something nice, cheap and good for cranking, I can't suggest enough the Fenwick Lunkerstik. On another note I thought peace treaty was signed with *** ?

[Cgiroux86]

Thank you for your help. Do you reccomend the Dobyns rods with the slx reels? Do they balance well? I'm in Howard County, I live right across from Rocky Gorge Reservoir. I'm looking to make some fishing friends if you're interested in going out sometime. I recently got a 1542 Jon boat that the 2 of us both can comfortably fish from. Seems like we could learn together since we are both relatively new.

On 5/24/2019 at 2:19 PM, GeekFisher said:

The extra fishing Time is true when doing tournaments. I'd say an ML spinning Rod for nedrig and dropshot. If you want something nice, cheap and good for cranking, I can't suggest enough the Fenwick Lunkerstik. On another note I thought peace treaty was signed with *** ?

This is what I was looking for. I know I need technique specific rods at this point as I have a variety of versatile rods. If you were me, what would you prioritize if you could add 2-3 setups? I'm thinking a cranking rod and a ML spinning rod or a 7'3 H for frogging. I dont use spinning gear often and have a M spinning rig already, but also have a 7'5Hxf that I can use for flipping and frogging. I want to add stuff that will get more use, which is probably why I bought a lot of versatile rods to begin with.  I really appreciate you taking the time to help a newbie out!

[GeekOutdoors]

11 minutes ago, Cgiroux86 said:

This is what I was looking for. I know I need technique specific rods at this point as I have a variety of versatile rods. If you were me, what would you prioritize if you could add 2-3 setups? I'm thinking a cranking rod and a ML spinning rod or a 7'3 H for frogging. I dont use spinning gear often and have a M spinning rig already, but also have a 7'5Hxf that I can use for flipping and frogging. I want to add stuff that will get more use, which is probably why I bought a lot of versatile rods to begin with.  I really appreciate you taking the time to help a newbie out!

Your HXF got your frogging "needs" covered. I'd go with a 6'9-7'0 ML-F or ML-XF to dropshot/nedrigs and a MH-Mod or M-Mod for cranking duties. I don't dropshot much but I use the nedrig a lot. That being said, I mostly fish for smallies as there are no largies close to home.

[Somd Fx4]

On 5/25/2019 at 7:39 AM, Cgiroux86 said:

Thank you for your help. Do you reccomend the Dobyns rods with the slx reels? Do they balance well? I'm in Howard County, I live right across from Rocky Gorge Reservoir. I'm looking to make some fishing friends if you're interested in going out sometime. I recently got a 1542 Jon boat that the 2 of us both can comfortably fish from. Seems like we could learn together since we are both relatively new.

 

I love dobyns/slx set up. Both the blank and reel are light. I got my Sierra last christmas from tackle warehouse for the price of the fury. The only difference I notice is the weight. I feel the seirra is lighter.  I am budget angler in every way possible but I want quality gear. Both combos were around $200. 

 

Man a meet up sounds great. All my fishing buddies chase rockfish so I fish by myself a lot.

[Cgiroux86]

4 hours ago, Somd Fx4 said:

I love dobyns/slx set up. Both the blank and reel are light. I got my Sierra last christmas from tackle warehouse for the price of the fury. The only difference I notice is the weight. I feel the seirra is lighter.  I am budget angler in every way possible but I want quality gear. Both combos were around $200. 

 

Man a meet up sounds great. All my fishing buddies chase rockfish so I fish by myself a lot.

My email is cgiroux86@gmail.com feel free to message me and we can set something up. I fish by myself a lot too. I have friends that like to golf, but haven't convinced them to pick up fishing yet. I'm right with you, I would rather pay a little extra for quality stuff that will fish well and last than save a few dollars for sub par equipment that will have to be replaced sooner. I'm going to grab some stuff on TW for their Memorial Day sale, I'm a sucker for a deal. 

[GeekOutdoors]

2 hours ago, Cgiroux86 said:

My email is cgiroux86@gmail.com feel free to message me and we can set something up. I fish by myself a lot too. I have friends that like to golf, but haven't convinced them to pick up fishing yet. I'm right with you, I would rather pay a little extra for quality stuff that will fish well and last than save a few dollars for sub par equipment that will have to be replaced sooner. I'm going to grab some stuff on TW for their Memorial Day sale, I'm a sucker for a deal. 

You should really remove your email address and send it through private message. Spambots will feast on your mail otherwise !

[Shimano_1]

I think you have a great start to your lineup with some fine choices. The slx combos are wonderful and simply cant be beat for the money. The only thing it looks like you're missing is a good cranking combo and the slx would fit that bill as well with the right choice. Otherwise I'd say whatever you fish most often should kind of dictate what you need more of if any. I love to flip jigs and plastics so I have 3 setups that will handle these. I'm not a big cranker so my 2 cranking setups dont get used much and are left at home half the time. Good luck

[d-camarena]

If you buy anymore look at the daiwa airdx and fuego combos. They are cheap and fish really good. Although with the setups you mentions you are set.