Looking for 1st Baitcasting set up with $200-$250 budget

[Chonch12]

Hello,

 

I have been using Spinning set ups for years and love them but have wanted to get into the baitcasting game as well to be more versatile. Some background I am 30 and from DE, I also only bank fish. That is why I am looking for something more versatile. I currently have a fantastic finesse spinning set up as well as a larger spinning set up that I am using for everything else. I want to get a decent baitcasting set up that I can use for jigs, spinning baits, some lighter cranks and squarebills. I do not fish frogs very often, and the occasional whopper plopper, but only the 75 version. With bank fishing I am looking for something I can use in a bunch of situations because I can only carry up to 3 rods or it becomes too much of a hassle.

 

I am looking to spend about $200-$250 for this combo. I wanted to give myself a little higher budget because I want a decent reel so I do not get frustrated by the backlashing being newer to them. I would appreciate some advice on some combos that would fit my budget.

 

I currently have a 7' 6" baitcasting rod from my dad (he got it pretty cheap at a yardsale). It is a Fenwick Eagle GT, it collapses to about 5ft. Not sure if I should go more expensive reel and use this until I save some more for a better rod or not.

 

With the winter right around the corner, and Black Friday not too far off I figured I would get some advice and do my research now so I can pull the trigger when I find a solid deal. But happy to do it much sooner if it makes sense.

 

Looking forward to the advice.

Thanks!

[JediAmoeba]

Daiwa Tatula 150 paired with a Dobyns Fury - 7' MH.

 

Come black Friday this should fall nicely into your price range.  

I also have 2 Kastking Speed Demon pro Tournament series rods I really like in that 100 dollar range - but I hate the color.  

[new2BC4bass]

Check out Tackletour's review of the 7' M Okuma Helios (in the Archive Review section).  TW has them on sale for $144.97.  I found one for $122.40, but don't know if shipping was free.  Add a Daiwa Fuego CT for a total of about $200.  I've read good things about the Okuma TCS rods, but have zero experience with that line.

 

EDIT:  Would you consider used for the reel?  Some very good deals can be had on reels that look practically brand new if you keep an eye on the classifieds.  Probably my best reel deal was $65 for a $250 (when new) reel. 

 

Shelton's Clothing & Outdoors has the Tatula CT Type R for $120 (6.3 ratio in right hand).

 

This seems too good to be true.  A $230 reel for $105 plus $8.30 shipping.  It is the Helios SX.  I've got one, but haven't used it yet.  Bought it last winter, put it away, and forgot I had it.  Small reel, large handle and large knobs.  Nice looking reel.

 

https://www.ebay.com/p/23024456707?iid=333359936850&rt=nc

 

[bwjay]

St Croix Premier with a Shimano SLX (XT?). Done and DONE!

[zell_pop1]

Fenwick HMG med-hvy/fast rod and either a Daiwa Fuego CT or Shimano SLX reel.

[kayaking_kev]

Black Friday deal with 20% off at TW. Dobyn Champion XP paired with a Shimano SLX, regular priced at $350 for the combo, but about $280 with 20% off. If that is too much over your budget, then a Dobyns Fury and a Shimano SLX XT are a great pair, $250 with 20% off brings it to $200.

[waymont]

Daiwa Tatula 150 with a Tatula 6'10" MH rod. It;s a sweet setup and great for tons of stuff. Find the 150 for sale for $109 and you will dig it.

[Somd Fx4]

last year I got a Dobyns Sierra for the price of a Fury during tacklewarehouse's 25 days of christmas sale. Shimano SLX on it. The whole combo was 222 with shipping. The Sierra is more sensitive and lighter.