A Few Basic Setups

[mcease]

Hi All, 

 

Bear with me because I am just starting out ? I wanted some help getting a few setups.  I fish smallmouth and largemouth bass from boat or canoe.  I have been fishing all my life, but I am a beginner because I really just dabbled in it a bit with no real thought put into it.  I am just getting serious about learning/mastering a few techniques and expanding from there.  In the past I used to throw crank baits along rocky points, but have progressed to throwing senco/weightless Texas rigged soft plastics on the edge of weed lines.   I currently have a couple of reels, but did not know how to match rods to the reels or even line size for that matter. 

 

I currently have a Stradic 4000FG on a Fenwick HMG AV 69mm-2 (6'9 rod but I dont know the action) (Does this rod do well on this reel? What application should I primarily use it for?) Currently I use it for texas rigged senco fishing. 

 

I also have a Stradic 1000FJ on a cheap Shimano Medium Heavy 6'6 rod Fast action (I dont know if this combo even makes sense)

 

I would like to get a couple baitcasting reels (I am looking at the Curado)

 

I think I would like to cover the following:

Searchbaits/Spinner Baits (open water or edge of weeds)

Soft Plastics/Senco (sparse weeds)

Jigheads with soft plastic trailers

Occasional Topwater

At some point I would like to learn to Punch right into the weed beds

 

I usually fish in 5-15 feet of water and I would love to have about 3-4 setups that can handle these techniques - Can you suggest rod/reel combos for each technique?  Does the Fenwick Rod do well on the Stradic 4000FG?) I will be reading any posts and articles I can find in the meantime.  

 

Thanks in advanced for the help - I am glad I found this forum. 

 

Cheers! 

[shimando]

I have two MH baitcasters and two M spinning rods and that covers all the techniques I use fairly well. I use the baitcasters for texas rigs, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits, top waters, and the spinning rods for ned rigs, weightless plastics, and light crankbaits.

[Bankc]

50 minutes ago, shimando said:

I have two MH baitcasters and two M spinning rods and that covers all the techniques I use fairly well. I use the baitcasters for texas rigs, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits, top waters, and the spinning rods for ned rigs, weightless plastics, and light crankbaits.

That's it right there.  

 

You're just starting off.  You're not to the point yet where you need specialized equipment.  You'll be ready for that stuff once you get to the point where you can say "this rod isn't working for me because..." or "this reel doesn't do what I need it to which is...".  Because truth be told, no everyone does everything the same way with the same gear.  I, for instance, generally prefer a medium/fast rod in most instances where other people would recommend a MH/F rod.  I'm also a lot less picky about gear ratios than a lot of people.  Just get yourself a couple of rods and reels that are different from one another, and use that to figure out what you like and don't like.  Then, when you're ready to upgrade, you'll know why you're upgrading, and have a clearer understanding of what you're trying to upgrade into. 

[LCG]

I have one spinning and one casting set up. Same techniques as above. 

 

6'8" M-Xf Carbonlite 2.0 spinning paired with a Shimano stradic FL 2500 with 20lb braid to a 6lb mono leader. 

 

6'9" MH-XF Carbonlite 2.0 casting paired with a Shimano Curado K HG with 30lb braid to a 14lb mono leader. 

 

Fish from a kayak and the bank. Works well for me and keeps the clutter down. 

[new2BC4bass]

 

HMG AV 69mm should be Medium power, Moderate action.  Fine for all those crankbaits you throw.  How is penetration fishing Senkos with it?  Some people like 4000 size reels because the spool has a larger diameter and handles line better than smaller reels.  I prefer smaller.  Also prefer lighter.  However, I use baitcasters for pretty much everything you fish.

 

A 1000 size Shimano on a HF rod is a bit smaller than most would use.  Limited line capacity unless using light braid.  I personally wouldn't use it on a rod any more powerful than Medium.  Darren can give you a better opinion on this reel than I can.  He likes that size.

 

A MHF would be better for many of those lures.  Sportsman's Outfitters has the Tatula rods on sale.  I feel they are great rods for the money.  A MHF is a very versatile rod.  Depending on lure weight and cover a HF could also be an option.

 

I really like my Tatula 7' MR (Medium power, Regular action.  Falcon BuCoo SR is another good rod for the money.  They tend to fish a bit light.  Many push the Dobyns Fury.  No experience with one.

 

You don't mention a budget.  If you are going to spend around $150 for a rod, then you have many good choices.  I'd still be looking at a Tatula at that price, tho.  Like them that well.

 

The Daiwa Fuego CT is an excellent reel and very tough to beat in its price range.  I'd go with the 7.3:1 ratio one for more versatility with jigs, Senkos, etc.  Sportsman's Outfitters has the Lew's Tournament LFS for $140...a $200 reel.  The Shimano SLX is well liked.  Never used one, but they get good reviews.

 

EDIT:  Search for the Daiwa Aird X.  A $55 rod that is highly regarded by those that actually use one.

 

[mcease]

3 hours ago, Bankc said:

Just get yourself a couple of rods and reels that are different from one another, and use that to figure out what you like and don't like.  Then, when you're ready to upgrade, you'll know why you're upgrading, and have a clearer understanding of what you're trying to upgrade into. 

Great advice - thank you.  This is sort of what I want to do, but I don't mind getting some good stuff right away (and then upgrade further/change it) because I always found in life that you get what you pay for.   

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

HMG AV 69mm should be Medium power, Moderate action.  Fine for all those crankbaits you throw.  How is penetration fishing Senkos with it? 

Senkos on it work pretty well - it is hard to say because as I mentioned I am a novice, but I catch a lot of fish on Senkos using it.   

 

 

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

You don't mention a budget. 

In terms of budget I would stick to around $150 or less for rods, and as far a reels go I like Shimano (It might just be bias though)  I read very good things about the Curado and have that in my head for a baitcaster.  

 

I guess I am still trying to figure out what rod/reel/line combo to use for each application I mentioned.  I would like to buy a few setups and figure out what I like and don't like as mentioned in one of the replies but I need a starting point because I have never really looked into it before.  

 

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

 

[mcease]

9 hours ago, shimando said:

I have two MH baitcasters and two M spinning rods and that covers all the techniques I use fairly well. I use the baitcasters for texas rigs, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits, top waters, and the spinning rods for ned rigs, weightless plastics, and light crankbaits.

 

8 hours ago, Bankc said:

That's it right there.  

 

You're just starting off.  You're not to the point yet where you need specialized equipment.  You'll be ready for that stuff once you get to the point where you can say "this rod isn't working for me because..." or "this reel doesn't do what I need it to which is...".  

I was thinking about it and I think I will make the two spinning rods should work for ned rigs, weightless plastics, and light crankbaits for me as well, but can someone give me some suggestions on what rods to pair with the Stradic 4000FG and the Stradic 1000FJ

 

I will then add a couple baitcasting rods and reels to the mix for the other applications (Spinners/Searchbaits, texas rigs, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits and top waters).  A few more suggestions on rods and reels with the specific applicaton they can be used for would be appreciated.

 

Thanks for the help! 

 

[new2BC4bass]

Can't help with the Shimano reels.  All mine are older models with the exception of a Scorpion 71.

[mcease]

On 7/10/2020 at 3:47 PM, shimando said:

I have two MH baitcasters and two M spinning rods and that covers all the techniques I use fairly well. I use the baitcasters for texas rigs, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits, top waters, and the spinning rods for ned rigs, weightless plastics, and light crankbaits.

Do you have fast action tips on all of these? - I think I will go with something similar for my setups.

[shimando]

19 minutes ago, mcease said:

Do you have fast action tips on all of these? - I think I will go with something similar for my setups.

Yep! Fast on my Duckett Silverados seem to be a good action for most of my fishing. There are times where moderate or a parabolic action would be "optimal", especially if you're fishing in a tournament for money, but I don't really have issues using a fast action across the board.

[mcease]

1 minute ago, shimando said:

Yep! Fast on my Duckett Silverados seem to be a good action for most of my fishing. There are times where moderate or a parabolic action would be "optimal", especially if you're fishing in a tournament for money, but I don't really have issues using a fast action across the board.

Thanks! I'm trying to minimize the number of setups I use so this will be perfect...I will put some together something similar to yours.  Cheers! 

[shimando]

2 minutes ago, mcease said:

Thanks! I'm trying to minimize the number of setups I use so this will be perfect...I will put some together something similar to yours.  Cheers! 

This is what I currently have is you're curious.

 

• 7' M Duckett Silverado | Daiwa Regal LT 3000
• 7' M Duckett Silverado | Pflueger Supreme XT 30
• 7' 3" MH Duckett Silverado | Shimano Curado DC XG
• 7' 2" MH Lews Mach I Combo

[mcease]

4 minutes ago, shimando said:

This is what I currently have is you're curious.

 

• 7' M Duckett Silverado | Daiwa Regal LT 3000
• 7' M Duckett Silverado | Pflueger Supreme XT 30
• 7' 3" MH Duckett Silverado | Shimano Curado DC XG
• 7' 2" MH Lews Mach I Combo

Thank you.  This gives me a good starting point.  I am trying to piece all of this madness together and understand what works for various applications.  I tend to go overboard with all of my hobbies ?.  I have been doing a lot of reading, but is there somewhere that can point me to the optimal setup (or a general setup that works) for each application (I know everyone fishes differently), but perhaps length & power & action of rod with gear ratio of reel for (swim bait, then one for swim jig, then one for cranks, texas rigs, spinners, etc, etc.) 

 

OR is all of this personal preference - Im trying to unravel all of the information so I have a good understanding before I jump into buying combos. 

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

2 hours ago, mcease said:

Thank you.  This gives me a good starting point.  I am trying to piece all of this madness together and understand what works for various applications.  I tend to go overboard with all of my hobbies ?.  I have been doing a lot of reading, but is there somewhere that can point me to the optimal setup (or a general setup that works) for each application (I know everyone fishes differently), but perhaps length & power & action of rod with gear ratio of reel for (swim bait, then one for swim jig, then one for cranks, texas rigs, spinners, etc, etc.) 

 

OR is all of this personal preference - Im trying to unravel all of the information so I have a good understanding before I jump into buying combos. 

 

 

Take a look here as an example, http://dobynsrods.com/rods/fury/, you will see each is listed by action, power, length and what techniques they recommend. Its up to you if you want something heavier or slower as many have some carry over.

 

One other thing, with Dobyns you can call and discuss your needs. Family shop if I'm not mistaken.

[mcease]

3 hours ago, Hewhospeaksmuchbull said:

 

 

Take a look here as an example, http://dobynsrods.com/rods/fury/, you will see each is listed by action, power, length and what techniques they recommend. Its up to you if you want something heavier or slower as many have some carry over.

 

One other thing, with Dobyns you can call and discuss your needs. Family shop if I'm not mistaken.

Awesome.  Thank you! This is great - I will see what they recommend and try to learn from it. 

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

46 minutes ago, mcease said:

Awesome.  Thank you! This is great - I will see what they recommend and try to learn from it. 

Happy to help. Just remember this is one manufacturers take.