Some guidance if you will.

[JoeDeal55]

Introduction:

Fairly new to bass fishing. Im 31 years old and have been fishing since I was a little kid. Maybe once or twice a year on average. Have only used night crawlers on hooks with/withought bobbers. Mainly catching bluegills. For the past year I have done extensive research on bass fishing. Ive fished more in the past year than I have my entire life. I am now an addict. Ive landed 7 bass this summer (all under 3lbs). Ive basically got all the tackle I need. Ive been using old vintage rods and reels (mainly Zebcos)

 

Problem:

Here is where I need help. I bought a brand new Ugly Stick GX2 walmart combo. And then I bought a Kastking Crixus 7' MHF casting rod with the crixus 7.2:1 baitcaster. I love both rods and reels and have a blast bass fishing with them. I want 1 more rod and reel to have a nice all around bass fishing experience. Im thinking a heavy 7'3-7'6 rod. But I dont wanna go budget with this one. Im leaning heavily towards Lews from my research. Lets say I want the Lews TP-1 black speed stick 7'4 HF rod, what Lews casting reel pairs with it? Im ignorant when it comes to this stuff. Does any reel work with it or just certain ones? I was thinking the Lews Speed Spool LFS 8.3:1 but idk... any advice is welcome. Also, sorry for the long post. I just couldnt find this info from my research.

[T-Billy]

Welcome aboard. I think you're on the right track reel wise. The LFS Speed Spool might be the best reel in it's price range. Quality build and simple and effective mag brake. Rod wise, I would recommend a Dobyns Fury 735C over the Lews. The Fury is tough to beat at that price point, and the Dobyn's warranty and replacement program is excellent. 

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

The Fury is tough to beat at that price point, and the Dobyn's warranty and replacement program is excellent. 

With 5 of my 12 rods being Furys, I wholeheartedly endorse this recommendation.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! I'll defer to those with experience

with the items you mention....

[Skunkmaster-k]

Welcome aboard 

[Phil77]

The TP1 Black rods are great rods for the money. I have the 7'3MH for jigs and spinnerbait. I would go with the tournament pro if your budget allows. The ACB braking system is way better than their dual brake and linear magnetic systems. I can't speak for the dobyns rods but a lot of people rave about them. Good luck.

[Lmsmbassaddict]

If I were in your position I'd grab a shimano slx xt or curado. The Lew's tp1 is a nice light rod. I have heard they do tend to break pretty easily but I think that's with any rod company. Your equipment will last so long as you keep up with it and don't trash it. 

[GaryH]

Welcome aboard Joe. 

[dodgeguy]

What's your budget ? Lews reels are awesome. Dobyns rods are awesome. Can you spend 300 $ ?The LFS 8.3 Is a great reel for the money. The MP is even better. If you buy a Lews reel get it at Sportsmans outfitters.com.  they have the best Lews prices.the left hand LFS 8.3 Is 85$

[jdr99a]

I’ve got the gamut of rods from $50- $250 and reels from $60-$500. One of my favorite combos is the lews lfs and tp1 black combo (7ft mh/f). It is my paddletail/swim jig/chatter bait combo. I use this one more than my curado/dobyns and my tatula/st croix  combos by a margin of 3:1 or so. 

For the money the tp1 black is fantastic and the lfs is near the top of the heap at its price point. 

[Justbass11]

I love Lews reels, of the 9 reels I own, 6 are Lews. I wish all of them were. The next reel I get, it’ll be a Lews. As for the rods, I have a few different ones that I like. I have Falcons,Lews, Dobyns and a couple more from other companies. I like them all but some more then others. I hope this helps and good luck. Bass fishing is all I really love to fish for so welcome to bass fishing. 

[NathanDLTH]

Lews are solid reels but I prefer Daiwa, that’s me. I’m sure it will work out, as for the rod choice look at the Dobyns Fury. If you’re looking for heavy, then the 735, run flouro on it and you’ll be good to go for jigs and Texas rigs, run braid and you can frog n flip and light punch with it. 

[new2BC4bass]

 

I second Darren.

[JoeDeal55]

Thanks for the warm welcomes and the recommendations! Now ive got to decide between dobyns and lews for the rod lol.

[dodgeguy]

19 hours ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Thanks for the warm welcomes and the recommendations! Now ive got to decide between dobyns and lews for the rod lol.

Dobyns Sierra