Suggestions for baitcasting rod.

[Kongming]

I plan on learning how to use a baitcaster next year in the spring but i figured i might as well buy one during the upcoming black friday to save some money.  This will also allow me to practice in my yard before I take it out to the waters.  I currently have 3 spinning rods (light, ml, m) that are all under 7ft.  Few questions -

Should I go with a budget rod combo to learn or invest in something I plan on using for a while? 

Any suggestions on rods/reels I should buy?  My budget is around $300-350. 

 

[LrgmouthShad]

Gosh, so much to consider. Instead of directing suggesting rods and reels to buy, I will say that with whatever baitcaster and accompanying rod you choose, you may find it easier to start learning to use a baitcaster with a little thicker monofilament. I run 15lb trilene big game on the two rods I use most often and it handles very well. In terms of the budget/investment decision, I think there's arguments for both sides. 

 

I believe a medium heavy, 7', fast action baitcaster with a reel in the 6:x speed range can be used for a very wide range of techniques.

[DitchPanda]

Your budget will allow for a very nice combo. I agree that the most versatile combo consists of a 7ft medium heavy and a reel in the 6 to 7 range for gear ratio. If it was me I'd probably choose a Lews LFS speed spool 6.8:1 and a St Croix mojo 7ft1 medium heavy fast or a Dobyns Fury 7ft heavy fast ( fishes closer to med hvy in my opinion). Can get into either combo for around $250 or a little less. Throw on some 15lb big game and your good to go. I have done everything with those rods- senko and fluke,jig,swim jig, Texas rig,spinnerbait,chatterbait, buzzbait,walking topwater.

[Oklahoma Mike]

I would go with a 7’ MH Zodias and a Tatula CT 7.3:1. That’ll throw a wide variety of baits and is a quality setup that will be pleasant to fish and should last you a long time. 

[kdubracing]

I would suggest starting with something around 7', medium heavy, fast of your choice. Then a good solid mid-priced reel like a Tatula CT, Shimano Curado K, something in that ballpark. That will be a good all around setup that will last you a long time. Baitcasters don't take long to get used to. Don't bother with a "starter" set up. It'll just be a waste of money. You'll want something else quickly and that rod/reel will collect dust. Plus, backlashes only affect line anyway, so getting a better setup off the bat will only help you. Just start with the brakes up high and work your way down. 

[Smalls]

2 hours ago, Kongming said:

Should I go with a budget rod combo to learn or invest in something I plan on using for a while?

I suggest staying away from the budget options and spending the money on a quality reel. You'll cut the learning curve down significantly by starting with a smooth, easily adjustable reel. You don't have to go out and buy a Steeze or a Metanium, there's plenty of good, mid priced options 

[Big Hands]

The standard answer (absent of any other information offered) would be a 7' or so MH/Fast casting rod. But, I feel like we at least ask you more about what, where, and how you'll be fishing before we suggest that you should probably go with a 7' or so MH/Fast casting rod.

 

In this case, it would add capability that you don't currently possess (to do well anyway), and is a very versatile rig. 

 

If you're looking to get something just to get started, a 'budget combo' can do that, but if you're like many of 'us' if not most of 'us', and continue on your bass fishing journey, a budget combo will so find it's long term resting place among your other beginner gear. I'm talking about rods that sell for less than $100 and baitcasting reels that sell for less than $100. Whereas, rods that sell for $150 and baitcasting reels that sell for $150 at least have a decent chance at keeping a rightful place in the rotation for the long term. Rods and reels that in between those price points could arguably go either way.

 

Those are my estimations, and others may disagree. Everybody's sensibilities differ to some degree.

 

Entry level gear has it's place. I have caught some very big bass on reels that cost less than $100, and most of us have constraints on our discretionary income that may not allow for us to get nicer gear and still be able to use it. Just know what it is and what it isn't and decide if that meets your needs at this particular time.

 

If you get good advice and swing for the fence on a Gucci baitcaster combo, you might nail it on the first try. If you don't, that is an expensive mistake. Entry level will never be what a Gucci setup could potentially be, but you won't get hurt too badly and you can learn with it as you get better.

 

The fact that you're inquiring here does give you a better than average chance of making a good choice compared to walking into a tackle store without a decent amount of experience.

 

So, without knowing anything else, I suggest a a 7' or so medium heavy, fast action casting rod and a baitcasting reel that each retail for at least $100 each. Being that bottom contact baits are often the domain of such a setup. if I could spend a little more on one or the other, I would opt for a $150 reel with a $100 rod; a little more than that, maybe a $150 rod and a $150 reel. Generally going for a better rod before a better reel for bottom contact fishing would be my suggestion.

[CrashVector]

Abu Garcia Max pro combo.

 

I bought three SilverMax combos a few years ago ($80 for the rod and reel) that I STILL regularly use.

 

Sure, my Revo S/Veritas combo is better, but I very much enjoy using my lower end stuff quite a bit.

 

The Max Pro replaces the SilverMax in Abu Garcia's lineup.  It's more expensive, but it's better quality too, so imo, it's a great starter combo that would also serve you well for years to come.

 

Hell, my SilverMax combos have caught 50lb+ catfish one day, and 8lb bass the very next day.

 

With the MaxPro being an even better combo, I don't think you could go wrong with one in my opinion, and you could get two with your budget. The combos are $115 each.  

 

[Catt]

Diawia Tatula TTU711MHXB 

7' 1" Medium Heavy X-Fast 

Lew's Tournament MP 7.5:1

 

Excellent combo for casting, pitching, or flipping Texas Rigs or Jig-n-Craws. Carolina Rigs or Shacky Heads 

 

Handles spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or lipless crankbaits 

[KP Duty]

I'm a guy that emphasizes the rod.  I'd pick up a 7-2"H Poison Adrena ($288 during BF sale) and pair it with a fuego to hit your $350 limit.  The softer tip of this rod makes it somewhat vetsatile, and it would work for single hook moving baits as well.

[newapti5]

Buying strategy: Always invest a little in for quality gears. It'll save you money in the long run.  I learned that lesson the hard way. 

 

Reel:  Get a Daiwa Tatula SV, or any reels with "SV." If you want Shimano reels, then get a Curado MGL, or any reels with "MGL."  These two types of reels are very easy to cast for new users, and they would still be great for any advanced users.  6:1 or 7:1 gear ratio would both be fine. 

 

Rod: Let's see how much budget room you still got left after reel purchase.  If ~$200, get a Dobyns Champion rod; If $100~$150, get a Dobyns Sierra rod. Both of them are sensitive, well balanced for any reels, and well tapered for most fishing techniques. About weight and action, I'd suggest No.3 weight with fast action, such as 683 or 703. That usually puts the suggested lure weight for the rod at 1/4 ~ 3/4 oz. Again, that covers a lot of techniques.  About rod length, that's a personal thing IMO, depending on your height and comfort. 

 

PS: Sportsman's Outfitters is having an early BF sale on all Dobyns rods.

[QED]

I am a huge fan of high end gear, but one needs to fish enough to learn what qualities matter to you most in the style of fishing you enjoy most, so buying high end from the outset probably isn't a good idea.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm a fan of the original Tatula rods.  Not used a new one, but assume they didn't get worse. 

 

Couple others to look at are the Falcon Lowrider and iRod Genesis III.  Possibly an Ark Invoker Pro.

 

Really can't add much to the reels already mentioned.  Daiwa Fuego or Tatula CT, Lew's MP, Shimano SLX MGL.

 

You have Medium power and lighter covered with your spinning rods, so I agree with others that a MH 7' or longer is a good option.  Be aware that Falcon and Dobyns fish a little light.  Abu and St. Croix fish a bit heavy.

 

One rod under 7' I can recommend is the Lowrider 6'10" HF...known as the 'Head Turner'.  Very versatile rod.  Lure rating is more in line with a MH rod.

[Pogues2300]

I spend more on rods than my reels but not in this specific scenario. Lots of rods would work but for the reel I'd get a daiwa tatula sv. Maybe something like a st Croix mojo bass 7'1" mh/fast. I'm very confident you would like this setup. Again. There's going to be many options for 350 budget. Have fun

[NavyToad]

When using spinning gear, do you cast with your right hand and crank the reel with your left hand? If so, you might want to consider a left hand baticasting reel. I had used spinning gear exclusively for over 20 years before I bought my first baitcaster and cranking the reel with my right hand wasn’t going to work for me. I sold that first baitcaster and I’ve been using left handed baitcasters for the last 20 years. Buy a $150 7’ MH rod and $150 reel and you won’t be disappointed. Several good brands of both are readily available.

[NavyToad]

Dobyns give 30% off for veterans. Call them.

 

[dodgeguy]

Lews MP and  Dobyns Sierra micro at Sportsmas outtfitters under 319.

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, NavyToad said:

When using spinning gear, do you cast with your right hand and crank the reel with your left hand? If so, you might want to consider a left hand baticasting reel. I had used spinning gear exclusively for over 20 years before I bought my first baitcaster and cranking the reel with my right hand wasn’t going to work for me. I sold that first baitcaster and I’ve been using left handed baitcasters for the last 20 years. Buy a $150 7’ MH rod and $150 reel and you won’t be disappointed. Several good brands of both are readily available.

This is true for some, not true for others.  Ratio unknown. 

 

OP, I grew up with spinning.  Got first reel at 6.  Got first baitcast reel at 61.  Left hand retrieve for both.  About 2 years later I purchased my first right hand retrieve baitcast reel.

 

Cranking with either hand was easy for me.  Casting with either hand took more time and I'm still not as accurate casting with the left.  BUT nothing says you have to switch arms to cast.  At my age I find it beneficial to be able to alternate the arm holding the rod during a long day of fishing.  Certain lures can tire out some of us oldies (but not necessarily goodies) after awhile. 

[QED]

Being ambidextrous with casting helps when you are fishing in tight quarters or from the back of the boat.  I'm right hand dominant so I usually cast spinning gear with my right hand.  My first casting reel was a right-hand reel which means right hand retrieve so I learned to cast with my left hand so as not to have to switch hands to start the retrieve.  Learning to cast equally well with either hand is a good skill, just as it is in pistol shooting.

[T-Billy]

4 hours ago, NavyToad said:

When using spinning gear, do you cast with your right hand and crank the reel with your left hand? If so, you might want to consider a left hand baticasting reel. I had used spinning gear exclusively for over 20 years before I bought my first baitcaster and cranking the reel with my right hand wasn’t going to work for me. I sold that first baitcaster and I’ve been using left handed baitcasters for the last 20 years. Buy a $150 7’ MH rod and $150 reel and you won’t be disappointed. Several good brands of both are readily available.

Winner winner chicken dinner!!! I 100% agree. I suggest buying in person if you can. Rod grips and prefered tapers are very personal things. What's perfect for me might be terrible for you. If you have a local shop where you can check them out in person, I highly recommend it.

Same for reels but to a lesser extent.

[Catt]

6 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I'm a fan of the original Tatula rods.  Not used a new one, but assume they didn't get worse. 

 

They got better ?

[Boomstick]

On 11/2/2021 at 1:14 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I'm a fan of the original Tatula rods.  Not used a new one, but assume they didn't get worse. 

My original gen Tatula is easily the most sensitive of all the Tatula rods that I own (the rest are second gen). However I am fairly sure that it's the particular model, the 6'10" MH/F more so than the first vs second generation.

 

The 6'10" MH/F Tatula would be a good recommendation here. Add in a Daiwa Tatula SV and that's a pretty solid combo.

[kdubracing]

3 hours ago, Boomstick said:

My original gen Tatula is easily the most sensitive of all the Tatula rods that I own (the rest are second gen). However I am fairly sure that it's the particular model, the 6'10" MH/F more so than the first vs second generation.

 

The 6'10" MH/F Tatula would be a good recommendation here. Add in a Daiwa Tatula SV and that's a pretty solid combo.

I'll second this. I have the 6'10 mh/f Tatula and absolutely love it, for a lot of different baits. I also have a Tatula SV on a different rod and love that reel as well. If you wanted to save some money, the Tatula CT is a good option as well. 

[FishTank]

Shimano SLX and a 7' M Fast St. Croix Avid.  Both the rod and reel are kind of easy going for a beginner but will also function great as a long term quality set up.

[Teal]

300 is a great budget.    Rod and reel quality has gotten better over the last 12 years or so.  I've taught several people to use a baitcaster on budget gear.  

 

I would focus my attention on the reel.   Lews, daiwa, Shimano and even Abu, make good options in the 150 range and 200 range that can be found for much cheaper.    While a good soft tip will help you with the rod, a quality reel with good breaking will make this experience better and will help with the learning curve.  

 

I'd highlight, the daiwa tatula sv reels, lews tournament pro, and the Shimano curado as workhorse reels for anybody new or veteran.  If you really look, you can find these reels much cheaper than retail.   

 

As for rods, I like the tatulas, tatula elite, furys, seirra, and the Shimano rods.   

 

I am into a little bit higher end gear now, but I own several daiwa tatula sv reels, lews tournament pro reels, and I have several Powell, dobyns,  and daiwa tatula rods.. they are great for any level of experience and not super expensive.   Like I said before l, look for the deals.  I will say that I've picked up more dobyns recently just due to how Gary Dobyns is involved and his customer service.   It not strange at all to call his shop with questions and he actually answer the phone and talk to you and answer all your questions.