Johnny Morris rods/reels from Bass Pro Shops

[Clumsy fisherman]

Has anyone in the forum used or tried these? What do you think about them?

[Kevhead19]

I use the 6'9 medium fast JM Platinum casting rod for 110 size jerkbaits and 1/2oz size topwater. The rod performs really well for this task. The guides are smaller but I switched my connection knot for braid to leader and no problem.

 

I also have the JM Platinum casting reel in the 8.3:1 version. I use it for frog fishing / heavy cover needs. It is an incredible weedwacker. The reel is light and fits in hand very well. It compares equally to the other higher end offerings by the OEM.

 

If the Bass Pro name on it doesn't bother you the platinum offerings are impressive (some can't/won't look at them due to it I feel). I want to add the 7'4 MH as I like the 6'9 M that much.

 

 

[Mike L]

I have a 10yr old JM Signature reel. 
It’s a little bigger and heavier than anything else I use, but it’s still one of my favorites. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[Blaine Donders]

The casting reels are Doyo. Think Lew’s Tournament MP or Abu Revo SX. If you like those reels you will like the Bass Pro ones.

 

Unsure who makes their spinning reels, but I really like them. I have the Signature versions and they are really nice. I’ve heard Daiwa makes them, but I really don’t know.

[gulfcaptain]

So have 3 of the older 1st gen carbonlite  baitcasters. Used and still use one of the older crankin rods, 7'6"mh. Was my a rig rod for years now throws  6xds. Have a few of the older extremes both baitcast and spinning.  As for use, I wore out the anti reverse bering out on one of the carbonlite  bait casters. As for the rest, well the extreme bc reels are retired after 2 seasons (still in excellent  condition), the crankin stick is still in the boat, and still use 2 of the carbonlites. Most of this was all bought between 2012 and 2014. That should tell you something about durability. 

[dodgeguy]

I had 2 jm patriots. The wynn grip on one deteriorated. Got a Jm signature series to replace it under warranty. I did not want a wynn grip. I have used Jm signature series for years. They have all been great. The newest ones are the best. The new ones have a 10 year warranty.

[Eric 26]

I have, use and enjoy both my BPS Carbonlite 2.0 bait cast combo and my Carbonlite 2.0 spinning reel. Have been using for a few years now without any issues and have no problems recommending them and my BPS Panfish Elite rods. I also truly enjoy all 3 of my BPS Crankin Sticks (last version w/grey split grips) as well as 2 older BPS bionic blade spinning rods. 

[bowhunter63]

I have had Carbon lights for a few years now and have had zero problems. There good setups . The JM ‘s are the  same .  They are pretty solid rods and reels 

[MRG]

I pretty much stick to Shimano with some Daiwa. However, last year my son bought me a Carbonlite 2.0 baitcaster. So far I'd give it an A+. It casts well, reels in smooth & looks pretty too. Though I'm not crazy about BPS constantly pushing out the good brands in favor of their Johnny Morris stuff, I can't complain about this one. 

[GRiver]

I have a carbonlite baitcaster combo for about 3 years now no issues.

Also have a BPS extreme Baitcaster for over 10 no issues ether.

[Aaron_H]

My only gripe with the rods is that the Power Hump grip is stupidly uncomfortable in my hands. If it wasn't for that, I'd own a few of the Signature series rods.

[FrnkNsteen]

I don't have a lot of experience with the upper level JM reels, just the Pro Qualifiers and Carbonlights.

 

I had good luck with the older ones (PQ1). About 50/50 with the newer ones (PQ2). Seems like if they are good from the start, they seem to do well.

[torm]

All bps reels from Carbonlite and up are made by Daiwa. Anything below is probably doyo. For the the spinning side just match up the price of their reel to a daiwa one and its a knock off of that. The carbonlite spinning is a exceler but with a shallower spool. Location where they are made could be china or vietnam. Not bad reels especially if you got a buddy who works for cabelas or bps who can get you them for cheap. Otherwise they are kinda competing with other brands who are known to be better. 

[jdr99a]

I bought a platinum 6.8 casting reel a few months ago. It’s been fantastic so far. Ultra smooth retrieve and no issues whatsoever. Granted - it’s only been a few months and I probably only have about 40-50 fish on it. So far I’ve got zero complaints. 

[PBBrandon]

The Carbonlite 2.0 combo is a good value. Nice rod and the reel is comparable to similar priced Lews reels. Feels a lot like a Lews KVD, just 6 pin centrifugal instead of 4.

the Platinum rods are good as well, I got the 7’1” MF for weightless t-rigs and shakeyheads and it performs really well

 

the Patriot rods are imo the best rods BPS makes. Super lightweight, and I really like the action on them. A noodle tip with a strong backbone.

 

overall the rods are good and the reels are comparable to similar price Doyos. Can’t go wrong with any of the JM stuff

[NavyVet1204]

I bought one of the bionic blades last year 6’9” medium light and put my tatula 100 on it.  I tied on a sweet beaver t-rigged and hooked what looked like a 3ish lb bass and the hook set broke the rod about eight inches down from the top. Warranty was going to replace it but I opted to return it and took the credit to a carbonlite 2.0 and it is great. 

[Maggiesmaster]

I’ve owned one of the older gold Carbonlites, and think it’s as good as my Lews reels. Have several bionic blade rods, but have stepped up to Dobina Fury ‘s now. Bought a carbon lite medium baitcasting rod for a friend & it seems fine. A bit more bulky than my Dobina, but is really light. Wouldn’t mind buying one for myself when they go on sale this spring…..but Wife says I have too many now?!