$400 Baitcaster - 1st rod over $50

[James1]

I'm a long time saltwater guy looking to purchase my first higher-end baitcasting rod/reel and have ~$400 to spend on rod/reel. Looking for versitlity. The majority of my bass fishing is done in ponds/lakes in central florida. Looking for some guidance, thanks!

[Aaron_H]

Depending on what part of Central FL you're in, take a trip over to Bitters Bait & Tackle in Longwood, excellent selection of mid and high end rods for you to handle without buying online sight unseen.

 

In that budget for freshwater only, I'd probably do a 7' MHF Zodias ($209) paired with the Curado 150 MGL ($199).

[RB 77]

4 minutes ago, Aaron_H said:

Depending on what part of Central FL you're in, take a trip over to Bitters Bait & Tackle in Longwood, excellent selection of mid and high end rods for you to handle without buying online sight unseen.

 

In that budget for freshwater only, I'd probably do a 7' MHF Zodias ($209) paired with the Curado 150 MGL ($199).

 

 

Pretty darn solid recommendation. 

[PBBrandon]

+1 on the Zodias/Curado combo. Willing to bet it’s the best 400 dollar combo you can get

[redmeansdistortion]

The exchange rate with the yen is crazy good right now, an Alphas SV TW would run you less than $200 shipped at this very moment.  It's a great reel and works well from 1/8 on up so it'll cover a wide range of baits.

[new2BC4bass]

Don't know the cover you fish in, but I fish in some of the lakes around Deland when visiting relation.  I use a MHF with 40# braid for casting into the lily pads and along the edges of cattail.  But I am in a canoe.

 

I'd want a decent MHF minimum....depending on manufacturer.  The $150-$200 rod range has lots of good options.  Will you be fishing from shore or a boat?  Personally I prefer 7' or longer, but if you will be fishing from shore with bushes, trees, weeds, etc. nearby then something along 6'6" through 6'10" may be a better fit for you.

 

I know nothing about the Zodias, but have read good things about them.  I like my Tatula rods.  The Falcon Lowrider and Expert are excellent from the little I've been able to use mine.  The Ark Money Maker is a MHF that fishes more towards a Heavy.

 

You will probably get a ton of suggestions.  Knowing lure preference (and weight) and type of cover being fished would help.

 

There are also a lot of good reel choices in the $150-$200 range.  I doubt you need a DC reel or one with an SV spool.  Lew's Tournament Pro LFS gets great reviews.  A few of our members have good things to say about the Tour S3.  Tackletour gave the reel a "Great" rating.

 

I've got several brands of reels...and like them all...but admit I own more Daiwa reels than any other brand.

 

EDIT:  I have no experience with Douglas Outdoors.  I was researching fly rods over the winter.  Should I decide to get a 7wt, the LRS would be high on my list.  They've got a pretty good reputation for fly rods, and the LRS casting rods just might be an unexpected (good) surprise.