Time to start expanding!

[OG SmashSauce]

Hey all!

 

So....I have been using one bass rod for about 2 years now and I want to add a new bait caster! Some of the posts I read on rod and reels seemed kind old unless I missed something but just seeing what reccomendations you guys might have? I have been looking at googan squad set ups but I dont know if they are any good. Money is not a huge deal. Preferably something I can buy off Amazon. 

 

My current pole is a 7' Lamiglas XP703C. 10-17lb, 1/4-3/4oz rod. 

My current reel is a Abu garcia Pro max 7.1:1 

 

I almost always use plastics but I want to start expanding to diff types of lures.

[dodgeguy]

Budget please.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, OG SmashSauce said:

Preferably something I can buy off Amazon. 

Many rods you can get on amazon come in a triangular cardboard box. Don't bother unless you're able to confirm that the shipper uses an actual rod tube.

[JustJames]

31 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Many rods you can get on amazon come in a triangular cardboard box. Don't bother unless you're able to confirm that the shipper uses an actual rod tube.

This is true but the good part is, Amazon easy return plus Amazon use it own driver/delivery truck which might be better than USPS conveyor and better care than UPS driver. BTW I used to be a city carrier for USPS.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

This is true but the good part is, Amazon easy return

I ordered two 2pc rods that came in the triangle pack. They weren't crushed thankfully. My brother ordered a 1pc that came in bashed 3 times before they failed to destroy it on the 4th go around. So yes, they're good about it, but if you're in a rush I wouldn't go that route, even though they'll make it right eventually.

[OG SmashSauce]

8 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Budget please.

Id say maybe $600 or less for the combo if possible

8 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Many rods you can get on amazon come in a triangular cardboard box. Don't bother unless you're able to confirm that the shipper uses an actual rod tube.

Copy that....   its just a preference.    If its a good rod and reel id be open to getting it where ever

 

Also, I was trying to get one by the weekend IF POSSIBLE. So if anyone knows something good at Cabelas/Bass pro or something that would be awesome also.

[Tatulatard]

Upgrade to an aluminum frame reel for your next reel.  If you like the promax braking the the way it casts then the lews lfs is a good buy as is the revo x.  If you want to try a centrifugal reel then an SLX is great.  For a magforce z reel the long in the tooth but good fuego ct is an option.  You also have aluminum frame reels from brands like okuma, quantum, Kistler ect.  Whatever catches your eye but I would discourage you from buying another carbon fiber powder (graphite) reinforced polymer (plastic) frame reel above $60.  

I just saw the budet.  If $600 is the budget then get the best $300 reel and $300 rod out there.  The reel is the Zillion sv boost.  They run close to $300 for the usdm model and under $300 for the jdm one.  Amazing reel.  Not sure what the best $300 rod is out there but the expride is a good start if looking for versatile actions.  For a dedicated bottom contact I'd be looking at a loomis or st croix rods.  Those two may be uglier plain looking rods but they nail their actions so don't overlook them.  

[roadwarrior]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Psycho_Stick_Spinning_Rods/descpage-OPSYS.html

 

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-vfc2000hgf-vanford-spinning-reel.html

[Big Rick]

On 5/19/2022 at 4:18 PM, OG SmashSauce said:

I want to add a new bait caster!

 

10 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Psycho_Stick_Spinning_Rods/descpage-OPSYS.html

 

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-vfc2000hgf-vanford-spinning-reel.html

These don't match.....?

[PhishLI]

If you want to walk in and out of BPS with something before this weekend:

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-platinum-signature-casting-rod

 

A step up in a mag brake reel:

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/daiwa-tatula-100-baitcast-reel

[casts_by_fly]

If you are set on sticking to Amazon (I understand the appeal) then Swanson's outdoors has an amazon shop.  I've used them for a couple rods.  You could do a lot worse than an Abu STX and a Falcon expert setup for $400.  Specific rod to your taste and what you want to do with it.  I love my 6'10" MH finesse jig for a lot of things.  The 6'10" head turner (heavy) is a hammer of a rod for pitching medium stuff and also throwing bladed baits.  Amistad 7'3" if you need to go big.  Lots of good choices in that lineup and they seem to have most all of them now back in stock.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074WHQH69/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A74SBEVOHRLY5&th=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/Falcon-Rods-Expert-Casting-Heavy/dp/B07NS7VBNT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3ENQDL04ESTM2&keywords=falcon%2Bexpert&qid=1653058105&sprefix=falcon%2Bexpert%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

[Bass Rutten]

Whatever you get I’d spend more of your budget on the rod, it’s imo the far more important of the two. With a 600 budget I’d go 350-450 on the rod and spend the remainder on the reel.

[dodgeguy]

9 hours ago, OG SmashSauce said:

9 hours ago, OG SmashSauce said:

Id say maybe $600 or less for the combo if possible

Copy that....   its just a preference.    If its a good rod and reel id be open to getting it where ever

 

Also, I was trying to get one by the weekend IF POSSIBLE. So if anyone knows something good at Cabelas/Bass pro or something that would be awesome also.

 

Problem is bass pro has little in stock at their stores. I would order from sportsman's outfitters.com and get a Dobyns champion xp with a Lew's tournament pro .it's under 600. You also get free shipping and no tax .it will blow you away.

[JustJames]

Whoa 600 budget, hell of an upgrade from your old setup. If i remember correctly, you posted about cannot feel the bite on your plastic. If I were you I would instead get one super nice $600 setup and split to two setup. What can I say I don’t even own any 600 setup myself ???.

First setup for your Senko, dropshot or any alike, Shimano Curado 6’10 or 7’2 ML pair with Shimano SLX MGL or Daiwa Tatula TW 80, SV70, line 8-12lb Mono or FC line. The lighter setup and lighter line would get better feedback from your lure and line better. A little bit softer rod tip would transfer any vibration from your line better.

Second setup for medium heavy bottom contact like jig, Texas rig, Curado 7’MH pair with SLX 150XT, line 12-15lb mono FC or 30lb braid. You can upgrade to zodias if you like for the rod or use same Daiwa Tatula tw 80. The new Curado is pretty light and exceptional sensitivity with very good backbone. 

Your old setup can be use for moving bait, chatterbait spinnerbait or even top water.

[TnRiver46]

I’m with James, for $600 you can get more than one. I got an outboard motor for $300 once, probably drove it for 3-4 years before I sold it. Ran like a dream 

[bulldog1935]

This thread is all over the place for need a 2nd rod and reel (baitcast) with X-budget. 

I'll second the Zillion SV TW recommendation - the SV-TW-G is listed on Amazon. 

May want to study bottom contact rods on this forum page to pick a rod that will gain you the most. 

[new2BC4bass]

$600 will yield a huge upgrade.  Out of my budget range so can't give any personal experience advice.  Can only make suggestions based on my reading.  Many consider the Expride to fish like a $400 rod.  Falcon makes some very good rods (I own a few older models).  I like casts_by_fly's rod suggestions.  I picked up a used Amistad Expert, but haven't mounted a reel on it yet.  Plan on getting a Head Turner.  The new Megabass Levante is another series that gets great reviews.

 

Although I really like my Gen1 STX, I'd opt for the Zillion SV Boost (currently $255 at Asian Portal with free shipping).  Everyone using one seems to think very highly of it.  The Shimano 18 Bantam MGL is just under $233 at the same store.

 

PhisLI and a couple others have mentioned how good the Tour S3 is.  Mine is still in the box.  A reel that I definitely want to try is the new Okuma Hakai.  I really like the Okuma reels I have.

 

I know absolutely nothing about the Googan stuff.

 

There are a ton of choices.  Narrowing them down to one rod, one reel is going to be frustrating.  Good luck with that. 

[PhishLI]

On 5/20/2022 at 5:53 AM, OG SmashSauce said:

Also, I was trying to get one by the weekend IF POSSIBLE. So if anyone knows something good at Cabelas/Bass pro

So??? Did you grab something in stock at BPS?

[king fisher]

Buy yourself a Tatula Rod, a Curado 150 reel, and use the money left over to buy your significant other a nice gift.  This wont be your last upgrade, and it is never to early to lay the groundwork for the next big purchase.

[OG SmashSauce]

On 5/21/2022 at 7:49 AM, PhishLI said:

So??? Did you grab something in stock at BPS?

NO!!!!

 

I just didnt have the time because of work and errands on friday so I just used my normal rod, went out and got er done!!! lol

 

VERY thankful for all the posts. I will have to do some research based on the suggestions and figure it out.    I do like the idea from James of getting a couple set ups Vs. one setup for my budget!

 

I will for sure update the post when I get some breathing time from work! lol

[tander]

I got 2 Daiwa Tatula rods at what I think is a great price in the classifieds if interested in Daiwa.

[OG SmashSauce]

On 5/20/2022 at 8:35 PM, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

Whoa 600 budget, hell of an upgrade from your old setup. If i remember correctly, you posted about cannot feel the bite on your plastic. If I were you I would instead get one super nice $600 setup and split to two setup. What can I say I don’t even own any 600 setup myself ???.

First setup for your Senko, dropshot or any alike, Shimano Curado 6’10 or 7’2 ML pair with Shimano SLX MGL or Daiwa Tatula TW 80, SV70, line 8-12lb Mono or FC line. The lighter setup and lighter line would get better feedback from your lure and line better. A little bit softer rod tip would transfer any vibration from your line better.

Second setup for medium heavy bottom contact like jig, Texas rig, Curado 7’MH pair with SLX 150XT, line 12-15lb mono FC or 30lb braid. You can upgrade to zodias if you like for the rod or use same Daiwa Tatula tw 80. The new Curado is pretty light and exceptional sensitivity with very good backbone. 

Your old setup can be use for moving bait, chatterbait spinnerbait or even top water.

 

I havent had a chance to breath from work let alone get my new poles lol...... I am looking up the things you mentioned and I was wondering about ratio. My current is a 7.1.1   Does it matter THAT much on what I get?