New to bass fishing

[Mtank79]

I’m looking to get a couple rod & reel combos but wanted some input. For the rod I’m looking @ a st croix bass x 7’4 & my first thought was the kastking crixus armor x . However my brother n law suggested the slx 150 dc. I can pretty much get the combo I was originally planning on for the price of the slx dc . 

[FishinBuck07]

Is this your first baitcast reel?  The reason I am asking is the Kastking reels are sometimes difficult to get dialed in so they cast correctly.  I would look at the $99 SLX reel, they are easily set up and cast well.  For the money it may be the best reel on the market.  Learning a baitcaster takes some time and patience, wouldn't want you buying the cheapest reel and get upset with it and give up before you even get started.  Just my opinion!  And yes before anyone busts my chops I own two Kastking reels.  Haha

[Mtank79]

25 minutes ago, FishinBuck07 said:

25 minutes ago, FishinBuck07 said:

Is this your first baitcast reel?  The reason I am asking is the Kastking reels are sometimes difficult to get dialed in so they cast correctly.  I would look at the $99 SLX reel, they are easily set up and cast well.  For the money it may be the best reel on the market.  Learning a baitcaster takes some time and patience, wouldn't want you buying the cheapest reel and get upset with it and give up before you even get started.  Just my opinion!  And yes before anyone busts my chops I own two Kastking reels.  Haha

Funny you should mention that about kastking.  I bought a lews smash 7’2” MH combo from bass pro about  a month or so ago. They put 15lb mono on it. My brother n law & YouTube walked me through dialing it in. Knock on wood Ive not back lashed once. Two weeks ago I bought a kastking royal select 7’ FMH & paired it w/a kastking megajaw 7.2 & 30lb braid. I can’t not backlash with it. 

[Deleted account]

Input: Get the Shimano reel, and consider a less extreme length for a rod. Doing "research" online will lead someone with little experience to believe that a longer rod is better, and nothing could be further from the truth, sure they have a place and time, but a 7', or even a 6'10" would be a better choice.

[dodgeguy]

Get a Lew's LFS at the $99 price point. You won't be sorry. I would also go with the shorter rod.

[Mtank79]

I’m actually looking @ getting two more rods. A 6’8” st croix bass x the 7’4”. Once I get the 7’ kastking dialed in maybe I like it. 

[Phil77]

I would suggest a cheap reel with magnetic brakes and the 7MH bass x, not much you cant do with a 7MH.

[LrgmouthShad]

1 hour ago, Deleted account said:

longer rod is better, and nothing could be further from the truth, sure they have a place and time, but a 7', or even a 6'10" would be a better choice.

I am rather liking my two shortest rods. 6'9" and now, recently, a 6'10"

[Mtank79]

I’m going to cabelas this afternoon to see what they have on hand. 

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, Mtank79 said:

I’m going to cabelas this afternoon to see what they have on hand. 

Probably nothing.

[Eric 26]

I’ll agree with @FishinBuck07 Kastking reels and pretty much any of the lower priced point reels can be difficult to dial in. Stay around the $100.00-$125.00 range and you will be much happier and better off in the end. I’ll add the Daiwa CA80 reel is awesome for the price as is the Shimano SLX and yes I use both along with a couple lower end Kastking and Piscifun reels. If you can afford it the Daiwa Fuego CT has the friendliest braking system on the market in my opinion and gets killer reviews from most everyone who owns one. As far as rods, go to Wal Mart and get your hands on a Lews Hank Parker speed stick in either med or med hvy power, or go to Dicks sporting goods and look for the Lews Carbon Fire rods. Both are priced around $70.00 last I checked. One of my favorite rods is a $50.00 Wright & McGill 7’-0” medium powered rod still available at Wal Mart as far as I know.

[Bird]

Best bang - Shimano SLX 

[padlin]

I knew the Shimano SLX sounded familiar, that's what the components of my mountain bike are. Sounds like they are both top notch.

[LCG]

6'8"-6'10" is my sweet spot for rod length. But there is more to that equation, look at the handle lengths. I prefer a shorter handle length personally, so the working part of the rod is almost the same length as most 7ft rods. For reels, I would highly suggest sticking with Shimano or Daiwa. 

[Mtank79]

6 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Probably nothing.

Cabelas had a 6’8” mojo bass but the shortest bass x was 7’1”.  Didn’t have long tonight so might go back tomorrow. 

[dodgeguy]

Johnny Morris signature series is on sale for 139$. It blows both those rods away and has a 10 year warranty. Either that or get a Dobyns Sierra micro or regular guide rod. 

[NYWayfarer]

The Shimano SLX DC on a 7’ St Croix Bass X is my current favorite combo. 
 

I doubt you will regret getting this combo even if it is a bit more coin.

[bulldog1935]

Since Shimano SLX is getting repeated, I'll put in a vote for Daiwa Fuego, and in general, MagForce brake for the widest lure weight range with the least futzing of adjustments. 

[T-Billy]

On 6/10/2022 at 6:34 AM, bulldog1935 said:

Since Shimano SLX is getting repeated, I'll put in a vote for Daiwa Fuego, and in general, MagForce brake for the widest lure weight range with the least futzing of adjustments. 

I've been very happy with mine. Smooth and easy to dial in. I bought it used from a fellow BR member and it also came with a Ray's Studio bfs spool. With that spool it's awesome for throwing light Trig's and weightless senkos on 20# braid. I like it enough I just ordered a 2nd one, plus a bfs spool and 105mm handle from HPR bearings.

[Lead Head]

Fuegos are nice and friendly, but if you really want user friendly look into a SV spooled Daiwa. It will probably cost you a few feet of maximum casting distance but in my experience nothing comes close for easy, controlled, trouble free casting. 

[Mtank79]

I ended up purchasing a st croix mojo bass 6’8” med extra fast. I bought a curado dc & a daiwa sv tatula both the in 8.5. Wanting a frog rod so I’ll either get another mojo or possibly a victory.