Medium Light Rod and Reel Recommendations?

[bulldog1935]

This is a higher grade spinning rod than the equivalent casting rod, both rated the same, both the same length.  Both are set up for light braid and have microguides on the tip sections.  By definition, the casting rod has more guides, to distribute the torsion under load from guide-on-top configuration, so I don't thinks guides are specifically related. 

This is the best spinning rod I've ever cast, and none of this is aimed at the OP's question, but @coak's question and @Blaine Donders reply. 

Again, none of this tackle is a slouch, the YB TZ Nano 83 spinner is the next grade up from the BC-III 82B casting rod.  Both rods weigh in at 73 g. 

The spinning reel is Vanquish C2000S

Yes, the casting reel is a Steez w/ Roro-X spool and KTF spool bearings. 

 

The BFS always has a distance edge over the spinning tackle, especially casting small plugs.  I much prefer the spinning set up for complex rigs (e.g., 2" swim shad tandem), and its distance ability has caught many fish I couldn't otherwise reach. 

 

Cast distance is more closely rated to lure/line speed than anything else - distance goes up with the square of release velocity (a little bit makes a big difference).  So I'm going to say the cast distance edge results from the BFS casting reel delivering higher line speed than the spinning reel. 

Getting into the grass across the tide pass makes all the difference taking fish. It doubles your chance, because fish are feeding on both far and near slopes. 

Reading the word Distance should be like reading the word Fast about a kayak. 

Sometimes you need the absolute range or speed, but most often about a kayak, you should read the word Fast as Efficient - you can put in a 10-mi day. 

No one is ever going to say my tackle casts too far - they may say it doesn't cast far enough.  What you gain with the ability to cast greater distance is less effort to cast, and that means greater control, accuracy, and reliability. 

[Obi_Wan]

Spinning:

Denali Pryme 7' ML with a Bass Pro Johnny Morris Carbon Light 2.0 limited edition.  Great set-up.  roughly $120 + tax for the two.  

 

Casting:

you'll have to look at all the BFS combos.  I have a KastKing Spartacus and a Wright/McGill rod that I like.  KastKing now has the Zephyr finesse reel, but it doesn't hold much line.

[ATA]

I use M-Aire Glass rod, that casting lures 1gr to 8gr. it is 5'6", I really like it. Anytime fishing is hard I grab this one and almost 99% catching fish on it(every fish including panfish).

[PressuredFishing]

2 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

The BFS always has a distance edge over the spinning tackle, especially casting small plugs

I'll have to take you up on that challenge, got some .004mm braid from Japan for 70$ and its disgusting on spinning and would argue it throws light plugs farther

[Tennessee Boy]

It makes a difference if you’re fishing from the bank or a boat.  I always fish from a boat and I have no need to throw a Ned rig 50 yards.  It’s more effective to move closer to the target in a boat.  I can cast lite bottom contact baits as far as I need to with my spinning rod.  If you’re on the bank,  more distance means more water can be fished.

[Eric 26]

I’ll throw my recommendations in for what it’s worth. On the spinning side I use a 13 fishing fate black 7’-1” med light also available In medium down to 6’-7”, my current reel is a 13 fishing reel with 8 lb braid and I throw Ned heads on it almost exclusively. I love this rod due to the imo shorter handle. My plan is to replace the reel with either a BPS carbonlite 2.0 which I have or a Piscifun Carbon X of which I have (3) two 1000 and a 2000 size. Both the rod and reels can be purchased for around $80.00 each so under your $200 budget. I can’t comment much on the casting side as my only med light is a BPS crankin stick, thanks again to @FrnkNsteen which I’m currently trying to pair with a Piscifun reel I purchased a few years ago that came with a bfs spool. I can say I’ve used the rod with the reel and 10 lb monofilament but didn’t really throw anything too light weight as I’m trying to see if bfs gear is for me. If so I’ll probably go down the path @bulldog1935 recommends which is a  bfs spool for my Tatula CT which you should be able to find or a Fuego CT at a reasonable price.