My Second Combo

[Akiride]

Brief history, just getting into fishing maybe 6 months ago. Bought an ugly stick gx2 2 piece rod spinning combo From Walmart ($50). I have been kayak fishing and throwing mostly wacky rigged And Texas rigged worms for bass and snakeheads.

 

I would like to get a 2nd nicer spinning reel so I can take 2 combos out and throw two different baits without changing lures. Maybe something for top water, like poppers and mid level like chatter baits and the other rod similar to what I’m already throwing.
 

Would spending $100-150 For another combo be a noticeable upgrade from my GX2 and worth it? Any other recommendations or advice?

[islandbass]

I’d have to say yes. Compared to other rods in about the same class, I’d have to say yes. Shimano, Daiwa and many other rod makers have decent rods in the $50-$75 range that would be superior to the ugly stik in terms of weight, sensitivity, and components. 
 

I am not knocking Uglies. Far from it. They have their place, purpose and market. 
 

Since you are willing to spend $150 on a combo, you can go 50/50. $75 buys a whole lot of spinning reel for sure. 
 

just as an example, you can get a 2500 Shimano Sahara or Sedona for about $75-$90 or so and spend the rest on the rod. If you want to put a little more money in the rod,  then drop down to Shimano or Daiwa’s reels in the next lower class.   
 

Because spinning reels are pretty decent in quality from the Nexave level, you can definitely put more $ into the rod. 
 

Bottom line naturally falls on you. 
 

A fair warning. Once you move up in level or class of rod or reel, it is very difficult to go “backward.” Period. Well, almost period. Budget trumps bait monkey urges once more quality gear becomes a part of your arsenal, lol. 

[Functional]

I bought a Lews American Hero spinning reel as a quick replacement on a vacation and for $50 its honestly a decent reel, haven't had a need to replace it yet. Leaves you $100 for a rod. 

[BrianMDTX]

A Daiwa Revros LT2500 spinning reel can be had from $44.00 to $49.00 online. It’s a great spinning reel for that price. I have a 2000 and 2500 and love them both. 
 

Pair that with a St. Croix Bass-X or a Falcon Buccoo and you’ll be a happy camper. For less $$ a Daiwa Procyon is a decent rod. 

[Akiride]

My local cabelas has the lews mach 2 combo on sale for $120. Would that be a considerable step up, or better off buying individuals like a Revros or Nexave with a nice St. Croix rod?

[BrianMDTX]

I have no experience with the Lews Mach 2, so I can’t give first-hand comparisons. But I’ve never been a big fan of pre-packaged combos. I’d rather select the rod and reel I prefer. 
 

A Buccoo for $99 is a great rod. Paired with a Revros and I think you’d be happy. 

[Akiride]

Thanks for the replies, do you guys recommend i get a medium or a medium heavy?

[Cbump]

What will you be fishing with It?

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, Akiride said:

Thanks for the replies, do you guys recommend i get a medium or a medium heavy?

 

14 minutes ago, Cbump said:

What will you be fishing with It?

 Yup.  Hard to offer an opinion if not knowing how the rod will be used.  I used to fish strictly 4# XL on spinning reels.  Once I got into baitcast reels and primarily chasing bass, I went the other way.  I prefer a MH for an all around rod.

 

That isn't to say a Medium couldn't do it.  Last time I went to Florida I forgot to take a baitcast reel with braid (other than the one dedicated to frogs).  I had to use an older Fenwick Elite Tech 7' MF spinning rod for fishing in the lily pads because the spinning reel I took with me was the only other reel I had with braid.  I managed to catch all my fish that trip on that rod.

[BrianMDTX]

Loaded question lol. For bass, I prefer M or ML spinning rods. If I need a MH or higher, that’s baitcasting territory IMO. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Right now the best rod for the money is an Ark Lancer which is on sale for 65 usually 100$ or an Ark Catalyzer which is on sale for 40 usually 60$.  The Catalyzer feels very similar to a St Croix Bass X blank wise, never had the lancer in my hand but there 40t blanks are pretty good and outstanding for the price when on sale.  The only thing I dont like about the Lancer spinning rods is that the threads above the locking nut that fastens the reel down are exposed.  That's just a personal preference of mine because all of fingers are forward the reel stem when I hold a spinning rod.

Worst case scenario you have 80$ for a reel.  Daiwa is your best bet at that price.  Either the Exceler 3000 or or the Regal 3000.  The reason I recommend the Regal over Revros or Laguna is because it's as light as their 100$ Fuego.  

If you get the Catalyzer instead of the Lancer then the 2 reels to get would either be the Shimano Nasci 3000or the Daiwa Fuego 3000.  The nasci is built a little more solid.  Its metal instead of a carbon composite, but your going to feel that extra weight.  The Fuego is lighter and has a bigger main gear although it made of zinc not AL like the Nasci.  That bigger main gear gives you a little more torque not that you really need it, but it's nice to have.  Although the Fuego isnt made of AL it's a tough reel, I've abused mine for a few years and it's still going strong.

You have this option as well which you may not like but you have a good opportunity with a sale so I'll mention it.  If your serious about fishing, especially snakeheads consider getting a baitcasting outfit.  You could get a MH Catalyzer and a Shimano SLX and have a great starting combo.  That would give you options you just dont have with spinning gear.  Yeah, you have to learn to use a bait caster, but it not hard and if your serious fishing your going to get a baitcaster eventually anyway to fish those bigger baits in heavier cover.  My niece is 12 and she doesnt fish.  She was proficient with a baitcaster in about 3 hours.  I just brought it up because you have a good deal on a good rod now at Tackle Warehouse, just a thought.  PM me if you have any questions.  Good luck.