Best preset baitcasting combo under 200$

[dolo-dinker]

I want a combo for bass fishing that is a preset combo. I now have a bass pro mega-cast combo and need an upgrade. I will be starting a junior bass masters club soon and need a new combo. I will be fishing on kayak and shore, with my other rods being for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, tubes and finesse. Because of that, I need a rod that will handle crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and small swimbaits. Whatever action and power you think is best for that. I want something with good value and that will last a while, also short enough to be useful on a kayak, while still having good casting abilities. thanks

[MediumMouthBass]

Spinning or Casting combo?

[casts_by_fly]

casting rod/reel I assume?

 

the Shimano SLX combos (when you can find them) are the best value.  You can get them for $129 and its the SLX rod and reel.  Each one sells for $100 individually and are worth that on their own.  I don't see any that are available right now though online.

 

In that case, you're going to be better off buying a separate rod and a reel.  For crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and small swimbaits you're looking at a medium or medium heavy power in a length of your preference.  For the reel, most any casting reel will work for you, you're not doing anything particularly heavy or light.  A new SLX A reel with an SLX A rod would come in right at $200 and is a pretty solid choice.  My own choice would be a Lews Speed spool (on sale at TW for $75) and a Falcon lowrider at $129.  The finesse jig model (6'10" MH MF) or the all 'round (7' MH MF) would both do just what you're asking.  

[dolo-dinker]

Just now, MediumMouthBass said:

Spinning or Casting combo?

casting, my title says it too. Sorry shouldve put it in the desc

[dodgeguy]

Jigs are not compatible on any rod used to throw the other baits

[MediumMouthBass]

Usually most companies already put together combos arent very good, you can build your own combo for the same price (more or less) and have a nicer combo that does exactly what you want it to do. You have to make a choice though, do you want to have a better rod, or a better reel. You can get a cheaper rod like the Daiwa Aird X $50, this is a budget rod but a great rod (many on this forum will agree) and spend the rest of the money on a much better reel, Daiwa Tatula CT $150, Shimano SLX XT $130, or the Shimano SLX MGL $150 (if you want to throw jerkbaits, small swimbaits, and other light lures, but also be able to do some flipping/pitching, and fish jigs this reel will be the best, it can cast lighter lures great and same with heavier. Or you can get a great rod for around $120 that would have superior sensitivity for fishing stuff like jigs, but then only have around $80 to try to get a Shimano SLX, or a Lews LFS. 

If rod sensitivity is your main reason for this combo and you want to fish texas rigs or jigs off the bottom, then go with the more expensive and nicer rod. But if you want a combo can that fish any lure whether its a jig off the bottom, flipping/pitching, texas rigs, crankbaits, a lighter jerkbait, paddle tail, weightless soft plastics, etc... Go for the budget rod, Daiwa Aird X or another good budget rod from a different company, and get the Shimano SLX MGL for the reel.

[Pogues2300]

I’m thinking with the techniques you said you had rods for already, one of them can be used for jigs/small swim baits because as someone pointed out the jig is probably the odd technique out for what you’re looking for. I’d probably focus on a 100$ crank bait rod and with that you can throw a jerkbait as well. Thinking there are several 100$ reels that will work fine, I had a Tatula for around 100$ years ago but not sure if they still make it. Tackle warehouse has 15% off select items I’m not super familiar with the price point you are after maybe another member knows some of the discounted items. Sorry if this doesn’t give you a simple answer. Good luck!

[Eric 26]

I’m going to respond with a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 combo. I have a 7’-0” med power/fast action currently. I feel for right around the $200.00 mark it’s a good choice. The reel is basically the Lews LFS platform with a dual brake system and the rods are quite sensitive in my hands at least. I use mine for a variety of baits and feel it handles everything from top to bottom with no problems. It’s available in several lengths and powers plus if you’re able to shop in store you can handle before you buy. Best of luck in your junior bass masters club ?

[WRB]

Not sure what you mean by “Preset”? 

You mention kayak fishing so a casting rod with shorter handle under 14? Overall length under 7’? Budget ?

Combo rods sold be BPS for example are usually a compromise not generally suited for all around use.

I would suggest a rod 6’8” to 7’ in Medium power, Fast action, lure weights 1/4 to 3/4 oz. Rod suggested for jerk baits are usually ideal with shorter handles.

Reels, lots of choices offered by Daiwa, Lew’s and Shimano within most budgets. Gear ration around 7:1 are popular.

The early statement you can’t fish jigs with a multi use rod is simply a matter of choice. I fish jigs 3/16-5/16 oz a lot using a 6’8” MF rod designed for top water lures, works good.

Tom

. 

[Bird]

I will also suggest the Shimano SLX, best $100 casting reel I've owned.

 

[Pogues2300]

One thing I’ll add is I pretty much only kayak fish and one of my favorite techniques is cranking and I have a 7’6” imx pro crank bait rod and the length is absolutely no issue. Kinda feel the kayak rod length problem is about as real as all the failed knot issues…I haven’t experienced it. Almost seems a few have, then it’s repeated, then it’sa” fact “ just my two cents

[WRB]

Do sit or stand when cranking with your 7’6” rod?

 If you stand the rod length isn’t an issue.

Tom

[Pogues2300]

13 minutes ago, WRB said:

Do sit or stand when cranking with your 7’6” rod?

 If you stand the rod length isn’t an issue.

Tom

Almost always sit as I’m peddling and on the move

[dodgeguy]

The early statement you can’t fish jigs with a multi use rod is simply a matter of choice.

 

can't wasn't used. You can fish jigs with an ugly stick if you want it just doesn't mean it's smart. Would you fish deep diving cranks on a 7-6 heavy extra fast? 

 

[WRB]

Broad statements are easily misunderstood.

Define Jig;

Flipping a Heavy Cover Arkie shape jig weed guard is only 1 of 100’s!

Darter head

Swim jig

Shaky Head jig

ball head

Mushroom head

Finesse jig (serial types)

Wacky jig

Football under 1/2 oz 

Just to name a few can be effectively fished using MF casting rod/reel, I do it all the time.

Tom

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The only combo I would even think about recommending would be an SLX and that would only be under the condition thats its on clearance.  You don't need a super sensitive rod for JB or cranks, you just need a crisp tip for the JBs.  As long as you aren't throwing heavy mid depth cranks a M power will work well for both Jb and cranks, while being able to handle lighter jigs and swimbaits.  

The more detail you go into about the weight of the baits and specific cranks you throw, the better we will be able to help.

[BrianMDTX]

A Daiwa Fuego on a Falcon Lowrider will be a bit over $200 but makes a great rig. Several options including the Mansfield or All ‘Round. But if you have to stay under $200.00, a Daiwa Aird-X is not a bad option. I have two and still fish them. 

[FishTank]

A little over the budget at full retail.... Shimano SLX and St. Croix Mojo Yak 7' M. You can throw just about anything on this rod. It's not ideal for jigs or crankbaits but it's a really good in-between that is capable of both. Its great for a kayak and can take beating. If you search around the internet you should be able to find one on sale. 

[GReb]

You can get a Lews LFS for $63 at tackle warehouse this weekend. Pair that up with a number of really good $120-150 rods and you have a solid combo. 

[Hook2Jaw]

You can get a 13 Fishing Omen Black 6'10 or 7'1" MF for 99 bones right now.  I fish my jerkbaits on that rod in a 6'7" length and it's great for it.  I fish 2/0 and under hooked baits, be that jigs, light Texas rigs, or shakyheads on the 7'1".  The rod is awesome as MSRP and better on sale.

 

If you're left-handed, TW also has the 13 Fishing Inception at 70 bucks.  If not, you can probably find a right handed model somewhere for around that price.   It's an incredible reel, and sends baits just as far as my 250 dollar Tatula Elites.  It dusts my brother's Shimano SLX's and my Tatula 100s.

 

Oh, and as far as being short enough to actually use on a kayak?  I've been kayak fishing for years and I've found that additional length actually benefits your casting distance because unlike a boater or bank angler standing, you cannot get your full body into a cast while seated.  The whole kayak and short rods thing is the biggest load of mumbo-jumbo I've ever heard.