Setup Help

[dtb14]

I’m looking for more versatile rods I can use for multiple baits. I have a 7’ MH with a Shimano Curado 6:3:1 but I’m looking for maybe one more bait caster setup and a spinning setup to cover the rest of my bases. I also have a 3000 Shimano Sahara floating around somewhere but need a rod for it. Where should I go from here?

[casts_by_fly]

What do you fish (lures, cover, etc)?  If you have a medium heavy then a heavy is a good addition if you fish around cover. For a spinning rod,  I’d get a medium power mf or f action for lighter stuff with the Sahara. 

[dodgeguy]

I'd get. A 7ft6 heavy casting and a 7 ft medium casting. Don't believe in spinning reels.a fourth would be bfs.

[LCG]

I use three versatile set ups. ML-F spinning set up covers finness, MH-F (moderate fast in reality) with copolymer for moving baits and another MH moderate fast with braid for bottom contact.

 

I only ever take two rods out at a time. Which rods depends on the time of year and conditions. But I can cover a lot of techniques with a ML spinning combo and a MH casting combo, but sometimes it's both MH casting combos. YMMV

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

See the pinned thread by road warrior. Still holds true today 

[Catt]

Diawa Tatula TTU711MHXB 

7'1" Medium Heavy X-Fast 

 

You can thank me later 😁

[dtb14]

4 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

See the pinned thread by road warrior. Still holds true today 

How do I do that? New to the forum.

[softwateronly]

5 hours ago, dtb14 said:

How do I do that? New to the forum.

2nd from the top of the rods, reels, line, and knots section....

 

scott

[dtb14]

On 7/21/2024 at 6:35 AM, softwateronly said:

2nd from the top of the rods, reels, line, and knots section....

 

scott

Thanks!

[Crankin4Bass]

The rod selection basics post is awesome, however if you don’t fish treble baits you might not need a medium power medium action rod.
 

I read that post as a beginner bass angler and became obsessed with finding the perfect rod for crankbaits.  Problem was I later learned that my local fishing spots are so full of weeds in the summer, that crankbait fishing is really impractical because all I caught were weeds. (Maybe I was just doing something wrong and you guys can chime in.) The journey learning about crankbait equipment was still fun and I’m ready if I move again. LOL!  
 

My point is you also need to factor in where you fish . You don't say where you’re from. If you do, someone local to your area might chime in and give some advice.

 

For me a medium heavy for jigs and texas rigs, plus a medium or medium light spinning rod for unweight plastics (like wacky worm) and light 1/4 ounce topwater poppers fit my needs. My casting rod is a GLoomis MBR medium heavy rod. It is made to be an all around versatile bass fishing rod. GLoomis makes the MBR model in several lines so you can get one that fits your budget. I have the glx, I got on sale when bass pro shops was liquidating my local cabelas inventory many years ago. 
 

At this point you I would say just get 6’6” to 7’ medium power fast action spinning rod to pair up with the sahara you have and just go try techniques with it. Meet and chat with local anglers to learn what techniques work best in your area. You’ll also find out what techniques you like fishing. 

I will also share that, when I started I bought many rods for different techniques. I wound up owning 13 rods. I recently moved cross country and used the opportunity to give everything away, except the two rods and one trout rod, to friends and neighbors. It’s really freeing not to overthink things anymore. I’m a bank/kayak angler so I don’t have space for many rods either. Maybe things would be different if I had a boat. 
 

Good luck and enjoy the journey!
 

[Bazoo]

Factoring in where you fish also includes the size of fish you're likely to catch. For me, I probably wont catch a 5 pound fish but once in a rare while. So a lighter rod does just fine for the 1-2 pounders that is my norm. Of course I can play a bigger fish when it does happen.

 

I have 3 main rods I use.

 

1: A cheap Zebco with a baitcaster on it. It's short at 5'6" (I've added a length of grip so it has a full length handle and is closer to 6'), fiberglass, and loads up good. Great for fishing in bank cover, but I find it also pretty decent for just throwing lighter baits.

 

2: An Abu Black Max rod. It's a 6'6" medium medium, but it's on the lighter side of the spectrum. I can throw a lighter bait, and have good accuracy. It is a bit light for crankbaits, but does okay and seems to be a good general purpose rod. It's the standard that I judge others by.

 

The Berkeley Lightening Rod that was meant to replace/suppliment it, while better by most peoples standards, isn't as good for me. Both are medium medium, but the LR is heavier, doesn't load up as good, and is harder to cast anything lighter with. Also it doesn't feel as good in hand for hours.

 

3: A BPS Crankin' Stick. It's 7'3" heavy fast and it is great for crankbaits and for casting a Carolina rig. It's a great rod, and at a reasonable price.

 

Mine was a gift and I think of the sender anytime I use it, which is most times I go fishing.

 

Number 2 though is the main rod, it's the one that if I could have only 1 rod, that would be my choice. It is the right length for my type of fishing, and will cast most of the lures on the light or heavy end. It isn't expensive, but it suits my type of fishing.

[dtb14]

10 hours ago, Crankin4Bass said:

The rod selection basics post is awesome, however if you don’t fish treble baits you might not need a medium power medium action rod.
 

I read that post as a beginner bass angler and became obsessed with finding the perfect rod for crankbaits.  Problem was I later learned that my local fishing spots are so full of weeds in the summer, that crankbait fishing is really impractical because all I caught were weeds. (Maybe I was just doing something wrong and you guys can chime in.) The journey learning about crankbait equipment was still fun and I’m ready if I move again. LOL!  
 

My point is you also need to factor in where you fish . You don't say where you’re from. If you do, someone local to your area might chime in and give some advice.

 

For me a medium heavy for jigs and texas rigs, plus a medium or medium light spinning rod for unweight plastics (like wacky worm) and light 1/4 ounce topwater poppers fit my needs. My casting rod is a GLoomis MBR medium heavy rod. It is made to be an all around versatile bass fishing rod. GLoomis makes the MBR model in several lines so you can get one that fits your budget. I have the glx, I got on sale when bass pro shops was liquidating my local cabelas inventory many years ago. 
 

At this point you I would say just get 6’6” to 7’ medium power fast action spinning rod to pair up with the sahara you have and just go try techniques with it. Meet and chat with local anglers to learn what techniques work best in your area. You’ll also find out what techniques you like fishing. 

I will also share that, when I started I bought many rods for different techniques. I wound up owning 13 rods. I recently moved cross country and used the opportunity to give everything away, except the two rods and one trout rod, to friends and neighbors. It’s really freeing not to overthink things anymore. I’m a bank/kayak angler so I don’t have space for many rods either. Maybe things would be different if I had a boat. 
 

Good luck and enjoy the journey!
 

Great point. I’m in the Richmond VA area. I love the thought of only having 2-3 setups for everything which is my reasoning for the post. So to clarify, taking into account of my current setup, you’d suggest a medium fast spinning rod and that should cover the rest of my bases? Also some food for thought. I went fishing the other day and they were hammering the wacky rig which I had on my bait caster setup. I’d love a spinning rod that I could use for that setup as well as a lot of others for my second setup. Thanks!

[new2BC4bass]

From what you've said so far, it seems like a MF spinning rod is a good option for you.  As for another casting rod, lure weights used the most would determine (for me) whether to get a Medium or MH rod.  A MH-Mod.Fast can be surprisingly versatile.  A MF that fishes true to listed weights (or slightly above) can do quite well fishing in light cover with braid.

[Crankin4Bass]

2 hours ago, dtb14 said:

Great point. I’m in the Richmond VA area. I love the thought of only having 2-3 setups for everything which is my reasoning for the post. So to clarify, taking into account of my current setup, you’d suggest a medium fast spinning rod and that should cover the rest of my bases? Also some food for thought. I went fishing the other day and they were hammering the wacky rig which I had on my bait caster setup. I’d love a spinning rod that I could use for that setup as well as a lot of others for my second setup. Thanks!

I've never fished in VA so not sure if that will cover all your bases. No rule that you have to cover all bases either. 

 

That said, a medium fast spinning rod covers a lot. Your medium heavy casting rod does too. I think you will be set for a while. Plenty of time to go down the gear rabbit hole. Just don't visit the "show off your stuff" or "latest rods and reels purchase" threads. They are evil...There are bad people there that will tempt you. 

 

[dtb14]

On 7/24/2024 at 12:08 AM, Crankin4Bass said:

I've never fished in VA so not sure if that will cover all your bases. No rule that you have to cover all bases either. 

 

That said, a medium fast spinning rod covers a lot. Your medium heavy casting rod does too. I think you will be set for a while. Plenty of time to go down the gear rabbit hole. Just don't visit the "show off your stuff" or "latest rods and reels purchase" threads. They are evil...There are bad people there that will tempt you. 

 

😂 That’s hilarious! Looks like I’m going with a medium fast spinning rod. Thanks for the help! 👍🏼