Start up combos

[Little_Minnow]

Ok guys and gals...here goes..first post.  I am just gettting started in bass fishing and need some direction in rod and reel selection.  I have read many of the posts, but want to present my question directly.

If you had $500 to spend on rods and reels and you currently had NOTHING...what would you buy.

Thanks for your help.  I really love this site and look forward to learnign a bunch from all of you.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Just buy one rod to get started. After fishing for awhile you will have a better feel for what else you want. Spinning is (generally) easier for most people to use. Reed's Family Outdoor Outfitters are having a TREMENDOUS sale on St. Croix Avid rods. I suggest getting a AS68MXF ($96) and a Shimano Stradic ST2500FH (also on sale!). For line I would recommend Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test).

http://www.reedssports.com/

[Little_Minnow]

I guess I should say I know how to use both Spin and BC reels.  I just have not had the opportunity to really fish seriously before and now I can, but I am starting from scratch.  Thanks for the feedback.

Josh

[Raul]

I would purchase 2 combos:

Spinning: GLoomis GL2 SJR722/ Shimano Stradic 2500 or Daiwa Tierra 2000

Casting: GLoomis GL2 CR723/ Shimano Citica 100 DSV

I can 't say go and buy a StCroix Avid from X or Y store if they don 't have an on-line store because I 'm limited to on-line stores only, and even sometimes those sales are at store only sales.

[roadwarrior]

Raul,

The link IS an on-line store.

Little_Minnow,

Raul always has good advice. I'm sure you would be pleased with his suggestions, too.

[fish-fighting-illini]

Welcome aboard!

Just buy one rod to get started. After fishing for awhile you will have a better feel for what else you want. Spinning is (generally) easier for most people to use. Reed's Family Outdoor Outfitters are having a TREMENDOUS sale on St. Croix Avid rods. I suggest getting a AS68MXF ($96) and a Shimano Stradic ST2500FH (also on sale!). For line I would recommend Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test).

http://www.reedssports.com/

Dang RW that $96 deal is killing me. I need to upgrade some more on rods ughhh painful!

down baitmonkey down

[Raul]

At the prices I 'm looking at Reeds then screw the GL2s !

[dodgeguy]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90569_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58453_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_94739_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

only about 10 bucks over your budget.

[fish-fighting-illini]

Well that did it one x-mas rod coming shortly via the Reeds link via this site.

Just need to pick out which model I want

[Little_Minnow]

Thanks for the help guys.  I really appreciate it.

Josh

[Crestliner2008]

Get 2 spinning rigs and one bait caster for starters. You need nothing else - to start! My 40 years of fishing experience would recommend the following (select your price range from the BPS catalog):

1) Light action spinning rod - 6' rod, 4-10# line and 1/16-3/8 oz. lure ratings. Combine this with a reel weighing approx. 7-9 oz. and your golden for drop shotting, small spinner/spoons, or finesse fishing. Load with 6# test mono. Can even be used for panfishing, should the opportunity present itself!

2) Medium action spinning rod - 7', 6-14# line and 1/8-1/2 oz. lure ratings. Medium size spinning reel weighing approx. 10-14 oz. will balance this rig for casting Senkos, small cranks & jerkbaits and tubes. Load with 8# test fluorocarbon.

3) Med-Hvy. action bait casting rod -  6'6", straight handle - 10-17# line and 1/4 - 3/4 oz. lure ratings. Combine this with an Ambassadeur 5500C and 14# test Fireline or PowerPro (learn to tie a double uni knot and afix a 3' fluorocarbon leader to the end). This will take care of your main crankbait, Tx rigged worms, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs. This will also suffice to get you started experiencing a Carolina rig as well.

With these 3 basics rigs, you can cover just about every/any situation. As you find your "style" of fishing settling in, you can now become more specialized. The field out there is limitless.  

[moloch16]

Amazing as it may sound, you can catch bass on a $60 rod+reel combo.  You don't necessarily need a $200 rod and $300 reel

[roadwarrior]

Amazing as it may sound, you can catch bass on a $60 rod+reel combo. You don't necessarily need a $200 rod and $300 reel

It really is amazing, ain't it?