1st Baitcasting setup

[1312concepts]

Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to fishing and as a new angler I think joining a local bass club is a great way for me to learn more about being a fisherman. So since I've decided that, I like to start out with a baitcasting setup to use for the year round tournaments which they host. I've did some research on which rod and reel from the many helpful topics and articiles on here, but I still want hear on more opinions just to be on the safe side. The setup I've in mind are made to fit my budget, but if there's any other choice out there that you would recommend I will gladly look into it.

I will mostly be using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. with that said, I like to ask if it would be better if I go with a lighter or bigger line.

The setup includes:

Shimano Compre 7' Mh trigger rod

Shimano Citica E baitcast reel

Yo-Zuri 12lb Hybrid line

I like to thank everyone opinions and advice beforehand.

-Tom

[Shane J]

Sounds like a nice setup.

[RussBert]

First off, welcome to the forums

Next, kudo's for researching a bit, and for choosing a very good set-up. That gear will take you far. Great quality, excellent warranty and will never be obsolete.

12lb YZ is a good, versatile choice.

note that you can find Citica's on flea-bay for just under a $100 delivered

[BASSclary]

You've done your homework  8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

[1312concepts]

You've done your homework 8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

Thanks, I'll look into that.

[Hammer 4]

I'd say you have a nice set up..I'd keep the Citica.

I'd recommend the Yozuri Hybrid Ultrasoft, more manageable.

[RussBert]

You've done your homework 8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

Thanks, I'll look into that.

He has that reel (carbonlite), and because of that recommends it to anyone whether they ask or not.

If you hang around here a while you'll learn to ignore him.   ;D

[webertime]

You nailed it.  Go with what you've picked.  I'm a citica lover (I do have a pq on my flipping rod).

[BASSclary]

You've done your homework 8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

Thanks, I'll look into that.

He has that reel (carbonlite), and because of that recommends it to anyone whether they ask or not.

If you hang around here a while you'll learn to ignore him. ;D

I also have a Quantum Inferno, but I dont recommend that do I? Nope, because its a POS  ;D

[SDoolittle]

That sounds like a good all purpose combo. I think you'll be happy with it.

[new2BC4bass]

You've done your homework 8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

The BPS Pro Qualifier is on sale, $69.94 and comes in 4 gear ratios, 4.7, 5.2, 6.4 and 7.1.  I have no experience with them whatever, but they look like a very good deal at that price.

I know I've been wanting to try a dual-brake casting reel.   ;D

[BASSclary]

You've done your homework 8-) Applause!!

The only thing I might change is the Citica to a BPS Pro Qualifier reel or BPS Carbonlite because they offer dual braking, instead of just shimano's centrifugal brakes. Other than breaking there about even performance wise IMO. Plus if you opt for the BPS reels you can pick up a couple more lures or get a $20 better rod, which is what I would do IMO.

The BPS Pro Qualifier is on sale, $69.94 and comes in 4 gear ratios, 4.7, 5.2, 6.4 and 7.1. I have no experience with them whatever, but they look like a very good deal at that price.

I know I've been wanting to try a dual-brake casting reel. ;D

At that price, you're practically getting a free reel 

[HairyBass]

i picked up my first casting setup today at BPS. I went with the pro qualifier 6:4:1 on a 7' MH-F. I think I'll be happy (i hope!) They charged me $159.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

The PQ at the regular 100 bucks is a good deal.  At 70 bucks it's a steal.  The Citica is a solid choice also.  You really can't go wrong with either reel.  Personally, I'd pick the PQ while it's on sale and spend the 50 bucks you're saving on a new Citica and apply it to a better rod.  Especially if you're going to be using jigs.  I don't have a Compre but forum member Sqhertz has one or two and he likes them a lot.  You can step up to something in the 150 dollar range with the money you save on the reel if you go with the PQ.  You really start to get into some quality rods once you hit that price level.

[BASSclary]

The PQ at the regular 100 bucks is a good deal. At 70 bucks it's a steal. The Citica is a solid choice also. You really can't go wrong with either reel. Personally, I'd pick the PQ while it's on sale and spend the 50 bucks you're saving on a new Citica and apply it to a better rod. Especially if you're going to be using jigs. I don't have a Compre but forum member Sqhertz has one or two and he likes them a lot. You can step up to something in the 150 dollar range with the money you save on the reel if you go with the PQ. You really start to get into some quality rods once you hit that price level.

Then you get into the "gateway" rods as J Francho would say  :

[new2BC4bass]

Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to fishing and as a new angler I think joining a local bass club is a great way for me to learn more about being a fisherman. So since I've decided that, I like to start out with a baitcasting setup to use for the year round tournaments which they host. I've did some research on which rod and reel from the many helpful topics and articiles on here, but I still want hear on more opinions just to be on the safe side. The setup I've in mind are made to fit my budget, but if there's any other choice out there that you would recommend I will gladly look into it.

I will mostly be using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. with that said, I like to ask if it would be better if I go with a lighter or bigger line.

The setup includes:

Shimano Compre 7' Mh trigger rod

Shimano Citica E baitcast reel

Yo-Zuri 12lb Hybrid line

I like to thank everyone opinions and advice beforehand.

-Tom

Obviously you've done your homework. I'm not new to fishing, but I am new to quality equipment and baitcasting. I've read and researched almost every day since February. I have absolutely no experience with the equipment you chose, but think you have made a good choice based on all the opinions expressed by others. One that I am sure you will be happy with if this is the combo you wind up purchasing.

Are you planning on using a RH reel? The Daiwa Procaster is on sale at TW for $30 on closeout. I believe it is Raul from this forum who said this reel fishes like a reel in the $140-$170 range. Others have also praised this reel. It has a one piece aluminum frame, 6 ball bearings and one anti-reverse roller bearing and has a free floating spool.  6.3:1 ratio.  TW has Excel rods on sale at $78.88. I've read good things about these rods.

I have no experience (yet ;D ) with this rod and reel. One of these reels is on it way here as we speak. Nor am I suggesting this as a better combo than what you've listed. I am simply pointing out other options. Not trying to muddy the waters. Honest! I know how hard it is to narrow your selection to several rods and reels. Getting to that final choice is TOUGH.

You could pick up two Procaster/Excel combos for the same price of the combo you listed. However, let me be the first to tell you to buy the ones that float your boat. You are the one who has to fish with them. You are the one who has to be satisfied with them. You will be much happier if you choose the ones you really want.

Watch the Flea Market/For Sale ads. I picked up a couple new Falcon Experts for $100 each. There is an online store that is still selling them at their original price, $279/$289. These are sweet rods. Very light. I don't know yet how good they will be at various techniques. I've mostly thrown crankbaits with them. I do know that reeling a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait back upstream is nearing the rods upper limit, IMO. Both are Medium rods.

My guess from all I've read is that you would best be served by two different rods for the techniques you listed. Naturally you can succeed with just one rod. I caught hundreds of fish in my teenage years on combos that were much less than the price of the Compre rod alone. And I enjoyed every moment of that time. ;D ;D ;D

[1312concepts]

Thank you everyone, I'll do more research and put everyone's opinions into considerations. again thank you.

[1312concepts]

I went to Bass Pro Shop today to check out the Compre 7' rod, the citica and BPS pro q. reel. Both reels were great and very similar, but my mind is on the bps reel since it's on sale and at $69 it's a steal.

My main concern is on the rod because I'm only 5'4", the 7' rod kind of intimidate me. Should I opt for the 6'6" or 6' rod? or stick with a 7'?

[Hammer 4]

I went to Bass Pro Shop today to check out the Compre 7' rod, the citica and BPS pro q. reel. Both reels were great and very similar, but my mind is on the bps reel since it's on sale and at $69 it's a steal.

My main concern is on the rod because I'm only 5'4", the 7' rod kind of intimidate me. Should I opt for the 6'6" or 6' rod? or stick with a 7'?

Get the rod YOU feel most comfy with..

[BASSclary]

I went to Bass Pro Shop today to check out the Compre 7' rod, the citica and BPS pro q. reel. Both reels were great and very similar, but my mind is on the bps reel since it's on sale and at $69 it's a steal.

My main concern is on the rod because I'm only 5'4", the 7' rod kind of intimidate me. Should I opt for the 6'6" or 6' rod? or stick with a 7'?

Whichever rod feels best in your hands. Although I find that when i'm fishing my rods seem shorter. IMO It's more a matter of getting used to a 7' pole.